XPENG's P7+ Aims to Disrupt Europe's EV Market with AI and Speed

BRUSSELS, Belgium – January 13, 2026 – Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG made a bold statement at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show today, unveiling its P7+ sedan for the European market. The debut marks a significant escalation of the company's ambitions on the continent, moving beyond simply importing vehicles to establishing a deep-rooted local presence, complete with European production and a focus on challenging the established premium order with advanced technology and aggressive pricing.

The P7+ arrives at what XPENG calls a pivotal moment, as the automotive industry's focus shifts from traditional horsepower to AI-driven "brainpower mobility." The sleek fastback is positioned not just as another electric car, but as a software-defined vehicle built to compete on intelligence, speed, and luxury.

"The launch of the XPENG P7+ represents our continued commitment to making advanced technology accessible to more people," said Mr. He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG, in a statement accompanying the launch. "From future-ready Turing chips to refined, luxurious design, we are excited for drivers to experience a vehicle built for the next era of intelligent mobility."

A Challenger Armed with AI and Ultra-Fast Charging

At the heart of the P7+'s technological arsenal is its proprietary Turing AI chip architecture, which delivers a formidable 750 tera operations per second (TOPS) of computing power. This hardware foundation is designed to enable a new level of sophistication in the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The company claims this power allows the P7+ to confidently manage complex traffic scenarios, enabling smooth automated lane changes, safe cruising, and effortless parking. Essential driving data is projected onto the windshield via a W-HUD head-up display, aiming to enhance both convenience and safety by keeping the driver's eyes on the road.

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing feature is the P7+'s charging capability. Built on an 800-volt Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 5C battery platform, the vehicle can reportedly charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes. This feat requires a compatible high-power charger capable of delivering its peak rate of over 440kW. While such chargers are not yet ubiquitous, the P7+'s architecture still promises significantly reduced charging times even on the growing network of 300kW stations across Europe. To support this, XPENG has announced plans to roll out its own network of high-speed chargers on the continent later in 2026.

This charging speed puts the P7+ in elite company, surpassing the capabilities of many key rivals. The popular Tesla Model 3, which operates on a 400V system, takes approximately 25 minutes for a similar charge. The BMW i4 requires around 32 minutes, while the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which also uses an 800V platform, takes about 18 minutes.

Democratizing Premium: Space, Luxury, and Price

XPENG is not just competing on technology; it's also launching a direct assault on the premium market's value proposition. With a reference starting price of €43,990 for the RWD Standard Range model in markets like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, the P7+ undercuts many of its premium competitors while offering a compelling package of space and luxury.

Measuring 5,071 mm in length, the P7+ is a large sedan that offers generous interior dimensions. Its luggage capacity starts at an impressive 573 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,931 litres with the rear seats folded—outclassing the boot space of the BMW i4 (470 litres) and offering a more practical shape than the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (401 litres). Reviewers have noted its "limousine-style" rear legroom, a clear advantage over the more compact Tesla Model 3.

The cabin is appointed with materials typically found in a higher price bracket. Perforated Nappa leather seats are paired with a microfiber velour headliner that imparts a cashmere-like feel. Significant attention has been paid to creating a serene driving environment, with the company citing 62 targeted noise reduction points and dozens of sound-absorbing elements to insulate the cabin from road and wind noise.

'In Europe, For Europe': A Strategy of Local Integration

Underscoring its long-term commitment, XPENG is reinforcing its European expansion with local production. The company confirmed that pilot production of the P7+ has already been completed at the renowned Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria. This makes the P7+ the third XPENG model to be assembled in Europe, following the New G6 and New G9, signaling a clear 'In Europe, For Europe' strategy.

This move not only helps the automaker navigate complex supply chains and potential trade barriers but also allows it to be more responsive to the specific demands of the European market. The strategy is further supported by the XPENG Germany R&D centre, which became operational in 2025 to strengthen local engineering and innovation.

This deepening European footprint is built on a foundation of rapid growth. Last year, XPENG delivered 22,787 vehicles in Europe, a staggering 126% increase year-on-year. The brand is now active in 26 European countries, supported by a growing network of local importers and dealer partners.

However, some industry observers note a potential wrinkle for discerning buyers: the P7+ introduced in Europe is a significant update to a model that has been on sale for some time, while an even newer version, the "Next P7," is already available in China with further enhancements. Despite this, the combination of advanced technology, rapid charging, premium features, and local production makes the P7+ a formidable new contender. With deliveries scheduled to begin in April across 25 European markets, the established players in the premium EV segment now have a serious, tech-forward challenger to watch in their rearview mirrors.