Sunday China Drive | Xpeng P7: how the electric fastback stacks up against the Xiaomi SU7
The all-new Xpeng P7 is the latest evolution of the company’s flagship electric liftback, positioned as a sporty mid-size sedan for younger urban buyers in China’s competitive EV market. The next-generation model refines Xpeng’s design language while adding advanced features, upgraded powertrains, and a new intelligent driving system. At launch, the P7 recorded 10,000 orders within just 7 minutes, underscoring its strong market appeal. Competing directly with Xiaomi’s SU7 in a similar price bracket, the P7 presents itself as a dynamic, tech-focused alternative.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant produces 437 kW (586 hp) and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. It achieves a near 50:50 weight distribution, with a front double-wishbone and rear five-link suspension supported by dual-chamber air suspension and CDC variable damping.
Exterior
The new P7 adopts Xpeng’s Xmart Face design language, giving it a modern and sleek liftback silhouette. The front end features a slim LED strip, an illuminated Xpeng logo, and an active air intake in the bumper that closes to reduce drag. Other aerodynamic elements include retractable door handles, a low roofline, and an active rear spoiler generating up to 900 N of downforce at 230 km/h, contributing to a 0.201 Cd drag coefficient.
Dimensions are 5017 mm long, 1970 mm wide, 1427 mm high, with a 3,008 mm wheelbase. The performance trim features scissor doors and four-piston Brembo brakes, while wheel sizes range from 20 to 21 inches. From the rear, the P7 features a single taillight unit with 220 LEDs, and a rear glass liftback opening measuring 1,001 mm in length, 1,030 mm in width, and 1,140 mm in depth. A front trunk provides an additional 56 litres of storage.
Compared to the Xiaomi SU7 Pro, the P7 projects a more athletic stance rather than a passenger-focused one. A staggered tire setup with 245 mm front and 275 mm rear tires underscores its focus on handling and agility. The P7 communicates performance and precision without relying on ostentatious detailing.
Interior
The cabin centres around a three-spoke Nappa leather steering wheel with two control knobs for driving modes, air suspension adjustments, and intelligent driving features.
A 15.6-inch floating centre screen tilts 15 degrees left and right/right and 10 degrees up/down, complemented by an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel and a massive 87-inch augmented reality head-up display. The audio system includes 23 speakers in a 7.1.4 layout. The storage capacity in the boot is 575 litres, expandable to 1,929 litres with the rear seats folded.
Seats are highly configurable: the front pair offers 16-way adjustment, ventilation, heating, and massage, while the driver’s seat adds adjustable side support. The second-row cushions have a height of 264 mm, providing a balance between seating support and available cabin space. Material finishes combine synthetic leather with metallic accents for a clean, modern appearance.
Compared to the SU7 Pro, the P7’s interior emphasises driver engagement rather than prioritising rear passenger space. Seats are firmer, the cockpit is more focused, and the layout prioritises ergonomics for performance driving.
Behind the Wheel
The new P7 delivers a careful balance between explosive performance and controllable handling. Acceleration is instantaneous yet smooth, making urban driving manageable while enabling confident performance on highways and mountain roads. Steering precision is substantial, aided by the staggered tire setup, while the chassis provides predictable lateral support.
The dual-motor AWD model benefits from the front double-wishbone and rear five-link suspension, paired with dual-chamber air suspension and CDC variable damping. Comfort and Normal modes soften steering and throttle for daily commuting, whereas Sport mode sharpens responses for spirited driving. The nearly 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity of 440 mm contribute to balanced handling, giving the P7 a more engaging driving feel than the Xiaomi SU7 Pro, yet leans more towards comfort when compared to the SU7 Max.
A highlight is the intelligent driving system, powered by three Turing AI chips, totalling 2,250 TOPS. The system supports Vision-Language-Action (VLA) and Vision-Language Model (VLM) AI, enabling it to process camera input for obstacle avoidance, navigating narrow streets, and interacting with pedestrians and cyclists. Cooperative driving allows the system to regain control after driver interventions, such as lane changes or overtaking manoeuvres.
Testing reveals strengths and limitations: the system handles complex urban environments well, but sometimes responds late to green lights, misreads lanes at intersections, or fails to reduce speed over speed bumps. Automation features include autonomous U-turns and remote voice-controlled parking, both of which are valuable in tight spaces, although they can occasionally be mechanical in execution.
The P7 combines performance, handling, and intelligent assistance into a package that rewards driver engagement while introducing advanced semi-autonomous capabilities, though software refinement remains ongoing.
Verdict
The all-new Xpeng P7 is a driver-focused electric liftback that combines strong performance, advanced technology, and agile handling. Its 437 kW AWD variant accelerates briskly, while the suspension setup strikes a balance between city commuting and spirited driving on open roads. The intelligent driving system, powered by 2,250 TOPS, demonstrates progress in semi-autonomous capabilities, though software refinements are still ongoing.
Compared to the Xiaomi SU7 Pro, the P7 emphasises agility, sportiness, and an interactive cockpit, whereas the SU7 Pro prioritises stability and softer seating. With prices ranging from 219,800–301,800 yuan (approx. 30,730–42,190 USD), the P7 offers immediate availability, in contrast to the SU7 Pro’s reported 40-week waiting period, making it a practical choice for urban buyers seeking driving dynamics and technology without extended delays.
Overall, the P7 delivers a sharper, more engaging interpretation of the electric sport sedan, featuring AI-assisted driving, strong performance, and a driver-centric layout for those who want the driving experience to remain at the forefront.
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