Xpeng L03: Die 35.000-Euro-Kampfansage an Tesla

Xpeng has launched its new electric SUV, the L03, with a price tag of around €35,000, positioning itself directly against Tesla’s Model Y and other competitors in Europe. The vehicle was unveiled during a high-profile event in Munich, hosted by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. This marks a strategic move by Xpeng, which has been operating in Graz since 2021, to establish a stronger foothold in the European market. The unveiling of the L03 took place amid a dramatic display featuring robots, drones, flying cars, and numerous vehicles, creating a spectacle designed to impress over 2,000 attendees. Founder He Xiaopeng emphasized that this model was developed with a specific focus on the European market, aiming to compete directly with established players such as Tesla and Audi. According to reports, the L03 is described as a “KI-definiertes SUV-Coupé” equipped with intelligent technology and fully electric powertrain, representing a milestone for the company. The L03 measures 4.65 meters in length, 1.92 meters in width, and features a wheelbase of 2.85 meters, making it competitive with models like the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q4 e-tron. Xpeng is leveraging aggressive pricing strategies and comprehensive standard equipment to attract buyers. In Austria, the base price for the L03 starts at €36,600, while the entry-level model begins at €35,600, with an additional €3,000 for a larger battery pack. The vehicle offers five different variants, each varying in power output and range. The "Standard Range" variant provides 180 kW (245 PS) and a 58.3 kWh battery for approximately 445 kilometers of range. The REEV version, equipped with a range extender, can travel up to 1,000 kilometers. The top-tier AWD Ultra model, priced from €46,600, includes two Turing AI chips capable of delivering up to 750 TOPS of computing power for level-2+ autonomous driving. Despite being based on a 400-volt architecture, the L03 supports charging speeds of up to 238 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes under ideal conditions. With a series-production heat pump and advanced aerodynamics (a drag coefficient of 0.23), the theoretical energy consumption ranges from 15.3 to 18.4 kWh per 100 kilometers. Inside, the L03 boasts a luxurious cabin with velour headliner, leather and soft-touch surfaces, and a 256-color ambient lighting system as standard. Despite its coupe-like design, the long wheelbase ensures ample rear space. While the trunk capacity of 367 liters is modest, it is complemented by a 10-liter storage compartment beneath the rear seats and a practical "frunk" (89 liters for rear-wheel drive, 44 liters for all-wheel drive). The cockpit features three displays: an 8.9-inch instrument cluster, a large 26.8-inch head-up display, and a central 15.6-inch touchscreen with 2.5K resolution. Most controls are operated via voice commands through the integrated Google Voice Assistant. Safety features include seven airbags and over a dozen assistance systems, including a 360-degree camera with a “transparent chassis” function that allows drivers to see the ground directly underneath the vehicle. Production of the L03 takes place at Magna Steyr’s facility in Graz, Austria. This partnership represents a significant opportunity for the region, as Graz has become a key hub for Chinese automakers in Europe. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of the area in the automotive industry, particularly within the realm of electric vehicles.