Beijing is a metropolis where the hustle and bustle reflects the drive towards the future. With innovative ideas floating in the air, its streets are awash with a myriad of vehicles. At the world’s largest auto show, the repetition of conventional car designs becomes tiresome. Electric vehicles have often traded excitement for efficiency, but the XPENG P7 breaks this mold. This striking machine is designed to compete head-to-head with supercars, equipped with the technology to hold its own.
The first impression of the P7 is its aggressive stance on the road. This isn’t your typical tall, bulky SUV; it is a sleek, low-slung sedan measuring 5.02 m in length and nearly 2 m in width. Its height of just 1.4 m makes it significantly lower than many competitors, including the Mercedes EQS, by a full 10 cm. The P7 boasts 21-inch wheels pushed out to the corners of its body, with wide tires (245s in the front and 275s in the back) that lend it the appearance of a custom street racer—a confident swagger often absent from modern vehicles.
Entering the P7 offers a unique experience. Instead of climbing into it, you lower yourself into the vehicle. Once nestled into the leather bucket seats, you’ll find your seating position reminiscent of classic sports cars, with your hips lower than your knees. The interior design features a bold deep purple hue, which gives the cabin a luxurious feel, complemented by high-quality upholstery and Alcantara. There are no traces of cheap, scratchy plastics here.
Despite its low profile, the interior surprises with its spaciousness. The back seats provide ample room for passengers, surpassing the shoulder room of a Mercedes EQS and offering better leg support than the EQE. Passengers are treated to features typically found in luxury limousines, including heated, cooled, and massaging seats. Clearly, XPENG intended to ensure that everyone inside feels like a VIP.
When the accelerator is pressed, the true potential of the P7 is unleashed. The 'Ultra' model features dual electric motors, delivering 437 kilowatts (586 horsepower) and 757 Nm of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds. Remarkably, the car maintains an almost eerie silence during this rapid acceleration, thanks to double-glazed front windows and thick rear glass that effectively dampens outside noise, creating the sensation of being transported across the landscape in complete tranquility.
While acceleration is impressive, stopping power is equally critical. The P7 is equipped with robust Brembo brakes featuring four pistons each, capable of halting the vehicle from 100 km/h in just 33 meters. The car employs the Bosch iBooster 2.0 system, ensuring the brake pedal response is sharp and reliable. Even when navigating twisty roads at high speeds, these brakes instill confidence in the driver, guaranteeing optimal control.
The P7's handling is equally commendable, thanks to its advanced suspension system with air springs and intelligent dampers. An AI-powered camera scans the road ahead, adjusting the suspension in real time to accommodate bumps and potholes, resulting in a smooth ride reminiscent of a magic carpet. Yet, when cornering sharply, the system firmens up to maintain stability. This seamless blend of comfort and performance is a rarity among electric vehicles at this price point.
What distinguishes the XPENG P7 from its competitors is its sophisticated “brain.” The Ultra version comes equipped with three Turing computer chips, empowering the vehicle with remarkable cognitive capabilities. Utilizing the VLA 2.0 system—Vision-Language-Action—this “Physical AI” endows the car with the capacity to perceive and interpret its environment similarly to humans. It navigates complex traffic conditions, recognizes hand gestures from pedestrians, and provides ample space for cyclists. In congested traffic, the P7 maneuvers through with impressive composure, as if it is acutely aware of the surroundings.
Charging a large battery can often feel cumbersome, but XPENG has addressed this with an 800V system. This is akin to using a fire hose rather than a mere straw to fill a bucket. At fast-charging stations, the P7 can recharge to extend its range by 525 km in just 10 minutes. The vehicle is powered by a compact 92.2 kWh battery pack tucked beneath the floor, with official figures indicating a maximum range of 750 km on a full charge, though real-world estimates are closer to 550 km before needing a recharge.
Even with its thrilling speed and cutting-edge technology, the P7 remains a practical choice. Its hatchback-style trunk opening provides ease of access for larger items, such as a substantial IKEA haul, more so than a traditional sedan. Additionally, there are 35 storage compartments throughout the cabin for smaller items, and the car features a unique “Pet Mode” and “Sleep Space” mode for when you take a break. The meticulous attention to everyday usability is evident.
The most astonishing aspect of the P7 is its price. For this complete package—586 horsepower, advanced AI, and luxurious interior—you would expect to pay considerably more, yet it can be obtained for under €37,600. This price point is incredibly competitive compared to numerous other electric vehicles on the market, prompting concerns among European car manufacturers. At present, XPENG is concentrated on the Chinese market, with plans to expand into parts of Europe in the future. However, there is no official release date for regions with right-hand drive.
While its striking design and powerful performance are noteworthy, a significant part of the P7’s appeal lies in its VLA 2.0 self-driving system. We had the opportunity to spend two days with the P7 in Beijing, subjecting it to various driving scenarios, and a dedicated article examining this system will be released shortly. To call the P7 a pleasant surprise is an understatement. Is the VLA system superior to Tesla’s FSD? Stay tuned for the upcoming answer.
