petrolhedonist

Same Price, Petrol Backup

The L03 is XPENG’s entry ticket – a coupe-styled mid-size SUV from $41,900, a whisker under the Geely EX5 ($41,990) and roughly two grand over a BYD Atto 3. The kicker? The PowerX range-extender costs exactly the same as the base EV – 200km-plus on battery, 1000km-plus with its 1.5-litre generator. Its 2850mm wheelbase beats a VW ID.4 by 85mm. Long Range is $46,900, the AWD Performance Ultra $53,900.

On the road? We won’t know until we drive it, but the numbers are sound: 163kW and 7.5 seconds in the base car, a 4.5-second dual-motor Ultra, and a proper slippery 0.228Cd. Inside? There’s a 15.6-inch screen, a 26.8-inch head-up display and 37 storage spots – though the seats are PVC, not leather, and massage is Ultra-only. To run? It has LFP chemistry, 400V, 10–80 per cent in 20 minutes and a heat pump. Efficiency is a claimed 15.3kWh/100km. Warranty’s right up there. The gotcha? That 539-litre boot is a water-fill number. The industry-standard VDA figure is 367. And the headline ‘AI’ driving? Ultra only, and not switched on until 2027 at the earliest. Tech for all*, asterisks included.

Who needs this? Young couples and small families after an EX5 or Atto 3 with more stretch-out room and a sharper suit. Regional buyers and anyone who tows should go straight to the PowerX – same money, petrol backup, 1500kg braked. Just note it charges at 6.6kW AC. Skip it if you want a brand with local runs on the board, or the AI tricks from day one.

The verdict: 🟡 Test drive worthy