The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Australia is abuzz following the unveiling of the Chinese-made XPeng P7+ at the Melbourne EV Show. The event marked the first opportunity for Australian viewers to get a glimpse of the luxurious, AI-driven sedan, which could potentially fill the void left by Tesla’s departure from the local market.
A Potential Game-Changer in the Australian EV Market
Claimed to be the world’s first vehicle defined by artificial intelligence, the XPeng P7+ has garnered considerable attention. Currently available in China and Europe, this left-hand drive five-door hatchback was showcased exclusively for evaluation in Australia. At present, a decision regarding its local launch remains pending, but interest from industry insiders and enthusiasts is high.
Jason Clarke, CEO of TrueEV – XPeng’s Australian distributor – expressed enthusiasm about the vehicle’s prospects, recalling how the Tesla Model S once amazed him. “The P7+ could fill the void left by Tesla, offering Australian buyers a luxury sedan with cutting-edge technology,” he noted.
Pricing and Market Strategy
Clarke signalled that if the P7+ makes it to Australian shores, it would be priced below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles in 2025-26. Although exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, insiders suggest a target of under this threshold, making the vehicle competitively positioned in the luxury EV segment.
As it stands, TrueEV’s current offerings include the XPeng G6 and soon-to-be-launched G9 large SUV, with plans to introduce the X9 people-mover, Mona M03 compact sedan, and G7 medium SUV. This expansion indicates XPeng’s growing ambition in the Australian market.
Impressive Range and Performance
Based on Chinese specifications, the P7+ is equipped with either a 60.7kWh or 76.3kWh battery, and rear-mounted motors producing 180kW or 230kW respectively. With a claimed WLTP-range of up to 610km on the larger battery, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, the P7+ offers both practicality and performance.
The vehicle’s pricing in China starts at approximately $40,000 AUD, with the Australian version expected to offer competitive value, especially considering the technological innovations it boasts.
Cutting-Edge Technology and AI Integration
Perhaps the most notable feature of the P7+ is its “AI-defined” smart-driving and cockpit intelligence. Powered by XPeng’s Turing chip and Qualcomm’s 8259P processor, this system learns about the driver’s habits, adapts to conditions, and provides recommendations to improve efficiency and safety.
Clarke explained, “AI-defined means the car learns about you and your environment, adjusting its behavior to optimise your safety and driving experience. It’s like having a vehicle that evolves with your needs.”
In addition to advanced AI, the P7+ is equipped with extensive connectivity features, including over 20 speakers with immersive audio and a versatile cargo space ranging from 725 to 2,221 litres.
Conclusion
The XPeng P7+ stands out as a compelling contender in the Australian EV market, promising luxury, technology, and value under the LCT threshold. While a formal decision on its local release remains to be made, the vehicle’s impressive specifications and innovative features suggest it could well establish itself as the new benchmark in electric luxury sedans. Australian consumers seeking a Tesla Model S alternative may find the P7+ an intriguing proposition.
FAQs
Q: Is the XPeng P7+ available for purchase in Australia?
A: Not yet. The P7+ is currently in evaluation in Australia, with no confirmed date for commercial release. However, discussions are ongoing about its potential market entry.
Q: How much will the XPeng P7+ cost in Australia?
A: Pricing is yet to be announced, but projections suggest it will be priced below the $91,387 LCT threshold, making it competitively positioned for Australian buyers.
Q: What is the driving range of the XPeng P7+?
A: Based on WLTP estimates, the larger battery version offers a range of approximately 560-610 km.
Q: What are the key technological features of the P7+?
A: The P7+ features AI-driven smart driving, cockpit intelligence, high-end automated driving assistance, and extensive connectivity options, including a premium audio system.
Q: Will the XPeng P7+ be left-hand drive or right-hand drive in Australia?
A: The vehicle shown is a left-hand drive prototype for evaluation purposes. If introduced, right-hand drive models would need to be developed for the Australian market.
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