In a section outlined by the Tesla Mannequin Y and rising rivals just like the Xiaomi YU7, Xpeng’s new G7 enters the mid-size EV SUV market with a robust give attention to clever driving, premium cabin expertise, and environment friendly packaging. The G7 has formally launched on 3 July, beginning at 195,800 yuan (27,325 USD). It positions itself above the G6, stretching 4,892 mm in size and driving on a 2,890 mm wheelbase.
Obtainable in Max and Extremely trims, the G7 is powered by a 218 kW rear motor and gives two battery choices: 68.5 kWh and 80.8 kWh, with a CLTC-rated vary of as much as 702 km on 18-inch wheels. Xpeng claims the G7 helps whole-vision-based Stage 3 driving by way of its XNGP platform, powered by two or three Turing chips with as much as 2,250 TOPS of computing energy, relying on the trim.
Exterior
The G7’s second-generation “X Face” design contains a extensive mild bar, vertical break up headlamps built-in into the air ducts, and an lively grille that adjusts seamlessly between 0% and 100% relying on thermal wants. Not like many SUVs in the identical section that go for a bulbous rear to increase cabin house, the G7 manages a chic roofline whereas sustaining cargo capability and rear headroom. Key touches embrace 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, soft-close frameless doorways, and a hidden rear wiper tucked underneath the spoiler. The tail part finishes with a full-width LED bar and dynamic indicator components constructed into the cluster.
Inside
Our take a look at automobile was the Max trim, which already boasts high-grade options throughout the board. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a layered dashboard design and actual wooden accents, all of which mix to raise the tactile expertise. The 87-inch AR-HUD system, developed in collaboration with Huawei, tasks AR navigation and lane-level information, even in sturdy daylight, because of its 12,000-nit brightness. A 15.6-inch central floating display totally replaces the digital gauge cluster, and rear occupants profit from an 8-inch leisure and management panel.
Xpeng has invested in rear-seat consolation, providing therapeutic massage, air flow, and heating on all 4 seats. Moreover, rear passengers obtain a cooled wi-fi charging pad, a fold-out tray desk behind the entrance passenger seat, and even a reclining seat with electrical adjustment. Headroom and legroom had been enough for testers as much as 1.8 meters tall. In the meantime, smooth surfaces abound—even the glovebox is lockable by way of an digital keypad for added privateness.
Space for storing can also be a standout. The G7 gives 819 litres in normal type and as much as 2,277 litres with rear seats folded. There’s a big underfloor compartment within the cargo space, 3-kg-rated hooks on either side and a 12V outlet to assist equipment equivalent to tenting gear.
Behind the Wheel
On the highway, the G7 gives a experience high quality that leans towards full consolation moderately than sport-tuned firmness. The twin-chamber air suspension, that includes predictive damping that scans as much as 30 meters forward, successfully cushions imperfections. Nonetheless, the vitality restoration tuning could also be barely aggressive even in its lowest setting—a tweakable element that Xpeng may refine earlier than mass supply.
Drivers can toggle amongst consolation, normal, and sport suspension modes. In consolation, the experience isolates most bumps, although it may really feel overly smooth when pushed. In sports activities, cornering turns into firmer with diminished physique roll. The underpinnings—a double-wishbone entrance and multi-link rear setup with hydraulic bushings—are extra refined than many friends at this value level.
The G7’s steering feels mild but predictable. Ahead visibility is enhanced by a low cowl and slim A-pillars, whereas the repositioned mirrors and frameless home windows enhance aspect visibility. The cabin stays quiet at velocity, because of double-laminated acoustic glass within the entrance and privateness glass within the rear.
Xpeng’s XNGP driving assistant operates with out lidar and depends solely on digicam sensors. In Max trim, it utilises two Turing chips for a claimed compute efficiency that exceeds that of many lidar-based rivals. Throughout our take a look at drive, the system dealt with multi-lane intersections, unmarked detours, roadside distributors, and unsignaled crosswalks with assured behaviour. Defensive driving routines—equivalent to yielding to fast-approaching vans or braking easily close to scooters—showcase a system designed for real-world edge circumstances.
The system did require occasional guide intervention. For instance, whereas close to a market stall, it typically made selections mirroring a cautious however decisive human driver. Dynamic lane adjustments, computerized signalling, and exact AR steerage all reinforce the concept that Xpeng is closing the hole with Tesla’s FSD in on a regular basis circumstances. Nonetheless, options like auto lane adjustments throughout visitors and in roundabouts sometimes lacked polish, indicating a necessity for software program maturity earlier than full rollout.
Verdict
The G7 leaves a constructive total impression, particularly as a household automobile that doesn’t compromise on design or intelligence. Its actual strengths lie in inside consolation, excessive configurability, and considerate utility, whereas the XNGP system gives a promising preview of future autonomy. For consumers wanting past the mainstream Tesla Mannequin Y, the tech-focused Zeekr 7X, or ready a 12 months for the YU7, the G7 offers a steadiness of worth and next-generation options with out requiring the best trim to get pleasure from them.
Keep tuned for subsequent week’s Sunday China Drive at Automotive Information China, the place you’ll be able to learn extra first-person evaluations of Chinese language automobiles.
