Introduction
The electric vehicle market is evolving rapidly, and the Xpeng P7 is at the forefront of this transformation. Positioned as a strong competitor to established models like the Tesla Model 3, the P7 offers an intriguing blend of technology, performance, and design. In this review, we'll delve into the details of the Xpeng P7 AWD, exploring its features, performance stats, and our driving experience to understand what makes it a standout choice in the EV segment.
The Xpeng P7 is an all-electric midsize sedan manufactured by Xpeng Motors. Since its inception in 2014, the company has experienced significant growth, currently boasting a valuation of $37 billion. The P7 is their second model, launched in 2020 with a subsequent refresh in 2021, earning the moniker “China’s Model 3.” We got behind the wheel of this innovative vehicle to test its capabilities—let's dive into the details.
The pricing for the Xpeng P7 begins at RMB 252,900 ($39,730/€36,530/£30,410) for the single-motor variant equipped with a 60.2 kWh battery. The top-tier 4WD Performance version is priced at RMB 429,900 ($67,550/€62,095/£51,690) in the Chinese market.
Having made its debut in Norway last year, the P7 is currently being sold as Xpeng's flagship model in the EU. Plans to expand into Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands with the P5 model are on the agenda. The pricing in Norway varies slightly, with the RWD Long Range model available for €46,120 ($50,120 or £38,430) and the 4WD Performance model priced at €52,400 ($56,940 or £43,660).
The variant we tested is the Chinese-market 80.9 kWh 4WD Performance.
Exterior Design
The dimensions of the Xpeng P7 are impressive, measuring 4,880mm in length, 1,896mm in width, and 1,450mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 2,998mm. This makes it slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3 and almost comparable to the Model S. The overall aesthetic presents a premium appearance, with clear similarities to its Tesla counterparts. The vehicle rides on standard 19" wheels and is topped with a full-length glass roof.
The low-set front creates a striking outline, complemented by a futuristic arc-shaped light bar. The P7 boasts an impressive drag coefficient of 0.236Cd, contributing to its efficiency and battery range. Its design exudes timelessness, ensuring it remains stylish for years to come.
The P7's side profile is smooth, lacking harsh body lines, which enhances its seamless appearance from front to back. As a fastback, its rear mirrors the front's design, with a full-length light bar and discreet rear lights flanking the prominent Xpeng logo. Simple yet effective, the design captures attention without feeling overly complex.
Interior Comfort and Features
Stepping inside the Xpeng P7 reveals a clean, modern interior balanced with traditional elements. The dashboard is minimalistic, cleverly concealing air vents for a streamlined look. High-quality materials dominate the touch-points, with soft leatherette complemented by occasional chrome accents, while harder plastics appear in less frequented spaces. The build quality exceeds expectations for its price bracket, providing a solid and satisfying feel.
The seats are designed for comfort, draped in soft leather that enhances their quality feel. While spacious, the shallow seat design may compromise leg support. Although head and legroom are generous, the non-flat floor in the back may affect comfort for a middle passenger during long trips. The cargo area is commendable but somewhat shallow, making it challenging to retrieve items from the back. However, the standard 'frunk' adds extra storage space, boosting its practicality.
Advanced Infotainment
The Xpeng P7 is equipped with a 10.25” LCD instrument panel behind the steering wheel, complemented by an integrated 15” central infotainment screen under a single glass panel. For an enhanced audio experience, the car can accommodate a premium Dynaudio system, while our test model featured an 8-speaker setup, which performed admirably.
The Xmart OS powers the P7's infotainment system, allowing drivers to control a multitude of functions via voice commands using Xpeng’s virtual assistant. Our tests confirmed its impressive response speed and accuracy. Furthermore, the system supports popular apps for music, gaming, and e-commerce, solely through the Xiaomi app store, highlighting the close ties between the two companies.
While the technology is innovative, it can prove cumbersome due to the lack of physical buttons. For instance, opening the boot requires voice, phone, or key activation, which may be inconvenient in certain scenarios. Initial manual adjustments for side mirrors must also go through the infotainment screen, which adds an unnecessary layer of complexity.
Performance and Range
The 2021 refreshed Xpeng P7 is available in three primary configurations: two rear-wheel-drive models featuring 60.2kWh or 80.9kWh batteries and the 4WD Performance model equipped with the larger battery solely.
Every variant employs a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 196kW (266PS) of power and 390Nm of torque. The Performance model adds a front motor, boosting total output to 315kW (428PS) and 655Nm of torque.
Acceleration benchmarks reveal that both rear-wheel-drive variants reach 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the 4WD variant does it in a swift 4.4 seconds. Range ratings show the Performance model achieving 470 km, while the rear-wheel-drive 80.9 kWh option promises 530 km. As for the 60.2 kWh variant, its NEDC range is listed at 480 km, albeit with a cautionary note on its optimism.
Driving Experience
Our driving experience with the 4WD Performance P7 highlighted three distinct driving modes: economy, standard, and performance. Each mode noticeably impacted the vehicle's torque delivery and regenerative braking strength.
In performance mode, we experienced instant acceleration with weaker regenerative braking, while economy mode offered the opposite experience. Standard mode struck a pleasing balance, allowing for controlled “one-pedal driving.” Throughout our drive, the P7’s chassis felt well-tuned and responsive, benefiting from German engineering standards that ensure excellent handling. Although the steering felt well-weighted, the brakes required firm pressure for effective stopping power.
The Xpeng P7 uses a fully independent suspension system, featuring front double wishbones and a rear five-link setup. This design enhances lateral support and general ride quality. While small bumps and potholes are handled adeptly, some road feedback is lost, resulting in a dampened feel. Wind noise remains subdued up to 100 km/h, though tire noise becomes noticeable at lower speeds.
Conclusion
The Xpeng P7 is a remarkably advanced electric vehicle that focuses on enhancing driver experience, characterized by its unique design and spaciousness. With commendable specifications for its price and a spacious interior, the P7 caters well to family needs. It also boasts advanced autonomous driving capabilities, achieving L3 levels that eclipse many rivals priced higher. With an overall build quality exceeding average standards, the P7 makes a compelling case among its competition in the electric vehicle market.
