XPeng has opened orders for its new electric SUV, the Mona L05, with a starting price of $25,000 (~AUD 35,572). This model is not only larger than the Tesla Model Y but is also designed for global markets, targeting 65 countries. XPeng aims to expand its presence outside China, with the L05 expected to arrive in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand soon.
Size and Interior Space
The Mona L05 measures 4.87 meters in length, 1.93 meters in width, and 1.64 meters in height, riding on a 2.94-meter wheelbase. This makes it noticeably bigger than the XPeng G6, which I own, and even eight centimeters longer than a Tesla Model Y. The extra length translates directly into more cargo space, with a 702-liter boot compared to the 570 liters in the G6. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity exceeds 1,900 liters. Up front, the L05 offers a 100-liter frunk—something missing from the G6—bringing total storage to over 800 liters.
Battery, Range, and Performance
The Mona L05 comes in two main versions: a pure electric EV and a range-extended (eRev) model. The entry-level EV features a 58 kWh LFP battery, rated at 530 kilometers on the Chinese cycle (about 430 kilometers real-world). The mid-tier version uses a 71 kWh LFP battery with a claimed 635 kilometers of range, likely just over 500 kilometers in real-world conditions. Both versions are rear-wheel drive, powered by a single 183 kW (245 horsepower) motor, enabling 0-100 km/h in about 6.8 seconds. Charging from 10% to 80% takes 19 minutes, thanks to the 800-volt architecture, though it’s not as fast as some other XPeng models. The battery warranty is eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
Technology and Features
Inside, the L05 stands out with a massive 17-inch central screen and a 27-inch heads-up display stretching across the windshield. The front seats offer massage functions, and the passenger seat can lie flat at the push of a button. There’s also a secondary screen for rear passengers. The top-spec version, priced at $28,000 (~AUD 39,841), doubles the computing power with XPeng’s Turing chips, providing about 700 TOPS of compute power each.
Range-Extended Version
The eRev model includes a small petrol engine that acts solely as a generator to charge the battery—it never drives the wheels. This version delivers 310 kilometers on battery power alone (CLTC), which is likely around 200 kilometers WLTP. Despite costing the same as the entry-level EV, the eRev has a smaller battery, is half a second slower to 100 km/h, and requires petrol, making the EV version a more attractive option in my opinion.
Global Expansion Plans
XPeng engineered the L05 for 65 countries and claims to have tested 660 prototypes over 5 million kilometers in 25 different countries. While these are big claims, the extensive international testing suggests XPeng is serious about global sales. The company aims for one million sales per year by 2030, with half targeted for Europe. The Mona L03, a smaller sibling, will arrive in Australia and New Zealand soon, and XPeng has announced five new models for Australia in the next six months. There’s no word yet on North American plans, with the US market likely off-limits due to trade issues, but Canada remains a possibility.
What This Means for Buyers and the Market
The Mona L05 brings a bigger, more practical electric SUV to the market at a competitive price, with advanced features and strong global ambitions. For buyers, it offers more space and technology than many rivals at this price point. For the industry, XPeng’s push into dozens of markets signals increasing competition in the affordable EV segment, especially from Chinese automakers. I think the L05 could be a strong contender in markets where it launches, especially given its size, features, and value proposition.
