Xpeng launches production of Tesla Model 3 rival

The all-electric M03 liftback destined to become the first entry in the Xpeng Mona lineup is already being produced and should get to the showrooms in China in late August, where it will try and lure customers away from the Tesla Model 3.

First introduced in early July, the Xpeng Mona M03 is a five-door, mid-size liftback with a drag ratio as low as 0.194. It is 4,780 mm (186.7 inches) long, 1,896 mm (74.1 in) wide and 1,445 mm (56.5 in) tall with 2,815 mm (110 in) of wheelbase length. The interior looks rather laconic with just one 15.6-inch display on the dash, and the trunk takes up to 621 liters (21.9 cubic feet) of luggage.

Depending on the spec, buyers may look forward to either 18- or 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, a 18-speaker audio system, a wireless phone charger and 256-color ambient lighting. A voice assistant also comes standard, and paying extra unlocks a self-driving system that Xpeng has recently managed to redesign without a pricey LiDAR in the mix. There are five available colors for the exterior and three for the cabin trim.

At least for the time being, the Mona M03 is a rear-wheel-drive car with no AWD options. One version produces 190 PS (187 hp / 140 kW) and comes equipped with a 51.8-kWh battery sourced from BYD. It can cover 515 km (320 miles) per charge per the CLTC standard. The other one packs 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) and benefits from a bigger 62.2-kWh battery claimed to be good for 620 km (385 mph).

Preordering is already open in China, with customers who place a small 99 Yuan deposit eligible for a 3,000 Yuan discount. The full price info is still pending, but the company had promised us to keep in within the range of 130,000–160,000 Yuan. According to an earlier report from AutoHome.cn referencing one of the investors in Xpeng, the carmaker actually intended to try and offer the top trim under 140,000 Yuan.