Is the XPENG L03 the car that takes Chinese EVs mainstream in the UK? And what was it really like to be at a global world premiere with a thousand guests in Munich?

In Episode 8 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay are fresh from the XPENG L03 global launch in Munich — and they've got plenty to say about the car, the event, and what it means for the EV market.

The L03 is XPENG's most important car yet. Designed under former Ferrari Exterior Design Chief JuanMa Lopez, it combines SUV practicality with a coupe silhouette, a drag coefficient of just 0.228, and a cabin packed with AI technology — including an upgraded voice assistant and Google Maps integration built directly into the XPENG interface. Available as a pure EV and a range extender capable of up to 1,000km, it starts from 35,000 euros in Europe.

The pair also reflect on the realities of a thousand-person global launch and what series one of Kickin' Tyres has taught them — with two episodes to go before they plan series two.

Topics include:

• XPeng L03 world premiere — design, tech and first impressions
• Former Ferrari design chief behind the L03's styling
• AI cockpit, Google Maps integration and voice assistant tech
• Range extender variant — up to 1,000km of range
• Munich launch — a thousand guests and a few glitches
• Chinese car brands — how quickly is the landscape changing?
• Series one reflections — what's worked and what's next
• Coming up — AION, Kia, LEPAS L8, Polestar 5, and Lexus ES
  

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Is the XPeng G6 a genuine Tesla Model Y rival? And what's it really like to live with for a week?

In Episode 7 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay catch up ahead of a busy few weeks — Tim's just back from a Jeep launch in Germany covering the Avenger and Compass, while Adam shares his real-world verdict on the XPeng G6 long range after a week on test.

Adam gives an honest assessment of the G6's strengths and weaknesses — a great looking EV with a well-built interior, but with a fiddly infotainment system, vague steering, and a ride quality that lets it down slightly. The pair also discuss the quirky oval steering wheel, boot space, real-world range, and how it stacks up against rivals including the Tesla Model Y, BYD Seal, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

There's also talk of the upcoming XPeng L03 world premiere in Munich, the rise of Chinese car brands in Europe, Jeep's 85th anniversary, and whether either of them is bothered about missing the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Topics include:

• XPeng G6 long range — honest real-world review
• XPeng G6 vs Tesla Model Y and key rivals
• Jeep Avenger and Compass — Germany launch impressions
• Jeep's 85th anniversary and the new Avenger range
• XPeng L03 world premiere — Munich preview
• Chinese car brands vs legacy manufacturers
• BYD overtaking Tesla in global sales
• Goodwood Festival of Speed — are they missing out?
• What's coming — XPeng Munich, LEPAS L8, Kia launch
  

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What's it really like to make a living as a freelance motoring journalist in 2026? And is the Polestar 3 still worth buying after its shock US ban?

In Episode 6 of Kickin' Tyres, Adam Gray and Tim Barnes-Clay catch up after a longer gap than usual — Adam's back from a much-needed holiday and reflecting honestly on burnout, freelance life, and the dangers of never stepping off the treadmill.

Adam shares his verdict on the Polestar 3 rear motor after driving all three versions, plus early impressions of the Polestar 4 long range dual motor on test. The pair dig into Polestar's US ban due to connected vehicle rules and what it means for the wider Geely stable, EV charging frustrations, the Mercedes CLA Electric, and the US market's complicated history with foreign car brands. Plus — the worst cars they've ever owned and a Reliant Robin cameo nobody saw coming.

Topics include:

• Polestar 3 rear motor review — do you really need more than 333hp?
• Polestar 4 long range dual motor — early test impressions
• Polestar US ban — connected vehicle rules and what it means for Geely brands
• Mercedes CLA Electric — EV logistics in the real world
• Freelance motoring journalism — burnout, holidays, and the FOMO trap
• The US market and its complicated history with foreign car brands
• VW Group hierarchy — where does Skoda sit?
• The worst cars Adam and Tim have ever owned
• What's coming up — Xpeng Germany launch and MG Tech Day
  

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