Xpeng launches the P7 sports sedan and the P9 luxury SUV. We tell you in detail what these two electric novelties are like, and how they drive.
The high-end automotive scene is becoming increasingly crowded. Xpeng now arrives from China, and is looking for a piece of the delicious pie. The Asian brand, still little known here, starts with two electric models in the highest price segment.
Unlike traditional European manufacturers, the story of the Guangzhou-based company is quickly told: Xpeng is barely older than a primary school student, born as a startup in 2014. Its founders include, among others, the platform in Alibaba line, which explains why the digital world has the highest priority at Xpeng.
Last year, a development cooperation with Volkswagen was launched, from which two middle-class electric cars should emerge for the Chinese market until 2026. As part of this collaboration, Volkswagen acquired approximately five percent of Xpeng.
Currently, Xpeng has announced the launch of a sub-brand aimed at young people that will offer affordable electric cars with artificial intelligence assistance for less than 20,000 euros. Xpeng first debuted on the international stage at this year's CES in Las Vegas with its eVTOL flying car, which is expected to enter series production in 2025. And it plans to produce around 600,000 vehicles a year at three locations. in China in the future, with approximately 400,000 already on the market.
After Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden, Xpeng is now venturing into the German market. The vehicles will be sold through traditional dealerships where Xpeng has established itself. Spare parts must be available locally within 24 hours.
Sports saloon: Xpeng P7
At the beginning of May, the brand debuts with two models, the P7 sports sedan and the P9 luxury SUV. Both are almost five meters long and come standard with top-quality equipment, a large number of assistants (22 in the P7, 24 in the P9), an eight-year warranty on the batteries and seven on the car.
Huge panoramic roofs, electric seats with massage function front and rear, as well as bright 15-inch screens come as standard. The software updates automatically “over-the-air.” Only an equipment package and a trailer hitch can be ordered as an extra.
The P7 is launched with rear-wheel drive, 276 HP and a range of 576 kilometers starting at 49,600 euros. The high-performance versions with four-wheel drive and 473 HP (starting at 58,600 euros) should achieve a range of 505 kilometers with their 86.2 kWh battery. The 400-volt architecture charges with a maximum of 175 kW, and within 25 minutes the battery's state of charge is supposed to increase from 20 to 80 percent.
Behavior
The fact that the acceleration of the electric car is enormous no longer really surprises anyone. But the way he does it is. It is perceived with surprising solidity, tuned in terms of dynamism but without being aggressive, you don't really notice that in the P7 there are only ten years of experience in car manufacturing. Tuning, performance and power delivery seem surprisingly well tuned.
Since the battery functions as an integral part of the chassis, the car is exceptionally rigid and handling. The build quality and materials seem adequate for its price. Nothing creaks, and despite the frameless doors, the acoustic glass barely lets in wind noise even at 150 km/h on the highway.
Luxury SUV: Xpeng P9
The same goes for the P9, which starts at 57,600 euros with a noticeably reduced body. Since the Chinese have given it an 800-volt platform, it can charge up to 300 kW and fill the battery from 20 to 80 percent in 15 minutes. The new flagship is also available with rear- and all-wheel drive, as well as 78.2 and 98 kWh battery sizes. The technical specifications indicate 312 or 512 HP (four-wheel drive), and the ranges according to the WLTP are 460 and 570 km, respectively.
Although the P9 can reach 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds if necessary, it is not as characterized by its sportiness. The SUV's air suspension system cushions the ride noticeably softer than the P7, making for a comfortable ride. But if the terrain becomes undulating, the heavy 2.4-ton load tends to sway.
Sudden changes in direction are made with a significant lean, which does not inspire entirely confident confidence. When driven in a straight line, the P9 is extremely quiet and relaxed, with a luxury car feel.
Two 15-inch screens are standard, and if you want, you can get a surround sound system that will blow your ears. As a peculiarity, the P9 can park completely autonomously. Xpeng does not specify specific sales objectives. At least here, the Chinese manufacturer shows some modesty. For now.