XPeng showcases AI car P7 Plus
XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng surprised everyone with his appearance at the Apsara 2024 conference in Hangzhou, where he personally drove a camouflaged prototype of the long-awaited P7 Plus, attracting a lot of media attention.
Apsara 2024 focuses on cloud computing, AI and future technologies, bringing together industry leaders, technology experts and innovators to discuss developments such as generative AI and industrial transformation.
Xiaopeng is expected to participate in discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in the development of autonomous driving technologies at the conference.
The car bears the slogan “The World’s First Artificial Intelligence Car” on its side. The P7 Plus, which is a major improvement over its predecessor, the P7i, features a larger body, measuring 5.06 meters x 1.94 meters x 1.51 meters.
The P7 Plus is built on the Chinese company's innovative SEPA 2.0 platform, promising improved efficiency.
XPeng’s new electric vehicle features a camera-based vision system for autonomous driving. This shift away from LiDAR technology is in line with Tesla’s approach to full self-driving.
XPeng's vision is to create an AI-powered car, and the P7 Plus looks to be a step in that direction.
The P7 Plus is available with two engine options, a 180 kW (about 241 hp) engine for the base model and a more powerful 230 kW (about 308 hp) version.
Both models are expected to offer 18-inch or 20-inch wheels with a top speed of 200 km/h.
The base model weighs around 1,967 kg, while the higher-spec version weighs around 2,073 kg.
From a design standpoint, the P7 Plus adopts a coupe shape, which is expected to enhance its aerodynamic performance and reduce drag.
The rear features a unique C-shaped taillight design, providing high visibility and a unique look. In a nod to its technological capabilities, the P7 Plus includes cameras inside the taillights.
The P7 Plus draws power from a lithium iron phosphate LFP battery from Eve Power, though detailed battery specifications are still unclear.
The electric car is scheduled to be produced at XPeng's Guangzhou plant and is scheduled to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024.
XPeng's current lineup includes a range of electric vehicles, such as the P7i, P5 and Mona M03 sedans, the G6 and G9 crossovers, and the X9 minivan.
With sales of the once-popular P7i declining, the P7 Plus is a pivotal opportunity for XPeng to refresh its electric sedan offerings.
By showcasing the P7 Plus at the Apsara conference, Xpeng highlighted its focus on integrating AI into intelligent driving technology as it prepares for the car's official release later this year.