Camry

Make
Toyota
Segment
Sedan

It's called the P5, has a large display screen, and runs Xmart OS 3.0 software, but no, it isn't a new smartphone. Chinese automotive startup XPeng may not be known for much more than blatantly copying Tesla's website design last year but that could all be set to change with the new P5 all-electric sedan. The XPeng P5 is the company's third production model but is significant in that it is said to be the first production EV in the world that employs automotive-grade LiDAR technology. The XPeng's various smart driver-assist technologies will be powered by the company's XPILOT 3.5 architecture that was developed in-house. The range of its abilities is impressive indeed and underlines the progress that the East has made recently following Honda's unveiling of the first Level 3 autonomous car.

This architecture uses no less than 32 perception sensors. Those sensors include two LiDAR units and an astounding 13 high-res cameras. Those LiDAR units have the ability to identify cyclists, road works, pedestrians, and more, and they can perform these functions even in poor light. With so much technology working its magic around the P5, it's little surprise that the cabin is similarly advanced. The driver has access to a massive 15.6-inch screen linked to XPeng's in-car operating system known as Xmart OS 3.0. The P5 also features Navigation Guided Pilot, allowing it to identify traffic lights, automatically follow other cars, and seamlessly transition from highway to city driving.

At 189.3 inches in length, the P5 is slightly shorter than the likes of a Toyota Camry and Mazda 6. It has a distinct fastback design, so-called X-shaped headlight clusters, and a large panoramic roof. It looks smart and modern and details like the flush door handles impart a classy feel. Bizarrely for a sedan, the interior can be set up in a theatre configuration or transformed into a sleeping area where you can watch the stars through that glass roof. Will we see the clever XPeng P5 in North America? This is a possibility but nothing has been confirmed yet. The P5 sedan will be shown at Auto Shanghai 2021 on April 19 when more information about Tesla's Model 3 rival will be shared.