XPeng L05 Lands in China: Model Y Rival Grows Up, Slightly Slower but Roomier

XPeng has opened orders for the L05 in China and is already shipping the model to overseas markets. Think of it as the L03’s bigger sibling — and after seeing a camouflaged prototype in Munich earlier this year, that read holds up on the production car.

Where the L03 was conceived as a compact SUV that punches above its footprint, the L05 stretches the formula to 4,870 mm in overall length. That slots it between the L03’s 4,650 mm and, well, a bit past the Tesla Model Y at 4,791 mm. Extra metal means extra mass: figure roughly 50 kg added across trim levels.

Same Running Gear, Slightly Different Numbers

The architecture story is familiar. Both the L03 and L05 ride on a 400V platform rather than the 800V setups XPeng reserves for pricier models. The 3C charging rate takes the battery from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes — good enough to edge the 400V Model Y, though China’s higher-voltage contenders will still beat it to the plug.

Battery options mirror the L03: 58.2 kWh and 71.1 kWh packs. The larger unit in rear-wheel drive form loses a little range to the size gain, dropping from 650 km to 635 km on the CLTC cycle. The 183 kW (about 245 hp) motor carries over too, with the 0–100 km/h sprint slipping from 6.6 s to 6.8 s. That’s still quicker than the European Model Y Standard’s 7.2 s. No AWD variant for China at launch — though export markets may see one.

Key Specs: 58.2 / 71.1 kWh batteries · 635 km CLTC range (RWD, large pack) · 183 kW (~245 hp) · 10–80% charge in ~20 min · 0–100 km/h in 6.8 s

Cabin Gains Over the Model Y — and Over the L03

Passenger volume was already an L03 strength, and the L05 widens the gap against Tesla’s bestseller. Rear occupants now get folding tray tables, a 17.3-inch screen that drops from the ceiling, and sunshades for the glass roof. Up front, the center touchscreen grows from 15.6 to 17.3 inches, and new color choices join the palette; heated, cooled, massaging seats and a clearly readable HUD remain. European cars will likely also get a separate driver display.

Cargo space grows versus the L03 under standard measurements. XPeng claims nine carry-on suitcases fit with the rear seats upright, and the squared-off roofline would help further if measured to the ceiling rather than the seatbacks. All told, the L05 packs 41 storage locations, including under-seat bins.

Top Ultra trims come with XPeng’s NGP intelligent driving suite running VLA 2.0.

Pricing and the Awkward G6 Question

Chinese list prices run from 144,800 RMB (about $21,722)** for the base 560 Plus to **176,800 RMB (~$26,522) for the 635 Ultra SE. An EREV variant with a claimed 1,310 km of combined range sits between 154,800 and 166,800 RMB. XPeng is also throwing in a 5,000 RMB launch discount.

The catch: the G6 lists at the same 176,800 RMB as the top L05, yet brings more power, an 800V platform for faster charging, comparable range and a 4,758 mm body that gives up only a little space. In Germany, expect the L05 to land near €38,000 once VAT, the 20.7% EV countervailing duty and tariffs are layered on — against €39,900 for a Model Y (whose intelligent driving is a €99/month subscription) and €43,600 for the G6.

For buyers who like the L03’s compact footprint, the L05 mainly buys breathing room. It’s a sensible stretch, not a reinvention — and a G6 refresh to sharpen the pecking order may not be far off.