XPeng’s new P7+ sedan aims to be first AI-powered car

XPeng unveils P7+ sedan: AI-powered and LiDAR-free: Chinese automaker XPeng has officially introduced its new P7+ electric sedan, touting it as the “world’s first AI car” with advanced vision-based technology replacing traditional LiDAR sensors.

Key features and specifications:

• The P7+ measures 5,056 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,512 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm
• Two LFP battery options are available: 60.7 kWh and 76.3 kWh, offering CLTC ranges of 620 km (385 miles) and 710 km (441 miles), respectively
• The sedan boasts a drag coefficient of 0.206 and consumes as little as 11.6 kWh per 100 km (62 miles)
• XPeng claims the P7+ has the largest cargo space (2,221 total liters) in its class for vehicles under RMB 300,000 ($42,370)

AI-driven technology: The P7+ integrates artificial intelligence across various systems, setting it apart from its predecessors and competitors.

• XPeng’s “Eagle Eye” vision technology replaces traditional LiDAR sensors, collecting visual information more accurately and clearly than conventional cameras
• The Eagle Eye system can reportedly scope out an area as large as 1.8 football fields
• AI is utilized in ADAS and smart driving features, power usage, energy control, and thermal management
• The automaker claims the system enables “door-to-door” and “parking space-to-parking space” intelligent driving capabilities

Market positioning and design: XPeng positions the P7+ as a versatile and luxurious electric vehicle, combining elements from various vehicle classes.

• The automaker describes the P7+ as a “three-in-one species” offering the posture of a coupe, the space of an SUV, and the comfort of an MPV
• The sedan features luxury executive-level interiors, appealing to premium EV buyers
• XPeng emphasizes the vehicle’s aerodynamic design, which contributes to its impressive efficiency

Launch timeline and pricing: XPeng has set a clear schedule for the P7+’s introduction to the market.

• Pre-sales for the P7+ will begin at the Paris Auto Show on October 14, 2024
• The official launch in China is planned for November 2024, with initial deliveries following shortly after
• While exact pricing hasn’t been announced, XPeng repeatedly mentioned the RMB 300,000 ($42,370) price point during the unveiling event, suggesting the P7+ may be positioned around this figure

Industry implications: XPeng’s move to pure vision technology for the P7+ aligns with a growing trend in the EV industry, particularly following Tesla’s approach.

• The shift away from LiDAR sensors could potentially reduce production costs and simplify vehicle design
• XPeng’s AI-centric approach may influence other automakers to explore similar technologies in their future EV models
• The P7+’s performance in real-world conditions will be closely watched by industry observers to assess the viability of vision-only ADAS systems

Looking ahead: As XPeng prepares to bring the P7+ to market, several questions remain about its performance and market reception.

• The effectiveness of the Eagle Eye system compared to LiDAR-based alternatives will be crucial in determining the success of XPeng’s vision-only approach
• Consumer acceptance of AI-driven features and the perceived safety of vision-based ADAS will play a significant role in the P7+’s market performance
• XPeng’s ability to scale production and expand into international markets with the P7+ could impact the company’s growth trajectory in the competitive EV landscape