XPeng’s L03 range makes perfect sense—until you want VLA 2.0
I really like the L03, but XPeng’s European trim strategy feels backwards:
- RWD Long Range, 18″: 520 km WLTP
- RWD Long Range Ultra, 20″: 480 km — currently France only
- AWD Performance Ultra, 20″: 440 km
The Ultra package is not merely cosmetic. It brings two XPENG Turing AI chips, an expanded camera and sensor suite, and the hardware intended to run XPENG NGP based on VLA 2.0, including Urban and Highway NGP. European activation is currently planned for Q1 2027.
Ultra also adds the upgraded XOPERA audio system with active road-noise cancellation and front massage seats.
France therefore proves that the Ultra/VLA 2.0 hardware can be paired with the efficient rear-wheel-drive powertrain. But XPeng still forces 20″ wheels onto that version, reducing its official range from 520 to 480 km.
Admittedly, not all 40 km can automatically be blamed on the wheels: the Ultra equipment adds approximately 40 kg. But the 20″ package is the obvious avoidable penalty.
In Belgium, anyone wanting the VLA 2.0 hardware is pushed all the way into the AWD Performance Ultra. That means 440 km WLTP, a 44-litre frunk instead of 89 litres, and 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds—performance that many European buyers may value less than another 40–80 km of range.
The missing configuration seems obvious:
RWD Long Range Ultra + 18″ wheels
It would combine VLA 2.0 hardware and the complete Ultra interior with the more efficient drivetrain, higher-profile tyres and larger frunk. Its exact WLTP range is unknown, but it should presumably recover much of the gap toward 520 km.
Maybe XPeng assumes that the flagship specification must automatically mean AWD and the largest wheels. But how many European EV buyers would rather have 4.5-second acceleration than substantially more range, better ride comfort and cheaper tyres?
Which would you actually choose?
- 520-km RWD Long Range without the Turing/VLA 2.0 hardware
- 480-km RWD Long Range Ultra on 20″ wheels
- 440-km AWD Performance Ultra
- The unavailable RWD Long Range Ultra on 18″ wheels