The Xpeng P7 is an all-electric midsize sedan from Xpeng Motors, a rapidly growing Chinese automaker founded in 2014 and now valued at $37 billion. Launched in 2020 with a minor refresh in 2021, the P7 has earned the nickname “China’s Model 3.” We recently tested this vehicle to see if it lives up to the hype.
In China, the Xpeng P7 starts at RMB 252,900 ($39,730/€36,530/£30,410) for the single-motor model with a 60.2 kWh battery. The top-tier 4WD Performance model is priced at RMB 429,900 ($67,550/€62,095/£51,690). The P7 is currently available in Norway, the only EU market selling it so far. Norway's prices differ slightly, with the RWD Long Range model priced at €46,120 ($50,120/£38,430) and the 4WD Performance model at €52,400 ($56,940/£43,660). Xpeng plans to enter Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands in 2022 with the P5 model instead. Our review focuses on the Chinese-market 80.9 kWh 4WD Performance variant.
Exterior
The P7 measures 4,880mm long, 1,896mm wide, and 1,450mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,998mm. These dimensions make it larger than the Tesla Model 3 and nearly as large as the Model S. Its design evokes a premium feel with clear influences from Tesla’s Model S and Model 3. Standard 19" wheels complement the sleek body, which features a full-length glass roof.
The front fascia is low-set and striking, highlighted by a futuristic arc-shaped light bar stretching across the width. Its aerodynamic design achieves an impressive drag coefficient of 0.236Cd, contributing to enhanced battery range. The P7’s styling is timeless and unlikely to feel outdated in the next decade.
Xpeng P7
The car’s sides are smooth and seamless, avoiding traditional sharp body lines for a cohesive look from front to rear. The fastback rear design continues the aesthetic with a full-width light bar across the boot, flanked by separate rear lights on each side. The Xpeng logo stretches below the light bar, with the P7 badge on the lower right of the boot.
The front and rear of the P7
Interior
The P7’s interior combines a modern, minimalistic approach with some traditional touches. The dashboard conceals air vents underneath, maintaining a clean look. High-quality materials such as soft leatherette and chrome accents enhance the cabin, while harder plastics are used in less frequently touched areas, keeping the price reasonable. Build quality surpasses expectations, with most surfaces feeling solid and well-made.
Up front in the P7
Seats offer good comfort with soft leather upholstery, though both front and rear seats have relatively shallow cushioning, limiting leg support. Headroom and legroom are ample, but the rear floor is not completely flat, making the middle passenger less comfortable on longer trips.
The dashboard and rear seats
The trunk is sizable but shallow, with a long reach to the back of the compartment, which can make accessing items inconvenient. The P7 also features a front trunk (“frunk”), offering dedicated space for smaller items like backpacks or shopping bags.
The frunk and the trunk (frunk and boot)
Infotainment
Our test model features a 10.25” LCD instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 15” central infotainment screen, both seamlessly integrated under a single glass panel. The car can be equipped with an 18-speaker Dynaudio sound system supporting 7.1.2-channel audio, while our test vehicle had the standard 8-speaker setup, which still delivers pleasing sound quality.
The P7 runs on the Xmart OS, allowing most vehicle functions to be controlled via voice commands with Xpeng’s AI assistant. We tested the Chinese-language system, which impressed us with its response speed, recognition accuracy, and extensive control options. The OS supports popular apps for music, karaoke, gaming, video, and e-commerce from the Xiaomi app store—a partnership reflecting the close ties between the founders of Xiaomi and Xpeng.
However, the system relies heavily on stable internet connectivity, and poor signals can degrade the user experience. The near absence of physical buttons can be frustrating—for instance, the boot opens only via voice command, phone app, or key, which can be inconvenient in certain situations. Additionally, side mirror adjustments initially require using the touchscreen before switching to steering wheel-mounted touch controls, adding unnecessary complexity.
Power and Range
The 2021 Xpeng P7 refresh offers three main variants: two rear-wheel-drive versions with 60.2 kWh or 80.9 kWh batteries, and one all-wheel-drive Performance model with an 80.9 kWh battery.
All variants use a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 196 kW (266 PS) and 390 Nm of torque. The Performance model adds a front motor producing 120 kW (163 PS) and 265 Nm of torque, resulting in a combined output of 315 kW (428 PS) and 655 Nm.
The rear-wheel-drive versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the 4WD Performance version achieves this in 4.4 seconds. WLTP range estimates list 470 km for the Performance model and 530 km for the 80.9 kWh RWD variant. The 60.2 kWh model claims 480 km under the NEDC cycle, which tends to be optimistic and should be viewed with caution.
Driving Experience
We tested the 4WD Performance model, which offers three driving modes: Economy, Standard, and Performance. These modes adjust torque delivery and regenerative braking strength.
In Performance mode, acceleration is immediate and strong, while regenerative braking is the lightest. Economy mode provides gentler acceleration with stronger regenerative braking. Standard mode balances these effects and enables effective one-pedal driving, allowing smooth deceleration using regenerative braking without pressing the brake.
The P7’s chassis is well-tuned, offering a taut and controlled ride. Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the handling focuses on precision and driver engagement. The steering is well-weighted and responsive, though the brake pedal requires firm pressure to achieve strong braking.
The Xpeng P7 rides on Pilot Sport 4 tires
The suspension is a fully independent setup with front double wishbones and rear five-link design, delivering excellent lateral support during cornering. The Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system adjusts shock absorber stiffness in real-time based on road conditions, with three preset settings. Ride comfort is smooth, particularly suited to the Chinese market, with minimal transmission of small bumps and well-controlled road noise up to 100 km/h. However, tire noise becomes noticeable above 40 km/h.
Summary
The Xpeng P7 stands out as a technologically advanced electric sedan focused on enhancing driver experience. Its refined ride quality, spacious and well-appointed cabin, and comprehensive feature set make it an attractive family sedan option. Notably, its autonomous driving capabilities achieve level 3 autonomy, surpassing many competitors at higher price points. Build quality is above average, cementing the P7’s position as a strong contender in the global EV market.
