At the Apsara Convention 2024 in Hangzhou, Xpeng’s CEO and founder He Xiaopeng made a bold statement by personally driving a camouflaged Xpeng P7+ prototype on stage, generating intense media attention and sparking widespread interest. Photos from the event confirm the automobile’s prominent positioning as the “world’s first AI car.” According to earlier reports, the P7+ is expected to have its formal launch in the fourth quarter of this year, with a pricing strategy likely to be higher than that of the current P7 model.
The Apsara Convention 2024, taking place from September 19 to 21, delves into the convergence of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and pioneering scientific innovations. The event offers approximately 400 exhibitors and a 40,000-square-metre exhibition space, gathering business leaders, technology experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss advancements such as generative artificial intelligence and industrial metamorphosis. He Xiaopeng is expected to participate in discussions exploring AI’s potential in accelerating advancements in autonomous driving technologies at the conference.
The P7+ features a sleek, glossy front-end design boasting a distinctive cut-up headlight arrangement. The topmost portion features Xpeng’s distinctive slender LED stripe, while the lower section accommodates the primary headlight assembly. Cameras are mounted above the license plate, surrounded by millimeter-wave radar sensors. The P7+, slated for autonomous driving capabilities, reportedly ditches Lidar technology in favor of a camera-based visual system, mirroring Tesla’s approach with Full Self-Driving (FSD).
Xpeng’s forthcoming P7+ marks a substantial departure from its predecessor, the P7i, most notably in terms of size. The P7+ measures 50.56 cm in length, 19.37 cm in width, and 15.12 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 30.00 cm. The P7i boasts dimensions of approximately 4,888mm in length, 1,896mm in width, and 1,450mm in height for enhanced comparability. The newly launched P7+ is expected to be built on Xpeng’s advanced SEPA 2.0 platform, boasting enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
Two powertrain options are expected to be available: a base model featuring a 180 kilowatt motor and a more powerful 230 kilowatt motor, both manufactured at Xpeng’s Wuhan production facility. The lower-end mannequin tips the scales at 1967 kilograms, whereas its more advanced counterpart weighs in at 2073 kilograms. The new models are expected to come equipped with 18- or 20-inch wheels and boast a top speed of 200 km/h.
The P7+ boasts a sleek, coupe-inspired design that is expected to improve its aerodynamics by reducing drag. The rear section boasts a distinctive C-shaped taillight design, providing enhanced visibility and a unique aesthetic appeal. The car’s sleek design is enhanced by cameras discreetly integrated into the rear taillights, while a compact spoiler further amplifies its athletic aesthetic.
The P7+ will utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by Eve Energy. Specifications for the battery pack have yet to be unveiled. Manufacturing of the new model is expected to take place at Xpeng’s Guangzhou production site, with a planned rollout in the fourth quarter of 2024.
At the Apsara Convention, Xpeng showcased the P7+, underscoring its commitment to seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence into safe driving experiences as it readies the vehicle’s official rollout by year-end.
Xpeng’s current lineup includes the P7i, P5, and Mona M03 sedans, as well as the G6 and G9 crossovers, and the X9 minivan. As the most popular model in Xpeng’s lineup, the P7i has recently experienced a slump in sales, presenting an opportunity for the P7+ to revitalize the brand’s electric sedan segment and reclaim its top spot.
