August 19, 2024 – XPeng, one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, has shifted its strategy by launching an all-new, budget-friendly lineup of cars under the “Mona” series. This move marks a departure from the brand’s recent efforts to move upmarket with models like the G9 SUV and X9 MPV.
The first model in the Mona series is the M03 electric sedan. XPeng is positioning this vehicle as an affordable option within its lineup, with prices expected to range between 100,000 and 150,000 RMB ($14,000 – $21,000). This pricing places the M03 in direct competition with high-selling vehicles like BYD’s Qin Plus. The CEO of XPeng has confidently claimed that the M03 will be “the best-looking sedan priced under 200,000 RMB” in the Chinese market.
Mona’s Origins and Future Prospects
The Mona series originated as an electric vehicle project by Didi, China’s largest ride-hailing company, in 2023. However, Didi eventually decided to exit the car manufacturing business and sold its assets and R&D to XPeng. As a result, what began as a ride-hailing vehicle has been transformed into a car aimed at private buyers. While the Mona series currently exists within the XPeng brand, there is speculation that it may eventually be spun off into a separate brand.
Design and Features
The M03’s design has sparked mixed reactions. Some praise its low drag coefficient—reportedly the lowest in the world for a production vehicle—achieved through its smooth, rounded shape and aerodynamic features like the D-pillar winglet. Others, however, have been less impressed, with one media attendee describing the design as “organic” in a less-than-flattering context.
XPeng offers the M03 with two battery options: a 51.8 kWh pack providing a claimed CLTC range of 515 km, and a 62 kWh pack offering 620 km. The company also boasts an efficiency claim of 11.5 kWh per 100 km, or 182 MPGe, which is supported by the vehicle’s low drag coefficient.
Inside, the M03 embraces a minimalist aesthetic, with a single 15.6-inch touchscreen controlling nearly all functions. This screen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, is among the most advanced in its price category. However, some users may find the small fonts challenging to read while driving. XPeng has indicated that they may address this issue through future over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
The M03 is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor available in two configurations: a 140 kW version with 225 Nm of torque, and a more powerful 160 kW version with 250 Nm of torque. The car’s 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.4 seconds is competitive within its class. Despite the use of a torsion beam rear suspension—often considered inferior to a multi-link setup—the M03 reportedly delivers a comfortable ride, thanks to careful tuning.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features
XPeng has equipped the M03 with a Level 2 driver assistance system, which includes lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. While it lacks the full XPeng system found in higher-end models, this more basic version is standard across all trim levels—a rarity in this price category. A “Max” version of the M03, featuring an upcoming vision-only driver assistance system, is also in the works.