Xpeng only started business operations in 2014. The Chinese electric car manufacturer has the backing and funding of some of the biggest brands in China, the main one being the Alibaba Group. While the future of electric car startups is a fate yet to be determined Xpeng is carrying ready to make that uncertain future work. The Xpeng P7 was first launched in 2020 and co-developed with Porsche input. It’s China’s answer to the Tesla Model 3, a homegrown sports sedan made in the province of Guangzhou.
While electric cars represent the event horizon of new-age technology, the interstellar product lifecycle always remains unaltered. The Xpeng P7i is a product lifecycle update, a facelift with slight alterations and updates to the exterior, interior, powertrain tweaks, and equipment levels.
The new P7i offers a host of refinements and improvements, power is rated at 272 bhp / 44o Nm for RWD entry-level versions, and 467 bhp / 757 Nm for top-spec AWD performance variants. Entry-level cars have a maximum range of up to 436 miles of range and can fast charge 140 miles in just ten minutes. Range drops to 379 miles for top-spec performance editions.
Performance is swift enough, the top speed is limited to 126 mph, and the 0-62 mph time is reached in either 6.2 seconds for entry-level RWD versions and drops to 3.9 seconds for AWD performance variants.
The P7i cockpit interior is comprehensively upgraded, with a new steering wheel, central control and sub-dashboard designs. The seating has improved ergonomics and seat angles, with Nappa leather finishing in a subtle light gray color scheme.
The P7i’s interior audio is supported by a 7.1.4 Dolby Atoms system boasting 20 speakers. Its sophistication and environmental credentials are expressed on the outside by an exclusive Kaitoke green exterior finish, unique to this model. Voice Assistance 2.0 provides real-time, continuous voice command recognition, covering all four seating positions within the cockpit.
Delivery of the new China-only P7i will kick off in March. Prices start from RMB249,900 ($42K) for entry-level models and rise to RMB339,900 ($50K) for top-spec models.
