Amongst the flurry of announcements at last Tuesday’s Xpeng brand day event was the showing of a right-hand drive version of their L03 ‘compact SUV’.
Whilst currently the smallest SUV from Xpeng, at around 4.65m long, it is by no means a small car and sits firmly in the Australian ‘medium SUV’ category. In looks, with its swooping rear roofline it would perhaps be better described as a ‘fastback’, given it lacks the traditional ‘two box’ appearance of a SUV.
 Whilst Australian specs (and pricing) won’t be released until closer to the official launch, overseas versions give some clues as to the options that Xpeng have to choose from.
In Europe it was released in selected countries a couple of weeks ago, simultaneously with its Chinese release. There, it is available with the choice of two battery options (56kWh/249km range, 71kWh/520km range) in 2WD (rear wheels driven) and AWD formats, along with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.
Mind-you, the UK release (in right-hand drive) isn’t until early 2027 – meaning if Xpeng Australia keep to their timetable, the L03 will arrive here before the UK.
European specifications also include 400V architecture (rather than 800V, as found in the G6). As such, the DC charge rate is slower than the G6 – but is still at a more than acceptable 220kW maximum.
V2L at 6kW also comes standard there, as well as AC charging up to 11kW (three phase). Overseas it also scores a 1.5t (braked trailer) tow rating, which hopefully will carry over into the Australian version. Another interesting thing to note is the return of mechanical (and easier to use) door handles.
This by the way is due to the recent changes in European and Chinese regulations that ban the use of electrically operated door handles. (These have proven problematic where crashed cars have lost their 12V power and occupants haven’t been able to readily escape the vehicle).
Interestingly, Xpeng are going down Tesla’s path in not including LIDAR, relying on multiple cameras instead.
One slightly annoying feature in the RHD drive version shown here was the charge port being on the driver’s side – meaning if you are using parallel, on-street charging, the charge plug is sticking out into the road. Cyclists in particular may not appreciate yet another potential hazard to add to the ever present one of being ‘doored’.
In terms of competitors, in Europe (where it starts at €34,990/Au$57,122) – it is certainly not being priced at the budget end of the market– rather it would appear to be aimed there at models such as the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4. Other competitors here in terms of fastback designs would include the Kia EV6, and even perhaps the slightly larger BYD Sealion 7.
Further details of which versions, detailed specifications and Australia pricing for the L03 will be released by Xpeng later this year.
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