Tesla, Watch Out: Xpeng’s NGP Is Seriously Impressive.

Think Tesla is the king of autonomous driving? Time to rethink that. Xpeng’s Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) just delivered a stunning performance on the bustling streets of Shanghai — and it’s nothing short of amazing.

Driving in China isn’t for the faint of heart. Between scooters weaving through traffic, bold drivers forcing their way in, and pedestrians crossing wherever they feel like, it’s total chaos. Yet, Xpeng’s P7+ sedan, equipped with NGP, handled it all like a seasoned pro. Yes, drivers still need to keep their hands on the wheel (regulations oblige), but otherwise, NGP takes control smoothly and confidently.

XPENG. "XPENG Unveils the P7+ at the Paris Motor Show, Showcasing Its AI Mobility Vision." XPENG Motors, 17 Oct. 2024, https://www.xpeng.com/news/0188bcd8920c8876bd572c9e8bbb00ed.​XPENG+3XPENG+3Street Insider+

Smarter Than the Average Driver

What makes NGP stand out? It doesn’t just react — it adapts. When another driver tries to force their way into a lane, the P7+ can flash its headlights, honk, or even gently push through if needed. It mirrors local driving habits while keeping safety a priority. At times, it even hesitates cautiously before risky maneuvers like U-turns — proof that it's constantly assessing the safest move.

And forget about LiDAR — Xpeng has gone full camera-mode. With a system nicknamed "Eagle Eye," the P7+ relies on high-powered vision and artificial intelligence to navigate, even in rainstorms or nighttime chaos. It's a bold choice that cuts costs without cutting corners, working flawlessly in 99% of real-world situations. Plus, Xpeng offers easy upgrades: owners without LiDAR can boost their car's system by simply swapping out a chip.

Not Perfect, but Close

Of course, no system is flawless. During the test, the P7+ showed a bit of hesitation during complicated U-turns and once got confused by a poorly parked car. In a 40-minute drive, it needed human intervention only twice — not bad at all, considering the conditions.

A clever touch: blue lights on the side mirrors signal to nearby drivers that the car is operating autonomously. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in crowded traffic.

CnEVPost. "Xpeng opens City NGP to all eligible P5 vehicles in Guangzhou." CnEVPost, 21 Oct. 2022, https://cnevpost.com/2022/10/21/xpeng-opens-city-ngp-to-all-eligible-p5-guangzhou/.​

What About Europe?

Here’s the catch: in France and across Europe, strict regulations hold back NGP’s full potential. Right now, it’s limited to Level 2 autonomy — basic lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, a few automated overtakes, and auto-parking. Great features, but nothing that feels revolutionary compared to what's already available from brands like BMW, Renault, or Tesla.

However, Xpeng seems ready. If European laws loosen up, the company claims it could quickly roll out more advanced features. Still, patience will be required — anyone expecting a full autonomous revolution overnight is likely in for a long wait.

Final Thoughts

In China, Xpeng’s NGP shows exactly how far autonomous tech can go when given the right environment to thrive.In Europe, it’s more about cautious optimism for the future.

One thing’s clear: Tesla isn’t alone anymore. Xpeng is in the race — and it’s running fast.