Starting From: $16,988
Unveiled at the company’s 10th-anniversary gala, the Mona M03 is a stylish and technologically advanced hatchback coupe that promises to redefine the electric driving experience. We managed to get our hands on this car for a while. So, let’s review it today.
| Our Short Verdict | |
| Xpeng has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation with the Mona M03. It’s a practical hatchback and a great choice in the smart EV market, with plenty of standard options. | |
| Things we like | Things we don’t like |
| ✅ Long range, especially in higher trims ✅ Safety features are standard on all trims ✅ Excellent storage for a hatchback ✅ Never-ending smart features ✅ Automated parking is very efficient ✅ Provides excellent value for money | ⛔ Not particularly fast ⛔ Not the most powerful EV |
Overview of the All-New 2024 Xpeng MONA M03
Xpeng MONA M03 is a truly smart electric hatchback, launched in three trims. With all the buzz around it, we were really excited to review its Long Range Edition offered with a 620 km range. The car looks from outer space at a glance, and it is an engineering marvel in all aspects, whether you take its low-drag aerodynamics or the long list of smart features.
We’ll shed light on each and every aspect of this car as we go ahead in this review. However, MONA M03 is an excellent EV in its class and price range. We don’t think any other car comes quite close to it in terms of smart driving features and driving range.
Trims and Pricing
515 long battery life: $16,990
620 ultra-long battery life: $18,028
580 ultra-long battery life Max: $22,090
Electric Motors and Acceleration
While the Mona M03’s performance figures may not be groundbreaking compared to some other electric vehicles on the market, they strike a good balance between power and efficiency, making it suitable for both daily commuting and spirited driving.
The entry-level 515 long battery life trim provides a solid foundation with 188 hp and 225 Nm torque, delivering a respectable but not so fast 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds. The 620 ultra-long battery life and 580 ultra-long battery life Max trims step up the power output to 218 hp and 250 Nm torque, resulting in slightly quicker acceleration times of 7.4 seconds.
Range, Charging Times, and Battery Size
Xpeng has equipped the Mona M03 with a range of battery options to suit various driving needs. The 515 long battery life trim features a 51.8 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 515 km. The 620 ultra-long battery life and 580 ultra-long battery life Max trims both utilize a larger 62.2 kWh battery pack, delivering an extended range of 620 km and 580 km, respectively.
The Mona M03’s energy consumption of 11.5 kWh per 100 km ensures efficient use of battery power. Additionally, the vehicle supports rapid charging, allowing for an additional 200 kilometers of range to be added in just 15 minutes. At a DC fast charger, it takes less than 26 minutes to recharge the batteries from 30% to 80%.
Drive and Handling
Mona M03’s driving and handling dynamics are impressive, offering a balance of agility and stability. We found that the car remains composed and stable during lane changes, overtaking, and cornering maneuvers.
The car’s golden steering ratio of 14.2 and a minimum turning radius of 5.3 meters make it exceptionally easy to turn and U-turn, even in tight spaces. The Mona M03’s vehicle roll gradient of 3.5°/g when changing lanes and a steady-state lateral acceleration of >0.9g further contribute to its agile handling characteristics.
Comfort, Cargo, and Interior Cabin
While MONA M03 might not be as spacious as an SUV, the interior offers a comfortable, functional, and stylish environment that caters to the needs of both drivers and passengers. The Mona M03 boasts a standard electric liftgate and a generous 621L trunk volume. The rear seat of the Mona M03 can be easily converted into a spacious mode with a one-touch switch.
The panoramic area of 1.22 m2 provides a sense of spaciousness, while the Low-E laminated glass helps to insulate the cabin from heat and glare in summer. MONA M03 also offers 4 AC modes, ensuring optimal comfort in all weather conditions.
Exterior and Appearance
The Xpeng MONA M03 is as visually appealing as it is functional. With a drag coefficient of Cd0.194, it boasts one of the lowest drag figures among electric hatchbacks. This translates to improved range and efficiency.
Beneath the sleek exterior lies a solid foundation. The M03’s wide body posture and low center of mass provide a stable and sporty driving experience. Hidden door handles and 19-inch sports wheels add to the vehicle’s sporty appeal.
Smart Features
The Xpeng M03 is not just a vehicle; it’s a mobile technological hub. Packed with an array of smart features, it offers a futuristic driving experience.
The M03’s full-scenario XNGP ADAS is a suite of features designed to enhance safety and reduce driver stress. The lane-level 3D navigation ensures precise guidance even in complex road conditions, while features like lane-keeping control (LCC) and adaptive cruise control (ACC) help maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and stay in your lane.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, M03’s advanced sensor suite includes 2 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 7 cameras, enabling it to accurately perceive its surroundings. Thanks to this, the M03 can automatically parallel park or perpendicular park, even in tight spaces. Also, it is capable of level 2.5+ self-driving.
Safety
The MONA M03 boasts an impressive braking distance of 35.63 meters from 0 to 100 km/h, which is among the shortest in its class. This is complemented by the BOSCH IPB intelligent integrated braking system and a CST comfortable braking function, which minimizes vehicle nod during braking, thereby reducing the risk of motion sickness for passengers.
The vehicle’s body structure utilizes a high-strength cage-type design, with 73% of the body-in-white made from high-strength steel and aluminum alloy. This robust construction allows the roof to withstand pressures up to 5.25 times the car’s weight, significantly enhancing crash safety.
The MONA M03 incorporates 12 active safety features, all standard across trims. These include:
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Emergency Lane Departure Assist (ELK)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD)
- Lane Change Warning (LCA)
- Door Opening Warning (DOW)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Intelligent High Beam (IHB)
- Driver Status Monitoring (DMS)
- Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Final Verdict: 2024 Xpeng MONA M03
The MONA M03 is packed with cutting-edge smart features. With its base trim starting at $16,990, the MONA M03 offers exceptional value, particularly in its 620 Ultra-Long Battery Life variant, which boasts an impressive range of 620 km.
Inside, the cabin is comfortable and spacious for a hatchback, featuring a generous trunk capacity of 621L, although it may feel somewhat cramped for taller passengers.
Overall, the Xpeng MONA M03 stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a smart electric hatchback that doesn’t compromise on essential features or driving enjoyment.
Looking to buy smart and long-range Chinese electric cars like the Xpeng MONA M03? Our selection of electric cars offers a compelling combination of practicality and affordability.
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For more information or expert advice on electric cars from China, please explore our blog or contact our customer support team.
