In recent years, the electric vehicle (EV) market has experienced rapid growth and intense competition, with Chinese automakers like XPeng pushing boundaries. The latest offering from XPeng, the P7+, builds upon the success of the P7 and P7i, aiming to deliver not just performance but also cutting-edge technology, luxury, and affordability. In this in-depth review, we explore whether the P7+ truly lives up to the hype and whether it can rival or even surpass its Western counterparts like the Tesla Model 3 or Model S.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The XPeng P7+ is a visual upgrade over its predecessor, featuring a sleek, sporty liftback silhouette that merges futuristic design with refined aerodynamics. Measuring 5,056 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,512 mm in height, it commands attention with its presence. A wheelbase of 3,000 mm ensures ample interior space, while the drag coefficient of just 0.206 makes it one of the most aerodynamically efficient vehicles in its class.
The front fascia sports a minimalist look with integrated LED lights and a closed grille, while the rear hatch—a double-decker setup—adds both to aesthetics and utility. This design not only looks modern but also improves cargo flexibility, making it suitable for both urban commuting and long-distance travel.
Interior: A Lounge on Wheels
Step inside the P7+ and you’re greeted with a level of luxury that rivals premium European brands. The cabin features Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated massage seats, and a panoramic sunroof that stretches 2.1 square meters, offering an airy and upscale ambiance.
Tech lovers will appreciate the digital cockpit setup. At the center is a 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip, offering seamless UI transitions and responsive performance. There’s also a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and for rear passengers, an 8-inch entertainment screen.
The vehicle also includes a 20-speaker 7.1.4 surround sound system, making it a rolling concert hall. Storage isn’t an issue either, with a 725-liter trunk that expands to a massive 2,221 liters when rear seats are folded down.
Performance and Driving Experience
XPeng offers the P7+ with two battery configurations: a 60.7 kWh and a 76.3 kWh pack. The latter offers an impressive CLTC-rated range of up to 725 km, putting it among the longest-range EVs in the market today.
There are also two motor options:
- A 180 kW (241 hp) rear-wheel-drive setup that does 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
- A more powerful 230 kW (308 hp) variant that cuts the 0–100 km/h time to 5.9 seconds.
While these numbers may not beat high-end Tesla models, they strike a great balance between performance and energy efficiency. The P7+ utilizes an 800V electrical architecture, which means faster charging capabilities. Under ideal conditions, the battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Autonomous Driving: AI Hawk and Vision-Based Navigation
Perhaps the most ambitious part of the P7+ is its advanced autonomous driving capabilities, dubbed AI Hawk. Instead of relying on LiDAR, XPeng has gone for a vision-only approach, similar to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite.
Equipped with:
- 11 high-resolution cameras
- 3 millimeter-wave radars
- 12 ultrasonic sensors
- Dual NVIDIA Orin X chips delivering 508 TOPS (trillion operations per second)
This setup supports XPeng’s XNGP (Navigation Guided Pilot), which works on highways, urban roads, and even complex scenarios like roundabouts and unmarked roads. All trims come with this capability by default—no extra payment required for software activation.
In real-world testing, the system performs commendably, with smooth lane changes, accurate lane centering, and proactive collision avoidance. It still needs regulatory approvals in many countries, but it shows promising potential.
Price and Variants
XPeng has priced the P7+ competitively, with three trims:
- Long Range Max – Starting at ¥186,800 (~$26,100)
- Ultra Long Range Max – Starting at ¥198,800 (~$27,750)
- Limited Edition Max – ¥218,800 (~$30,600), limited to 500 units
When you consider the range, performance, and features, these prices represent incredible value, especially when compared to offerings from Tesla and European rivals.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
Compared to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, the XPeng P7+ offers a longer maximum range, more luxurious interior options, and a more affordable price tag. Tesla still leads in terms of global charging infrastructure and brand recognition, but XPeng is closing the gap quickly, especially in China and select European markets.
The BMW i4 and Mercedes EQE offer similar luxury experiences but come at a significantly higher price, making the P7+ an excellent value proposition.
Final Thoughts: A Glimpse of the Future
The XPeng P7+ isn’t just another EV—it represents a maturing of China’s electric vehicle industry. It blends style, substance, and innovation in a package that is both aspirational and accessible. Its long range, high-tech interior, and cutting-edge autonomous driving features make it a standout choice in the mid- to high-end EV segment.
If XPeng continues to expand globally while maintaining quality and affordability, the P7+ could well be a disruptor not just in China, but worldwide. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or a first-time buyer looking for a reliable, future-ready car, the XPeng P7+ deserves serious consideration.
In the ever-evolving EV race, XPeng has thrown down the gauntlet. The ball is now in Tesla’s court.
