XPENG's 2026 MONA M03 targets mass EV sedan segment with smarter driving, efficiency gains

Gasgoo Munich- On April 2, XPENG officially put the 2026 MONA M03 model onto the market, introducing six variants priced between 119,800 yuan and 151,800 yuan. The entry price remains unchanged from the previous model. Deliveries for the Plus and Max trims began immediately, while the Ultra SE version is scheduled to arrive in August.

Image source: XPENG

According to company data, the updated model secured more than 10,000 firm orders within just 37 minutes of its debut, underscoring strong early demand.

Arriving 583 days after its predecessor, the facelift brings a comprehensive upgrade across driver assistance, cockpit interaction, energy efficiency, and chassis hardware, reinforcing XPENG's focus on the highly competitive mid-market BEV segment.

A key shift in the 2026 model is the introduction of a dual-tier intelligent driving architecture, clearly separating the computing capabilities and software stacks of the Max and Ultra SE variants.

The Ultra SE version features dual in-house Turing AI chips, delivering 1,500 TOPS of effective computing power. It runs XPENG's second-generation VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model, designed with an L4-ready architecture in mind. The system is positioned as enabling seamless, full-scenario autonomous driving.

The Max variant adopts a single Turing chip with 750 TOPS and currently operates on the first-generation VLA model. XPENG plans to roll out a distilled version of the second-generation VLA via over-the-air updates in the third quarter of 2026, aiming to retain core capabilities while optimizing efficiency.

Image source: XPENG

Across the lineup, standard features include full-scenario Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP), human-machine co-driving, automated parking, point-to-point parking assistance, and memory-based reverse driving. The Max trim also debuts an AES emergency steering avoidance function tailored for low-traction conditions such as snow and ice.

Inside the cabin, the model runs XPENG's Tianji AIOS 6.0, featuring a redesigned "Yuguang" interface. A 15.6-inch 2.5K display comes standard, supporting nationwide 3D lane-level navigation with extended hazard alerts. The infotainment ecosystem integrates more than 40 mainstream apps, including Tencent cloud gaming services.

Beyond software, XPENG has made tangible upgrades to ride dynamics and efficiency.

The chassis now incorporates adaptive dampers that adjust stiffness based on road conditions. Official figures cite a minimum turning radius of 5.3 meters and a braking distance of 35.63 meters from 100 km/h.

On the powertrain side, the vehicle adopts XPENG's in-house hybrid silicon carbide flat-wire electric drive system. Without increasing battery capacity, the upgrade extends CLTC range by 20–30 km, with the top variant reaching 640 km and energy consumption as low as 10.8 kWh per 100 km.

Comfort features have also been enhanced, including 14-point massage seats in the front row, double-layer acoustic glass, and active road noise cancellation. The audio system comprises 20 speakers in a 7.1.4 configuration with over 1,000 watts of output, while the driver's headrest supports dedicated navigation and call audio.

Design updates include new exterior finishes such as Roland Purple and Avocado Green, along with improved paint durability and gloss. The interior features expanded soft-touch materials, with suede-like finishes on the headliner and storage surfaces. A dual-layer silver-coated panoramic roof is standard, offering high levels of UV and infrared insulation.

Image source: XPENG

Overall, the facelift reflects a pragmatic upgrade strategy. While holding pricing steady,  has introduced clearer product differentiation through tiered intelligent driving systems, upgraded chassis hardware, improved energy efficiency, and a more refined cabin experience. The Ultra SE variant, in particular, stands out with its high-compute architecture and second-generation VLA model, positioning it as a technology-forward offering within the same price bracket.