At the end of August, the XPeng MONA M03 was launched. As a compact sedan in the 100.000-yuan price range, it naturally invites comparisons with the long-time leader in compact sedan sales, BYD’s Qin PLUS. Today, we’ll compare the XPeng MONA M03 with the similarly priced DM-i version of the Qin PLUS to see how they differ.
Exterior Design
The front of the Qin PLUS features a large grille with narrow LED headlights and traditional mechanical door handles. In contrast, the XPeng MONA M03 is equipped with an active lower grille to reduce drag, a "T"-shaped headlight design, and hidden door handles, offering a more streamlined look. Both vehicles have their charging ports located at the rear of the body. However, the Qin PLUS DM-i's 120KM version supports both fast and slow charging and features an external discharge function, while the M03 supports fast charging but lacks the external discharge feature. This could be a deciding factor for consumers who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, as the external discharge feature might be essential for them.
Rear Design
At the rear, the Qin PLUS has a continuous taillight design, while the MONA M03 mirrors its front lights with a similar "T"-shaped configuration. Regarding trunk size, the Qin PLUS features a sloping design, while the MONA M03 comes with a liftback style, giving the latter an advantage in trunk height.
Interior Design
The two vehicles adopt different interior design philosophies. The Qin PLUS retains several physical buttons, while the MONA M03 integrates all central console button functions into a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen, making room for two cup holders and a 45W wireless charging pad, giving the interior a cleaner look. The Qin PLUS comes with a 10.1-inch central display, with the higher trims featuring a 12.8-inch screen. In terms of seating, the Qin PLUS offers simpler configurations, whereas the mid-to-high-end MONA M03 models include standard front seat ventilation and heating functions.
Features
In terms of features, adaptive high and low beams, which are only available on high-end models of the Qin PLUS, come standard across all MONA M03 models. Additionally, all versions of the MONA M03 are equipped with front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree panoramic cameras, and L2-level driving assistance. The top trim even supports the XNGP system, enabling advanced autonomous driving. The lower-trim Qin PLUS models only come with rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, while all versions feature cruise control. The higher-end models also come with L2-level driving assistance.
Dimensions
The Qin PLUS measures 4765mm in length, 1837mm in width, and 1495mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2718mm. The MONA M03. on the other hand, measures 4780mm in length, 1896mm in width, and 1445mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2815mm. Comparatively, the Qin PLUS is more compact, while the MONA M03 appears longer and sleeker.
Final Thoughts
As a longtime sales leader in the compact sedan category, the Qin PLUS is inevitably compared to the similarly priced and positioned XPeng MONA M03. With a starting price under 120.000 yuan, the MONA M03 brings a stylish exterior and rich feature set, showcasing its great value. So, which car do you prefer? Who takes the crown for the best value in your eyes?
