The Xpeng P7 is an all-electric midsize sedan produced by Xpeng Motors, a rapidly growing company established in 2014, now valued at $37 billion. Released in 2020 with a refresh in 2021, the P7 has gained the nickname "China’s Model 3." We had the opportunity to drive it and explore its merits.
Prices for the Xpeng P7 begin at RMB 252,900 ($39,730/€36,530/£30,410) for the single-motor variant with a 60.2 kWh battery, and can reach up to RMB 429,900 ($67,550/€62,095/£51,690) for the 4WD Performance edition in China.
The P7 has been available in Norway since last year, currently its only European market, with plans to enter Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands with the P5 model in 2022. Pricing in Norway varies slightly; the RWD Long Range model is priced at €46,120 ($50,120 or £38,430), while the 4WD Performance variant is available for €52,400 ($56,940 or £43,660).
We tested the 80.9 kWh 4WD Performance version designed for 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 nearly as spacious as the Model S. Its premium appearance is accentuated by clear similarities to the Tesla designs. The vehicle features standard 19" wheels and a full-length glass roof.
The car's low-profile front delivers a striking silhouette, complemented by a futuristic arc-shaped light bar that runs across the width. This design achieves a commendable drag coefficient of 0.236Cd, reflecting the efforts of electric car manufacturers to enhance battery range. The timeless design of the P7 is likely to remain appealing for at least a decade.
The side profile of the P7 is understated and seamless, lacking the traditional hard-edged lines seen in many vehicles. As a fastback, its rear carries forward the front’s aesthetics, featuring a full-width light bar with minimal overlap on the sides. The back remains simple, showcasing separate rear lights and the Xpeng logo beneath the light bar alongside the P7 model designation.
Interior
The P7's interior showcases a clean and modern design infused with traditional elements. The dashboard is minimalist, with air vents discreetly hidden away. Quality materials dominate the touchpoints, primarily soft leatherette with chrome accents, although some areas utilize harder plastics, which is expected given the vehicle’s price point. Overall, the build quality is commendable, surpassing expectations for this segment.
The seats are comfortable with soft leather, yet there is limited leg support due to their shallow design. Passengers enjoy ample head and leg space; however, the non-flat floor in the rear can diminish comfort for the middle passenger during long trips.
The trunk offers good capacity; it is a bit shallow and reaches far back, making it difficult to retrieve items. Additionally, there’s a practical frunk space for smaller belongings like backpacks or shopping bags.
Infotainment
Our test vehicle features a 10.25” LCD instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, along with a 15” central infotainment screen seamlessly integrated under a single glass pane. The P7 can accommodate 18 Dynaudio speakers with 7.1.2 audio channel support, while our model included the standard 8 speakers that still delivered impressive sound quality.
The P7 operates on the Xmart OS, allowing most functions to be controlled via voice commands through Xpeng’s virtual assistant. Our testing focused on the Chinese version using spoken commands, and the system excelled in response time, recognition accuracy, and available features. The OS supports downloads from popular applications for music, gaming, and e-commerce, all sourced through the Xiaomi app store.
However, the reliance on connectivity is crucial for optimal performance. In areas with poor signal, the user experience can suffer. Lacking physical buttons can also be cumbersome; for instance, the trunk cannot be manually opened without using voice commands or a connected device. While the vehicle's design promotes minimalist controls, it can complicate operations in real-life scenarios.
Power and Range
The refreshed Xpeng P7 offers three main variants: two rear-wheel drive options with 60.2kWh or 80.9kWh batteries, and a four-wheel drive performance model that includes an 80.9kWh battery.
All models are powered by a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 196kW (266PS) and 390Nm of torque, while the Performance version adds a front motor producing 120kW (163PS) and 265Nm of torque, totaling an impressive 315kW (428PS) and 655Nm of torque.
The two rear-wheel drive models can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the 4WD Performance model accomplishes this in just 4.4 seconds. Range estimates are 470km for the Performance model and 530km for the rear-wheel drive with the 80.9kWh battery, based on WLTP testing. The 60.2kWh variant claims a range of 480km per the NEDC, though this figure may be overly optimistic.
Driving Performance
We tested the 4WD Performance version of the P7, which offers three driving modes: economy, standard, and performance. Each mode influences the vehicle's dynamics, primarily regarding torque delivery and regenerative braking strength.
In performance mode, acceleration is immediate and robust, with the weakest regenerative braking. Conversely, economy mode offers the least acceleration but the strongest regenerative braking. Standard mode provides a balanced experience between the two extremes. During our time with the P7, it became evident that utilizing the accelerator pedal efficiently could achieve a form of “one-pedal driving,” akin to techniques seen in Nissan models.
Post-test drive, the standout impression was of the P7’s well-tuned chassis, reflecting Xpeng's adherence to high handling standards often associated with German automakers. Given that the chassis was co-developed with Porsche, this performance should not come as a surprise. The steering offers precise feedback without being overly heavy, enhancing the driving experience. However, braking requires a heavier foot to achieve stronger deceleration.
The P7 features a fully independent suspension setup, including front double wishbones and a rear five-link system, enhancing lateral support during cornering. It employs Continuous Damping Control (CDC) to adjust damping in real time according to road conditions, with three predefined settings. The shock absorption is commendable, with ride quality tailored for the Chinese market; minor road imperfections are barely felt, while noise from wind is suppressed up to 100km/h, although tire noise is noticeable from 40km/h.
Conclusion
The Xpeng P7 is an advanced electric vehicle that prioritizes the driver experience. Its quality ride appeals especially to those seeking a family sedan with modern aesthetic appeal. The P7 is well-equipped for its price, offering ample space and advanced autonomous driving capabilities, including L3 functionality that surpasses many rivals at higher price points. With superior build quality, the P7 distinguishes itself in a competitive market.
