Xpeng has launched the MONA L05, a large five-seat SUV available in both battery-electric and range-extender versions, with a limited-time starting price of 139,800 yuan (about $19,700). The model, unveiled on October 29, is positioned to shake up the 150,000-yuan (about $21,100) SUV segment in China, according to EV media outlet 电动邦 (Dian Dong Bang).
The L05 lineup includes six variants: four pure-electric models (560 Plus, 535 Max, 635 Max, and 635 Ultra SE) and two range-extender models (1310 Max and 1310 Ultra SE). The limited-time prices range from 139,800 to 171,800 yuan (about $24,200), with the Max and Ultra SE trims priced 20,000 yuan (about $2,800) lower than their pre-sale prices. A new entry-level 560 Plus trim brings the starting price below 140,000 yuan.
Size, space, and dual powertrains
The L05 measures 4,870 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,940 mm. It offers generous interior space, with front headroom of 1,030 mm and rear headroom of 1,010 mm. The trunk has a regular capacity of 702 liters, expanding to 1,913 liters with the rear seats folded. The pure-electric version also provides a 102-liter front trunk.
The pure-electric powertrain uses a rear-mounted single motor producing 183 kW (245 hp) and 280 N·m of torque. It comes with two LFP battery options: 58.2 kWh and 71.1 kWh, offering CLTC ranges of 560 km, 535 km, and 635 km. (CLTC figures are typically 15-20% more optimistic than WLTP; estimated WLTP ranges would be roughly 450-540 km.) The vehicle supports 3C fast charging, replenishing from 30% to 80% in as little as 15.8 minutes, with a minimum energy consumption of 11.7 kWh per 100 km on the CLTC cycle.
The range-extender version pairs a 37.2 kWh LFP battery with a petrol generator, delivering a CLTC pure-electric range of 310 km and a combined range of 1,310 km on a full tank and charge. In depleted-battery conditions, WLTP fuel consumption is 5.26 L/100 km, with a combined fuel-equivalent consumption of 2.3 L/100 km. The EREV (range-extender) version also includes active noise cancellation to reduce generator noise.
Smart driving tiers and pricing strategy
The L05's key differentiator is its three levels of driver assistance. The base 560 Plus lacks Xpeng's Turing AI chip and offers only basic features like AEB, lane centering, and automated parking. The Max trims come with one Turing AI chip, delivering 750 TOPS of computing power and enabling full urban and highway navigation assistance, including parking-to-parking functionality. The top Ultra SE trims pack two Turing AI chips (1,500 TOPS) and add features like navigation-free roaming, full-scene standstill start, and automated roadside parking.
All versions feature Xpeng's XOS smart cockpit with a 17.3-inch central screen, a 26.8-inch head-up display, and support for Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar, and ICCOA Carlink. The chassis uses a front MacPherson and rear five-link suspension with standard DCC adaptive dampers, plus an AI-based road preview system. The turning radius is 5.4 meters, aided by agile steering technology.
Safety is a highlight, with a steel-aluminum hybrid body using 2000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel, seven standard airbags (including a 2.1-meter side curtain with 6-second pressure retention), and 17 active safety functions. A driver incapacitation assist system can slow the vehicle, pull over, and call for help if it detects the driver is unresponsive. In a collision, the high-voltage system disconnects within 5 milliseconds, and windows, doors, and hazard lights operate automatically.
The MONA L05's launch underscores Xpeng's strategy to offer a large, tech-rich SUV at a price that undercuts many rivals. With the base trim providing essential comfort and safety, the Max versions balancing cost and advanced driver assistance, and the Ultra SE catering to tech enthusiasts, the L05 aims to appeal to a wide range of buyers. For those with reliable charging, the BEV (battery-electric) versions offer low running costs; for frequent long-distance drivers, the EREV provides flexibility without range anxiety.
