The P5 is the all-important third model from Chinese firm Xpeng and is aimed squarely at young families seeking a highly connected electric saloon. Already on sale in Norway, Xpeng is poised for major expansion across Europe over the next year and the P5 will be one of the models spearheading that push.
As the first production car in the world to feature built-in lidar, it expands on the autonomous features of the sportier Xpeng P7 model and, when the software is ready, will offer an inner-city self-driving capability that's likely to rival Tesla’s 'Full Self-Driving' function. The two lidar units are positioned some way back in the front spoiler so as not to risk having what would be a potentially very expensive 'fender-bender' accident.
Sitting on the same platform as Xpeng’s first model, the G3, the P5 has quite a high stance for a saloon. Perhaps that's what makes it look awkward in the photos, although it looks more elegant in the metal.
However, there is little mistaking that the P5 is electric. Xpeng has eked out as much space as possible for occupants. Despite having a considerably shorter wheelbase than the P7, the P5 actually beats its bigger sibling on internal space gene, especially when it comes to rear leg room.
Tesla’s Model 3 is the obvious competitor and, unlike its American rival, the P5 has a dedicated digital instrument panel featuring essential driving information such as speed and navigation prompts. There's also a 15.6in central infotainment screen with one of the best voice control systems we've yet experienced.
