XPeng has launched the P7+, its newest electric vehicle model. XPeng is consistently focused on identifying its tech leadership and "smart" capabilities. Apparently, with this new model, it's taking this to the next step by claiming it's the "world's first AI-defined vehicle." I'll admit it -- I don't know what that means. So, let's dig in.

To start with, "Equipped with advanced AI models, the P7+ delivers groundbreaking smart driving and cockpit capabilities." There are several more vague statements made following that. Here's one example: "The P7+ embodies XPENG's vision for AI-defined mobility, merging 'executive sedan' comfort with advanced AI capabilities to meet the evolving expectations of modern drivers." What does that mean? Are they just talking about advanced driver-assist technology? Or is it referring to certain voice assistance in the car?

Does this next part help? "Following its debut at the Paris Motor Show, the P7+ became the first vehicle to incorporate large AI models into both smart driving and cockpit functions, underscoring XPENG's vision for AI-defined mobility. These innovations aim to revolutionize the driving experience, offering users a seamless and personalized journey." I get that AI is a popular term to use. And I assume there are certain neural nets at play in these things, but the vague statements about it don't mean anything to me and don't say anything specific about what a normal driver or passenger would get out of these "AI models."

Top-Tier Driver-Assist Tech

Finally, several paragraphs into the announcement, we get something tangible on what they're referring to. "The P7+ is the world's first vehicle to feature built-in AI-powered advanced ADAS across the entire lineup, equipped with XPENG's in-house XOS 5.4 and the AI Hawkeye Visual Solution. The AI Hawkeye Visual Solution incorporates two 8M cameras, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonic radars, delivering clear, precise, and extended-range vision, enabling the P7+ to perform effectively in various lighting and weather conditions, from low light to high contrast environments. The XOS 5.4 platform enhances human-like interaction fourfold, with a 53% increase in lane-change success and a 155% improvement in detour handling."

I haven't experienced XPeng's latest ADAS for a while, but given what I experienced in the past and what I see written and posted, I do believe that XPeng is a leader in this field. As with other companies, it's all fine and dandy, but it's not groundbreaking at this point. You need to be able to give people widespread hands-free driving to get to a significant user-benefit step forward. And I do think XPeng is on the verge of that. We'll see.

A Better Cockpit

"The P7+ cockpit integrates XPENG's proprietary X-GPT model, with the Qualcomm 8295P cockpit chip for 50% enhanced performance. This system enables intelligent, natural voice interactions with in-depth comprehension, while a series of functions can be activated by one simple voice command. The interior features a 15.6-inch central control screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, and an 8-inch rear entertainment screen with three-screen connectivity." Again, I'm sure this is a nice technological step forward. However, in practical terms, it sounds like it's just an incremental improvement in voice commands. Great. Cool. Commendable. But, at the same time, it doesn't sound revolutionary.

Then again, maybe I'm jumping to conclusions. Maybe it's not implied or meant to be revolutionary. Maybe it's just that it's better, and best in class.

Industry-Leading Efficiency

This is a big one. Again, maybe it's simply incremental progress, but leading the way on efficiency is big when it comes to EVs, and XPeng continues to push the boundaries on that.

"The P7+ leads in energy efficiency, achieving 10 km per kWh. This breakthrough is enabled by four core innovations: optimized vehicle design and manufacturing, efficient power management, XPENG's X-HP 3.0 smart thermal management, and precise driving control. The P7+ has an industry-leading range efficiency of 116.89% in real-world testing. XPENG aims to further enhance range and energy efficiency through OTA updates, optimizing the electric driving experience for users."

Also, this is something quite tangible. Boosting range by dozens of kilometers through better efficiency makes a big difference for some buyers.

Safety & Performance

XPeng also explains how it is leading on safety and performance with the P7+.

"The P7+ development team refined every detail to deliver a high-end driving experience. With a double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension, combined with in-house dynamics simulations, the P7+ reduces impact on speed bumps by 50%, vibration on rough roads by 24%, body sway by one-third, and pitch by half. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, and with a braking distance of only 35 meters, the P7+ excels in both performance and comfort.

"Safety is the cornerstone of XPENG's product development philosophy. The P7+ features aluminum front- and rear-integrated die-casting body structure, crafted by the world's largest 16,000-ton die-casting machine. Its 2000 MPa ultra-high-strength cage frame has a battery that withstands impacts up to 700J, far exceeding industry averages. With seven airbags and 14 active safety features standard, the P7+ delivers comprehensive safety protection for all occupants."

You can lean much more about the new P7+ here. Warning for Americans: You can't have this.

Deliveries start next month. Perhaps more revolutionary than anything compared to Tesla, this is what leading Chinese EV producers do: they announce new tech-leading EV models and then start delivering them a month later, not years later.