A day after reports that XPeng’s upcoming BEV will ditch LiDAR in favor of pure vision cameras, the Chinese automaker has confirmed its official model name and shared the first images. Here’s what we know about the BEV, called the P7+, which XPeng’s founder says is on a “mission to open a new era of intelligent driving.”
XPeng Motors ($XPEV) was one of the first automakers to integrate LiDAR sensors into mass-market BEVs, and the technology has helped propel the Chinese automaker into a position as one of the leaders in ADAS and autonomous driving technology.
Its XNGP program has emerged as a real competitor to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) program and is arguably better, having already been fully rolled out across China. However, we’re not here to discuss that topic today.
Following reports dating back to February 2024, XPeng Motors has officially begun switching from LiDAR sensors to pure vision cameras… in at least one new vehicle. Yesterday, we shared that ADAS technology, similar to that found in Tesla, is expected to debut in a new XPeng BEV model later this year.
Since then, XPeng Motors has taken to social media in China and confirmed the switch to Pure Vision, and will debut a new model called the P7+.
XPeng teases new P7+ EV with Pure Vision ADAS
According to a Weibo post from XPeng Motors founder and CEO He Xiaopeng earlier today, the Chinese automaker is still very much focused on delivering the previously announced MONA M03 sedan but has given the public a sneak peek at its follow-up model to wet their beaks. According to Xiaopeng:
Recently, I have been fully preparing for the details of the XPeng MONA M03, as well as its mass production and delivery. Regarding the new models that everyone has been discussing a lot in the past two days, I can only briefly talk about 3 points:
Point 1: P7+
Point 2: 5 meters+
Point 3: Technology+
That’s not much, but it’s a start. In addition to the three initial images of the P7+, formerly called the “F57,” above, XPeng has confirmed that it will be more than 5 meters (16.4 feet) long and will carry advanced technology, including clear-view cameras.
The XPeng P7 sedan, a mainstay of the company’s lineup, is 4.88 meters long, so the P7+ will be even longer. We’re still figuring out wheelbase measurements, but we expect more length to allow for more cabin and cargo space.
Xiaopeng also says the P7+ has a mission – to “open a new era of intelligent driving.” It will be interesting to see what kind of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving capabilities XPeng can deliver with Pure Vision and its previously announced AI-powered operating system.
According to previous reports from China, the P7+ is expected to launch in Q4 2024. But before that, we can focus on the upcoming launch of the MONA M03, which the automaker reminded the public not to forget on Weibo:
Please pay more attention to MONA first; P7+ see you later!
FTC: We use affiliate links to automatically earn income. More.
