2 hours ago
3
An updated Tesla Model Y rival and a prestige SUV flagship are among the new models coming to Australia from growing Chinese brand XPeng.
Electric Cars
Chinese car maker XPeng has locked in three new models for Australia over the next 12 months, including the facelifted XPeng G6 mid-size SUV.
The news has come via its independent Australian distributor, TrueEV, amid suggestions from XPeng global executives that it may be replaced by a factory-owned and operated importer.
The distributor says it has added "over 2000 vehicles ... [to] local roads", which is likely to be fewer than the 2269 Tesla Model Ys reported as sold last month alone.
XPeng G6 update – first half of 2026
First in the new range of XPeng vehicles to launch is the updated G6 mid-size SUV, due to open for orders in "late Q1 [first quarter] 2026" – likely pointing to a March on-sale – ahead of deliveries commencing in the second quarter (April to June).
Updates announced in overseas markets include a revised front fascia with a full-width LED light bar, a tweaked tailgate, and new wheel designs and colours.
Inside, there is a redesigned dashboard with a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen, as well as new front seats and updated materials throughout the cabin.
XPeng has filed to approve the updated G6 for sale locally with a choice of 218kW rear-wheel-drive and 358kW all-wheel-drive variants, compared to today's rear-drive-only line-up with 190kW and 210kW models.
Given the updated Standard Range model in Europe – with a 68.5kWh battery pack, up from 66kWh – uses a 185kW/440Nm motor, it suggests the Long Range battery will be standardised, though its capacity has dropped from 87.5kWh today to 80.8kWh.
It would see driving range rating based on European WLTP testing of 525km, down from 570km in the current rear-drive Long Range grade.
Performance all-wheel-drive models combine the 80.8kWh battery pack for 358kW/660Nm outputs, zero to 100km/h acceleration in a claimed 4.1 seconds, and a 510km WLTP range rating.
Prices for the updated G6 are yet to be confirmed. The current model is priced from $54,800 before on-road costs, rising to $59,800 for the Long Range.
XPeng X9 people mover – first half of 2026
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke has previously indicated to Drive the X9 is hoped to start below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $91,387, far undercutting the $110,000-plus Zeekr.
Orders for the people mover are due to open in the first quarter of 2026, ahead of deliveries in the second quarter. The latter is likely to occur closer to June, as XPeng says the vehicle is due "mid-2026".
A range-extender X9 has been announced in China, but only the electric model is produced with the steering wheel on the Australian side thus far.
In the right-hand-drive Hong Kong market, the X9 is powered by a single 235kW/430Nm front electric motor, paired with 84.5kWh lithium iron phosphate and 101.5kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery packs.
These carry European WLTP range ratings of 500km and 590km, respectively, while 10 to 80 per cent fast charges can be completed in a claimed 20 minutes, irrespective of battery choice.
"Early interest in the X9 has been strong across families, fleet operators, chauffeur companies and mobility providers seeking an intelligent, long-range people mover with cutting-edge features," TrueEV said in a media release.
Yet to be revealed to the public is what TrueEV calls the "next-generation G9L", a new flagship SUV believed to be a facelift and tech upgrade of the current G9 on sale in overseas markets.
It remains to be seen if it adds a third row of seats into the mix – as the current G9 is a five-seater – to rival the BYD Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid, Kia EV9 electric vehicle, and Hyundai Palisade hybrid.
TrueEV says the vehicle "is expected to be announced in Q3 2026 [July to September]", ahead of deliveries commencing in "Q4 2026" (October to December).
Few details of the G9L have been published, but Clarke has previously suggested to Drive it may sit on an updated platform unlocking new technology compared to today's three-year-old G9.
A larger body is also hinted at by the new name. The G9 is 4891mm long, 1937mm wide, and 1670mm tall, on a 2998mm wheelbase.
The XPeng distributor says the Chinese car maker has "two to three new global models in advanced development", which it implies are planned for the Australian market in a "range of market segments".
Details of the names, sizes, and positioning of the models are yet to be announced.
"These new vehicles reflect XPeng’s long-term ambitions for the Australian market," Clarke said in a media statement.
"Our close alignment with the global team ensures local customers benefit from the latest innovation with minimal delay."
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
