New top-edition of best-selling electric hatchback brings premium autonomous tech to the RMB 150,000 segment
XPeng has expanded its MONA electric vehicle lineup with the launch of the M03 Max, introducing advanced AI-powered driving assistance to budget-conscious consumers.
Priced at just RMB 150,000 (around £15,450 / $20,800), the new model makes XPeng’s proprietary XNGP ADAS system accessible to mainstream buyers for the first time.
The MONA series has already proven popular in China with 120,000 units of the M03 Pro delivered since September 2024, one of two major drivers giving XPeng six consecutive months of 30,000-plus deliveries.
The Max variant builds on this success by incorporating technology previously reserved for premium vehicles, utilising the vision-based XNGP system that no longer uses the lidar units the MONA M03 was launched without.
Its dual NVIDIA Orin-X chips provide 508 TOPS of computing power, enabling real-time processing of data from 27 onboard sensors, helping the system to identify over 50 different road elements and vehicles while allowing seamless interaction between driver and AI.
In a move that’s in part driven by BYD’s move to offer its autonomous driving features free across all four brands, XPeng is offering its full smart driving package at no extra cost too on the MONA M03 Max.
The system is capable of handling complex urban driving scenarios and offers industry-leading parking assistance that’s capable of manoeuvering in tight spaces. Drivers can intervene at any time without disengaging the autonomous functions.
Inside the cabin, the M03 Max features XPENG’s latest AI Tianji 5.7.0 infotainment system with voice control powered by the company’s XGPT language model.
The assistant responds to most commands in under one second and controls nearly all vehicle functions, while the car also features a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen and premium 18-speaker audio system to offer what XPeng calls a “music cockpit” experience.
Comfort upgrades include advanced seating with tri-zone lumbar support and massage functionality, along with sleek frameless side mirrors.
Buyers can choose between two battery options offering up to 600 km of range, addressing concerns about electric vehicle practicality.
While currently limited to the Chinese market, XPeng hinted that future MONA models would be targeted at consumers in international markets, suggesting they’re keeping an open mind on potential MONA M03 sales.
Currently, it positions the MONA series as an “AI-powered vehicle for the masses,” with the M03 specifically targeting young, first-time EV buyers. Its success could prompt other manufacturers to accelerate development of affordable smart vehicles worldwide.
The launch underscores XPENG’s strategy of bringing high-tech features to lower price segments. By making advanced autonomous driving accessible at the RMB150,000 level, the company aims to reshape expectations for budget electric cars while accelerating adoption of AI-assisted mobility solutions.
