The Xpeng P7 is an all-electric midsize sedan created by Xpeng Motors, a rapidly growing company founded in 2014, currently valued at $37 billion. Launched in 2020 with a minor refresh in 2021, the P7 has earned the moniker “China’s Model 3.” We had the opportunity to drive it and assess this claim—let’s explore what makes this vehicle noteworthy.
The base price for the Xpeng P7 starts at RMB 252,900 ($39,730/€36,530/£30,410) for the single-motor variant featuring a 60.2 kWh battery, escalating to RMB 429,900 ($67,550/€62,095/£51,690) for the AWD Performance model in China.
Since last year, the P7 has been available in Norway, with plans to enter Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands in 2022, featuring the P5 model. Norwegian pricing reflects a difference, with the RWD Long Range model priced at €46,120 ($50,120 or £38,430) and the AWD Performance model at €52,400 ($56,940 or £43,660).
The model we tested is the 80.9 kWh AWD Performance version tailored for the Chinese market.
Exterior
Measuring 4,880mm in length, 1,896mm in width, and 1,450mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,998mm, the P7 exceeds the dimensions of the Tesla Model 3 and is nearly comparable to the Model S. At first glance, the P7 exudes a premium feel, with noticeable similarities to both the Tesla Model S and Model 3. Standard features include 19" wheels and a full-length glass roof.
The low-set front design offers a striking silhouette, complemented by a futuristic arc-shaped light bar. Its sleek front reduces the drag coefficient to 0.236Cd, a feat that electric vehicle manufacturers strive for to enhance battery range. The timeless design of the P7 is expected to remain relevant for at least a decade.
The vehicle’s sides present a smooth profile, devoid of traditional hard-edged body lines, resulting in a seamless flow from front to rear. As a fastback, the rear of the P7 mirrors the front aesthetics, incorporating a full-width light bar that subtly extends onto the sides. The back features two separate rear lights and displays the Xpeng logo beneath the light bar, along with the P7 model designation on the lower right of the boot.
The front and rear of the P7
Interior
The interior of the Xpeng P7 is clean and modern while retaining certain traditional elements. The dashboard is minimalistic, with air vents cleverly concealed. High-quality materials—primarily soft leatherette with chrome accents—characterize touchpoints. However, some rarely accessed sections utilize hard plastics, aligning with the car's pricing. Overall, the build quality exceeds expectations, offering sturdiness and a premium feel.
Up front in the P7
The seats provide comfort, featuring soft leather that conveys a sense of quality. However, both front and rear seats have limited leg support due to their shallowness. Headroom and legroom are plentiful, but the non-flat floor in the rear may detract from comfort for middle passengers on longer journeys.
The dash and rear seats
The trunk space is substantial but shallow and somewhat deep, making it challenging to retrieve items positioned at the back. A dedicated area for a backpack or shopping bags is available under the bonnet, adhering to the “frunk” concept, which is a noteworthy feature.
The frunk and the trunk (froot and boot?)
Infotainment
The cockpit of our test model boasts a 10.25” LCD instrument panel behind the steering wheel and a 15” integrated central infotainment screen, both unified under a single glass panel. The car can be outfitted with up to 18 Dynaudio speakers supporting 7.1.2 channel audio; however, our test version included standard 8 speakers that performed admirably.
The P7 operates on an Xmart OS system, with many vehicle functions accessible via voice commands through Xpeng’s virtual assistant. We tested the Chinese version with spoken commands and found it among the best in terms of response speed, recognition accuracy, and operational functionality. The Smart OS allows downloads from mainstream applications for music, gaming, and e-commerce, provided by the Xiaomi app store. However, the user experience can suffer in areas with poor connectivity.
Relying on voice commands for nearly all functions can be inconvenient; for instance, there is no physical button to open the boot. Instead, users must resort to voice control, a phone, or the key, creating challenges in scenarios like carrying shopping in the rain. Additionally, side mirror adjustments can initially only be made via the infotainment screen, complicating the process unnecessarily.
Power and Range
The refreshed 2021 Xpeng P7 offers three configurations: two rear-wheel drive models with either a 60.2kWh or 80.9kWh battery, and an all-wheel-drive Performance model that exclusively utilizes the 80.9kWh battery pack.
All variants feature a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 196kW (266PS) and 390Nm of torque. The Performance variant incorporates an additional front motor, boosting total power output to 315kW (428PS) and 655Nm of torque.
The rear-wheel drive models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the AWD version does it in 4.4 seconds. Estimated ranges are 470 km for the Performance model and 530 km for the rear-wheel-drive version with an 80.9 kWh battery, according to WLTP tests. However, the NEDC-rated range for the 60.2 kWh version is 480 km, which often proves overly optimistic.
Driving
Our testing featured the 4WD Performance P7, which offers three driving modes: economy, standard, and performance. Each mode significantly alters the driving dynamics, specifically torque delivery and regenerative braking strength.
In performance mode, the acceleration is immediate and powerful, but regenerative braking is minimal. Conversely, economy mode showcases the weakest acceleration with the most effective regenerative braking. Standard mode strikes a balance between both. Notably, during our experience, it appeared feasible to execute “one-pedal driving” without needing specialized settings, similar to systems in other electric vehicles.
Post-drive impressions noted the P7's well-tuned and responsive chassis, reflecting Xpeng's adherence to traditional German engineering principles. This is underscored by the chassis's co-development with Porsche. The steering is well-weighted and precise, while the braking system feels slightly soft, requiring firm pressure to achieve robust halting strength.
The Xpeng P7 rides on Pilot Sport 4 tires
With fully independent suspension featuring front double wishbones and a rear five-link design, the P7 offers solid lateral support while cornering. Continuous Damping Control (CDC) enables real-time damping adjustments based on road conditions, providing three predefined settings for varied experiences. Shock absorption is impressive, ensuring a comfortable ride that caters primarily to the Chinese market. However, minimal feedback is provided when traversing smaller bumps or potholes, and while wind noise is effectively suppressed up to 100 km/h, tire noise becomes apparent starting at 40 km/h.
Conclusion
The Xpeng P7 stands out as a technologically advanced vehicle focused on enhancing the driving experience. Its ride quality is well-suited for those seeking a family sedan with a contemporary and distinctive design. Offering generous specifications and ample interior space for its price point, the P7 excels in autonomous driving capabilities, achieving L3 technology—superior to many higher-priced competitors. With build quality exceeding average expectations, the P7 confidently asserts itself in the competitive electric sedan market.
