The Xpeng P7 is an all-electric midsize sedan manufactured by Xpeng Motors, a rapidly growing company established in 2014 with a current valuation of $37 billion. The P7, released in 2020 with a subsequent refresh in 2021, has gained the nickname “China’s Model 3.” We had the opportunity to drive it and explore what the excitement is all about.
P7 pricing starts at RMB 252,900 ($39,730/€36,530/£30,410) for the single motor model with a 60.2 kWh battery, reaching up to RMB 429,900 ($67,550/€62,095/£51,690) for the 4WD Performance variant in China.
Since last year, the P7 has also been available in Norway, which is currently its only EU market. Xpeng plans to launch the P5 model in Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands beginning in 2022. In Norway, the RWD Long Range model costs €46,120 ($50,120 or £38,430), while the 4WD Performance model is priced at €52,400 ($56,940 or £43,660).
The version we tested is the 80.9 kWh 4WD Performance, targeted at the Chinese market.
Exterior
The Xpeng P7 measures 4,880mm in length, 1,896mm in width, and 1,450mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,998mm, making it larger than the Tesla Model 3 and almost as large as the Model S. At a glance, the P7 appears premium, with clear design similarities to both the Tesla Model S and Model 3. It features standard 19" wheels and a full-length glass roof.
The low front profile creates a striking appearance, complemented by a futuristic arc-shaped light bar. The sleek design achieves a drag coefficient of 0.236Cd, a critical benchmark for enhancing battery range. The P7's design feels timeless and unlikely to become outdated for at least a decade.
Xpeng P7
The side profile is relatively smooth, lacking traditional sharp body lines, which results in a seamless look from front to rear. The fastback design carries the front aesthetics to the back, featuring a full-length light bar that slightly overlaps to the sides. The rear design is simple, with two additional separate rear lights, the Xpeng logo beneath the light bar, and a P7 model designation on the lower right of the boot.
The front and the rear of the P7
Interior
The interior of the Xpeng P7 is impressively clean and modern, blending traditional elements seamlessly. A minimalistic dashboard conceals air vents, while high-quality materials dominate the touch points, with soft leatherette dominating and chrome accents in places. Less frequently touched areas utilize hard plastics, which is expected at this price point. Overall, the build quality meets or slightly exceeds expectations, with most surfaces feeling sturdy and well-crafted.
Up front in the P7
Seating is comfortable, with soft leather lending a quality feel. However, both front and rear seats are relatively shallow, providing limited leg support. While head and leg room is ample, the back floor is not fully flat, making it less comfortable for the middle passenger on long journeys.
The dash and the rear seats
The trunk size is adequate, though it is somewhat shallow and difficult to reach into for items at the back. The P7 does provide dedicated space under the bonnet for a backpack or shopping bags, a clever utilization of the “frunk” concept.
The frunk and the trunk (froot and boot?)
Infotainment
Our test vehicle features a 10.25” LCD instrument panel behind the steering wheel and a 15” central infotainment screen, both seamlessly integrated under a single glass surface. The vehicle can be equipped with 18 Dynaudio speakers supporting 7.1.2 channel audio, though our model had the standard 8 speakers, which still provided good sound quality.
The P7 operates using the Xmart OS system, enabling nearly all car functions to be controlled via voice commands through Xpeng’s virtual assistant. The Chinese version of the car performed remarkably well, excelling in response speed and recognition accuracy. Smart OS supports downloads of mainstream applications for music, karaoke, gaming, video, and e-commerce, provided through the Xiaomi app store (notably, Xiaomi's founder, Lei Jun, and Xpeng’s co-founder, Xiaopeng, are close friends). However, it’s important to note that the P7’s in-vehicle system is heavily reliant on stable connectivity, which can hinder the user experience in areas with poor signal.
The lack of physical buttons may be frustrating; for instance, the boot lacks a manual opening button. Instead, you must use voice control, your phone, or the key to open it, which can be inconvenient in less-than-ideal situations. Additionally, side mirrors can only be adjusted through the infotainment screen initially, with touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel available only afterward, complicating the process.
Power and Range
The 2021 updated Xpeng P7 comes in three main variants: two rear-wheel drive versions with either a 60.2 kWh or 80.9 kWh battery, and one all-wheel drive performance model exclusively equipped with the 80.9 kWh battery pack.
All versions utilize a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, generating 196kW (266PS) and 390Nm of torque. The Performance model adds a front motor producing 120kW (163PS) and 265Nm of torque, resulting in a combined output of 315kW (428PS) and 655Nm of torque.
Both rear-wheel drive models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the 4WD version achieves the same in 4.4 seconds. According to WLTP tests, the Performance model has a range of 470km, and the rear-wheel drive variant with the 80.9 kWh battery is rated at 530km. The 60.2 kWh version claims a range of 480km based on the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which often presents optimistic figures, so it should be taken with caution.
Driving
We tested the 4WD Performance version of the P7. It offers three driving modes: economy, standard, and performance. Each mode significantly affects the vehicle's behavior, primarily in torque delivery and regenerative braking strength.
In performance mode, acceleration is instant and robust, with weaker regenerative braking. Conversely, economy mode features the weakest acceleration and the strongest regenerative braking. Standard mode provides a balance between the two extremes. During our testing, it was noteworthy that the “one-pedal driving” technique, as popularized by Tesla, can be utilized in the P7 without necessitating a dedicated mode.
Post-ride impressions revealed the P7’s chassis is well-tuned and responsive, a product of Xpeng’s adherence to German automotive traditions in vehicle handling, particularly given the chassis's co-development with Porsche. The steering is well-damped and reasonably weighted, offering sensitivity and precision. However, braking feels somewhat soft, requiring a firm foot to engage the braking system effectively.
The Xpeng P7 riding on Pilot Sport 4 tires
The P7 employs an independent suspension system—a front double wishbone and a rear five-link setup—providing enhanced lateral support during cornering. Utilizing Continuous Damping Control (CDC), the system adjusts damping in real-time according to road conditions and features three preset settings. The shock absorption performance is commendable, and the ride quality is generally favorable, especially for a Chinese audience. Drivers experience minimal feedback from small bumps and potholes. Wind noise is well managed up to speeds of 100 km/h, but tire noise becomes noticeable at 40 km/h.
Summary
The Xpeng P7 is a technologically advanced vehicle focused on enhancing the driving experience. It showcases a modern and unique design, catering to those seeking a family sedan. The generous specifications relative to price, along with ample interior space, make the P7 appealing. Its autonomous driving features are advanced, offering L3 capabilities that often surpass competitors at higher price points. Additionally, the build quality is above average, further elevating the P7's position among rivals.
