China rolls out a ‘self-learning’ SUV

Chinese automotive startup Human Horizons has shared the first bits of information regarding its HiPhi X Concept, a premium crossover set for Auto China 2020 premiere next week.

The company calls it “the world’s first self-learning SUV” capable of analyzing large volumes of data and making independent decisions based on six controllers and cloud connectivity. Its assist package, which is called HiPhiGo and has been designed with assistance from Microsoft, can reportedly learn new things from interaction with people and the surrounding world.

The demo example comes pained orange and black with dark interior housing a 14.6-inch digital dash, a 16.9-inch center screen, and a 19.9-inch entertainment display. The multi-function steering wheel comes wrapped in leather and sports a couple of touch pads, heat emitters, memory effect, and vibration motors to warn the driver about various threats. The second seat row can move 36 cm (14”) back and forth, and the front seats boast heating, ventilation and massage functions.

For the first time on record, a China-made car comes equipped with a 12-channel Meridian audio system designed in Great Britain (600W amp included). Swiss company Givaudan supplies special air fresheners that can be mixed to produce unique aromatic combinations.

The Programmable Matrix Lighting headlights support night vision mode and have four operation modes in total. Seven light patterns are available, including one called Light Show. ISD (Intelligent Signal Display) panels sit below the headlights, illuminating the road with 1,712 LEDs each.

The manufacturer promises to launch the HiPhi X in production before the end of 2020 and start sales next year.