- The Xpeng Mona M03 is a Chinese-made Tesla Model 3 rival.
- The pre-sale starting price is the equivalent of $19,000, significantly less than Tesla’s sedan.
- Xpeng claims the Mona M03 is the most aerodynamic mass-produced electric sedan.
The Tesla Model 3 is currently one of the best, if not the best choice for a brand-new electric vehicle in the United States. It offers a stellar package of decent range, very good energy efficiency, a top-notch software experience, a nice interior and the safety net of Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network and service network.
The story is a bit different in China, where Tesla has to fend off a myriad of local EV makers that are trying to make a name for themselves in an increasingly crowded market. One of those names includes Xpeng, which was founded 10 years ago and has a growing portfolio of EVs.
The newest member of that portfolio is called the Mona M03. It aims to significantly undercut the Tesla Model 3 on price but without sacrificing features, comfort and the perceived feeling of luxury. We wrote about the M03 when it debuted last month and now we know more about the budget EV thanks to a comprehensive review from our friends at Wheelsboy, who attended the car’s press drive in China. You can watch the video embedded at the top of this page.
With a starting price of under $19,000, Xpeng’s liftback sedan comes as standard with an SAE Level 2-capable advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), a front-mounted electric motor and a choice of two lithium-iron phosphate batteries made by BYD. The entry-level pack has a capacity of 51.8 kilowatt-hours and offers a claimed CLTC range of 320 miles, while the bigger 62-kWh pack boosts the range figure to 385 miles.
It’s worth noting that the CLTC testing procedure is one of the most lenient in the industry, so I’d take those range numbers with a grain of salt. That said, Xpeng claims the Mona M03 is the most aerodynamic mass-produced electric sedan in the world, with a drag coefficient of 0.194 cd. It also has a cavernous trunk that can accommodate up to nearly 22 cubic feet of stuff, partly because the rear suspension is of the torsion beam variety instead of a multi-link setup. However, as the reviewer points out in the video, the suspension is so well-tuned that it feels almost like a multi-link affair.
A Tesla Model 3, by comparison, has a starting price of over $30,000 in China, which is roughly 50% more than the Xpeng. That’s a lot of money, but I won’t jump to any conclusions–I’ll leave that to you, dear readers.
In the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market, competition is fierce among automakers looking to secure a piece of the pie. One company that has been gaining attention for its innovative and affordable electric vehicles is Xpeng. The Chinese automaker has recently launched its sub-$20,000 Tesla Model 3 rival, the Xpeng P5, which promises to deliver more for less.
The Xpeng P5 is a compact electric sedan that aims to compete with the popular Tesla Model 3 in terms of performance, features, and price. With a starting price of just under $20,000, the P5 significantly undercuts the Model 3, which starts at around $40,000. Despite its lower price point, the P5 offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
One of the key selling points of the Xpeng P5 is its impressive range. The base model is equipped with a 60 kW battery pack that provides a range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge. For consumers who require even more range, Xpeng offers a version of the P5 with a larger 80 kW battery pack that allows for a range of up to 600 kilometers. This level of range puts the P5 on par with more expensive electric vehicles on the market, making it a viable option for long-distance travel.
In terms of performance, the Xpeng P5 does not disappoint. The base model is powered by a 120 kW electric motor that delivers 161 horsepower and 284 Nm of torque. This allows the P5 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. For consumers who desire even more power, Xpeng offers a Performance version of the P5 with a 180 kW motor that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
In terms of features and technology, the Xpeng P5 is also well-equipped. The P5 comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The interior of the P5 is modern and well-appointed, with a large touchscreen display that controls various vehicle functions. Xpeng has also incorporated an advanced voice control system that allows drivers to interact with the car using natural language commands.
Overall, the Xpeng P5 is a compelling option for consumers looking to purchase an affordable electric vehicle that offers a range of features and capabilities. With its impressive range, performance, and technology, the P5 stands out as a strong competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and other electric vehicles on the market. As Xpeng continues to innovate and expand its product lineup, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.