- Xpeng’s Mona M03 features the lowest drag coefficient of any production sedan.
- Despite its low price, the Mona M03 offers advanced features like semi-autonomous driving.
- Two battery options are available, consisting of a 51.8 kWh and a 62.2 kWh pack.
If you want to buy an innovative EV that doesn’t break the bank, you may have to move to China, as the nation has become the global hotbed for affordable cars powered by electricity. Case in point, the new Mona M03 from Xpeng.
Announced in June, this new model serves as the new entry-level into the Xpeng family and has now been priced, available from a barely-believable 119,800 yuan or the equivalent of $16,800. That makes it roughly $600 cheaper than a 2024 Nissan Versa, currently the cheapest new car on sale in the U.S.
Read: Xpeng’s Mona M03 Claims To Be The Most Aerodynamic Electric Sedan Ever
For this affordable starting price, local buyers will be able to get behind the wheel of an EV with the lowest drag coefficient of any sedan in production. Power comes courtesy of a 51.8 kWh battery pack driving a single electric motor with 188 hp (140 kW). While the battery is small, the base model has a claimed CTLC range of 320 miles (515 km).
It’s not just the range that makes the Mona M03 compelling. All models come equipped with Level 2 driver-assistance technologies thanks to a pair of millimeter-wavelength radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and seven cameras.
Sitting in the middle of the Mona M03 range is a 129,800 yuan (~$18,200) version. It receives a larger 62.2 kWh battery with a more powerful 215 hp (160 kW) motor at the front wheels. The larger battery sees its range climb to 385 miles (620 km). Topping out the family is the 580 Max model, priced from 155,800 yuan or ~$21,850, with 360 miles (580 km) of range.
Like many other EVs on the market, the cabin of the Mona M03 is quite sparse but it is well-equipped. For example, all models have a large panoramic glass roof and an 18-speaker sound system. Taking pride of place in the center of the dashboard is a massive Tesla-style screen and like the Model 3 and Model Y, there’s no traditional instrument cluster. However, for 599 yuan ($84), a second screen can be added behind the steering wheel.
Xpeng reportedly received more than 10,000 firm orders for the Mona M03 in 52 minutes after its June presentation. With prices now made public, its order book is expected to quickly grow.