On the evening of April 15, GAC Honda launched its new electric SUV, the P7. It offers three models. Prices range from 199,900 to 249,900 yuan (34470$).
As GAC Honda’s most important new energy SUV this year, the GAC Honda P7 focuses on durability and quality. Many who hold biases against Japanese cars may not believe it, but the P7 uses materials even better than those in Acura, Honda’s premium brand. Don’t always judge joint venture brands by the past; they evolve with the times.
Some media have tested the Honda P7. I also joined the test drive for the Honda S7, a sister model from Dongfeng Honda. The main differences lie in price and design. The interior materials vary in some areas. The S7 uses genuine leather for the door panels. The P7 uses suede-like material. The feel differs. It depends on personal preference.
Let’s get to the point. Which version of the GAC Honda P7 is worth buying? In my opinion, the rear-wheel drive long-range Pro version at 199,900 yuan (27570$) is the best choice. Why do I say that?
First, set aside the design. People have different opinions. Those who like it will buy it. The size and chassis have few differences, except for the high-end models with adjustable suspension. For a pure electric SUV, the most important aspects are the three electric systems.
This year, Honda’s joint venture brands focus on improvements. The Guangben P7 is no exception. It uses the CATL 89.8 kWh battery across all models. Even the lowest version at 199,900 yuan (27570$) features this configuration. CATL’s battery quality is well-known. A nearly 90 kWh battery costs tens of thousands of yuan. This makes the 199,900 yuan (27570$) version seem even more valuable.
Next is the safety configuration. The P7, priced at 199,900 yuan (27570$), does not cut corners. It comes standard with 13 airbags, including a knee airbag for the passenger seat. The P7’s body uses 68% high-strength steel and 25% hot-formed steel. Its torsional rigidity measures 40,000 N·m/deg. This material choice ranks among Honda’s best in its manufacturing history. It leaves critics of Honda’s safety with nothing to say.
Let’s talk about intelligent driving. First, the Honda P7, priced at 199,900 yuan (27570$), offers complete intelligent driving hardware. It includes five cameras, twelve ultrasonic radars, and five millimeter-wave radars as standard. The vehicle also features Honda SENSING and L2-level driving assistance. It adds three major upgrades: Honda CoPilot Pro, which includes highway navigation assistance, driver abnormal response system, and door collision warning. Other intelligent driving functions include advanced lane-keeping assistance, advanced lane change assistance, lane change assistance, curve departure warning, driver abnormal response, door collision warning, and intelligent parking assistance.
I think high-end streaming rearview mirrors are unnecessary. They look “futuristic,” but most people need time to adapt. Considering the price, I believe they aren’t essential.
Overall, GAC Honda has made a clear decision. They avoid unnecessary complexities and set a straightforward price. I hear that Dongfeng Honda learned from past mistakes. They also adjusted their prices to match the P7. They will compensate existing car owners with price differences, benefits, and configurations. It seems Honda’s corrective actions are not too late. If policies align, they still have a chance in the future.