XPENG’s latest electric SUV combines coupé-inspired styling with a 539-litre boot, a 102-litre frunk and a long list of technology. The RWD Plus Long Range is available in Singapore from S$202,999, with an AWD Ultra variant to follow.

Singapore — XPENG is adding another electric SUV to its Singapore line-up, although the new L03 is not quite the conventional SUV you might expect. With its sloping coupé-like profile, frameless doors and a rather generous dose of technology, it is clearly aiming to stand out in an increasingly crowded electric vehicle market.

The XPENG L03 is currently available here in RWD Plus Long Range form, priced from S$202,999. An AWD Ultra variant is also planned for the coming months, bringing with it XPENG’s proprietary Turing AI chip.

There is quite a bit to unpack, too. Beyond the styling, the L03 promises up to 520km of WLTP range, a useful amount of storage space and a cabin that appears to have been designed with the gadget-loving driver firmly in mind.

Coupé styling, SUV proportions

The L03 takes a slightly different approach to the usual electric SUV formula. Its flowing roofline gives it a coupé-like silhouette, while its dimensions retain the proportions and presence of a conventional SUV.

Measuring 4,650mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,600mm tall, the L03 sits on a 2,850mm wheelbase. The exterior was developed under JuanMa Lopez, formerly Head of Exterior Design at Ferrari, and follows XPENG’s Vital Flow Design Philosophy.

The details are suitably modern. Frameless doors, frameless exterior mirrors and semi-flush mechanical door handles help keep the bodywork clean, while the design contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.228.

At the front, Starship headlights provide the lighting signature, while an ultra-red full-width rear light strip stretches across the tailgate. The curved rear windscreen and side glazing also create what XPENG describes as a 270-degree panoramic cabin.

The L03 is offered in five exterior colours: Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost and Phantom Purple. Buyers can choose between Light Gray and Dark Gray interior finishes.

The RWD Plus Long Range rides on 18-inch wheels, while the forthcoming AWD Ultra gets larger 20-inch items.

More storage than its coupé shape suggests

A sloping roofline does not always make for the most practical family car, but XPENG appears to have given the L03’s storage areas some thought.

The rear boot offers 539 litres of cargo capacity, while a 102-litre front trunk provides additional storage for items you would rather not have rolling around with the rest of your luggage.

The rear seats are split 40/20/40, allowing individual sections to be folded to accommodate longer or bulkier items without necessarily sacrificing all the rear passenger seating.

There are also 19 custom-ready mounting points and 37 storage spaces spread throughout the cabin and cargo areas. A powered tailgate with memory function, cargo cover and floor lashing anchors round off the practical touches.

It is quite a bit of storage for something wearing a coupé silhouette. Perhaps the days of having to choose between looking good and carrying your weekend shopping are slowly coming to an end.

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A cabin full of screens and creature comforts

As with many modern Chinese electric cars, the XPENG L03’s cabin is heavily focused on technology.

The dashboard houses a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a rather wide 26.8-inch head-up display that projects driving information onto the windscreen.

The infotainment system runs on a MediaTek MT8676 processor and includes a four-zone ‘Hey XPENG’ voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, alongside the XPENG App Store and over-the-air software updates.

Audio comes courtesy of the XOPERA Surround Sound System, comprising nine speakers and two additional speakers positioned around the driver’s seat shoulders. There is also a 50W ventilated wireless charging pad, front USB-A and USB-C ports, and a rear USB-C charging port.

The front seats offer 10-way electric adjustment, with the driver’s seat getting four-way lumbar support and a lumbar relaxation function. Both front seats also come with three-level heating and ventilation, alongside memory and welcome functions.

Above, a panoramic glass roof with thermal and UV protection adds to the sense of space. A velvet headliner, 256-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control and motorised air vents complete the cabin’s rather well-equipped environment.

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Up to 520km of WLTP range

The Singapore-spec XPENG L03 RWD Plus Long Range is powered by a 71.2kWh 3C lithium iron phosphate battery.

Its rear-mounted electric motor produces 99kW and 280Nm of torque, sending the car from 0 to 100km/h in 10 seconds. Top speed is rated at 180km/h, while the claimed WLTP driving range is up to 520km.

When it comes to charging, the L03 supports DC fast charging at up to 236kW. XPENG quotes a 10 to 80 per cent charging time of 20 minutes under suitable conditions.

Drivers can choose between Eco, Standard, Sport and Individual driving modes. The suspension setup comprises MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link independent arrangement at the rear.

Plenty of assistance behind the wheel

The L03 also comes with XPILOT Assist, which brings together its driving assistance, parking and safety functions.

The hardware includes a front-view camera module, a 360-degree surround-view camera and 12 ultrasonic sensors. On the road, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering Control help with speed, following distance and lane positioning, while Speed Assist System and Traffic Sign Recognition provide additional assistance.

Parking duties are handled by Automated Parking Assist, while Transparent Underbody View offers a clearer look at the area beneath the vehicle — a useful feature when negotiating tighter spaces or less familiar surroundings.

Active safety functions include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Door Open Warning, Lane Keep Assistance and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

There are seven airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring, seat belt reminders and Driver State Monitoring. Families with younger passengers will also appreciate the two ISOFIX mounting points in the second row.

XPENG L03 Singapore price and availability

The XPENG L03 RWD Plus Long Range is priced from S$202,999 in Singapore.

The AWD Ultra variant is expected to arrive in the coming months and will feature XPENG’s proprietary Turing AI chip. It will also be fitted with 20-inch wheels, compared with the 18-inch set-up on the RWD Plus Long Range.

Those interested in viewing the L03 or arranging a test drive can visit the XPENG Singapore showroom at 281 Alexandra Road, Level 1.

With its coupé-inspired styling, generous storage, 520km claimed range and a cabin loaded with technology, the XPENG L03 brings a fairly comprehensive package to Singapore’s electric SUV market. Whether the styling wins you over is another matter, but there is certainly more to this SUV than a sloping roofline and a large touchscreen.

Photos: XPENG Singapore & Clifford Chow