At the global launch of Xpeng's new L03 SUV in Munich, Germany, Tim Barnes-Clay caught up with Sven De Smet, Head of Brand and Product at Xpeng Europe, to discuss the company's latest model, its innovative range-extender technology, and what UK buyers can expect.
Tim Barnes-Clay: We're here in Munich at the launch of the new L03. For readers who haven't seen it yet, please tell us about the car.
Sven De Smet: The L03 is a new SUV from Xpeng, entering a segment we haven't competed in before. In Germany, we've announced pricing from around €35,000, making it extremely competitive. It's a wide vehicle at 1.9 metres, with a sleek coupé profile but exceptional rear passenger space. The design comes from our Shanghai studio and follows our 'Vital Flow' philosophy, inspired by the fluidity of water. The result is something muscular, elegant and minimalist all at once.
Tim Barnes-Clay: What powertrains will buyers be able to choose from?
Sven De Smet: As an all-electric manufacturer, we'll offer Standard Range, Long Range and Performance versions. But we're also bringing our Kunpeng range-extender technology to Europe. This combines an electric drivetrain with a petrol-powered generator that charges the battery while driving, giving a total range of more than 1,000 kilometres. It's designed for customers who want to drive electric but still have complete peace of mind on longer journeys.
Tim Barnes-Clay: That's an impressive figure. The UK price hasn't been confirmed yet, but the European pricing looks very competitive.
Sven De Smet: Absolutely. In Germany, the Range Extender variant is around €38,000 depending on specification, and we're trying to solve genuine customer concerns. In some European countries, EV adoption has been slower due to charging infrastructure, electricity prices, or simply because many people live in apartments where installing a home charger isn't practical. The Range Extender gives those customers an electric vehicle with a built-in backup plan.
Tim Barnes-Clay: The Xpeng L03 is surprisingly spacious, as you’ve mentioned. Would it comfortably suit a family?
Sven De Smet: Definitely. By European standards, it's an excellent family car. The rear seats comfortably accommodate three passengers. Our target customer is a young family. Perhaps they've got their first child on the way or a second arriving soon after. We use the word "liveliness" to describe that stage of life when everything happens at once. You get a better job, move to a larger home and need a bigger car. That's exactly who the L03 has been designed for.
Tim Barnes-Clay: I can certainly relate to that.
Sven De Smet: Then we've found our customer!
Tim Barnes-Clay: Looking beyond this launch, what does the future hold for Xpeng in Europe?
Sven De Smet: We're only just getting started. This is our second major product launch of the year, following the P7+ unveiled earlier in 2026. We're expanding both upwards and downwards in our product range. The L03 uses our D Platform, which is designed to make advanced technology affordable. Our CEO often says technology shouldn't be a luxury. It should be available to as many people as possible because that's how the transition to electric mobility really happens.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Do you have any indication of when UK customers might be able to buy one?
Sven De Smet: Deliveries in mainland Europe are likely during late September into October. The UK requires some additional localisation work, so I'd estimate November or December if everything goes according to plan. Of course, timings can always change.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Potentially arriving just in time for Christmas.
Sven De Smet: That would certainly make for a nice Christmas present.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Before we finish, I have to ask about the launch colour. I really like it.
Sven De Smet: I'm pleased to hear that. A few months ago, we had to choose the launch colour, and when I saw Phantom Purple, I knew it was the right decision. It's modern, premium and elegant. People hear the word 'purple' and imagine something quite bold, but once they see it in person, they realise it's much more subtle.
Tim Barnes-Clay: I'd actually describe it as almost lilac.
Sven De Smet: Exactly. It's something a little bit different, and that's precisely the point.