He Xiaopeng Drives New XPeng P7 at 234 km/h on German Autobahn in Rainy Conditions

During the Munich Motor Show in Germany, XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng personally test-drove the new XPeng P7 on the famed German Autobahn, showcasing its capabilities in a high-speed environment.

He Xiaopeng reportedly reached a top speed of 234 km/h (approximately 145 mph) in the new XPeng P7, even under rainy conditions. This feat underscores XPeng’s focus on high-performance engineering and vehicle stability. The Autobahn, with sections lacking speed limits, serves as a crucial testing ground for automotive manufacturers seeking to demonstrate the capabilities of their vehicles.

According to He Xiaopeng, initial apprehension at lower speeds above 200 km/h quickly dissipated, replaced by a sense of confidence in the vehicle’s handling. “At first, exceeding 200 km/h made me nervous, but once I crossed that threshold, I relaxed,” he stated.

He Xiaopeng also commented on the nuances of driving in Germany, contrasting it with domestic experiences “In China, we typically decelerate when approaching large curves, which adds to the initial tension. Here, maintaining a constant speed through those curves felt different. I also encountered instances where other vehicles cut into my lane but quickly steered back upon seeing my car approaching, which caused some momentary stress.” This highlights the differences in driving culture and road infrastructure between China and Germany, influencing driving experiences and safety considerations.

He Xiaopeng emphasized his trust in the vehicle, stating “The car felt extremely stable, without any significant swaying. Moreover, I didn’t have to fully depress the accelerator in most situations, which gave me a great deal of confidence.” This suggests a focus on efficiency and power reserve in the new P7’s design.

This experience seems to have left a mark on He Xiaopeng, who remarked, “Sometimes, people need to challenge themselves to reach new heights. However, safety must always come first.” This sentiment resonates with the broader trend of balancing technological innovation with safety considerations in the electric vehicle industry.

From a business perspective, this high-speed demonstration can be interpreted as a strategic move by XPeng to build brand credibility and demonstrate the technological advancements incorporated into its vehicles, particularly in the European market. By subjecting the new P7 to rigorous testing on the Autobahn, XPeng aims to convince consumers of its vehicle’s performance, stability, and overall reliability.

Moreover, the use of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) likely played a role in the test drive. While not explicitly mentioned, the P7’s stability control, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control features would have contributed to the overall driving experience and safety, especially at high speeds and in adverse weather conditions.