Geely Monjaro Reviews

Geely’s new move should have Tesla shaking in its boots.Tesla’s supercharger network is likely the envy of other carmakers with its coverage, speed and reliability trumping all others.The expansive network is one of the biggest selling points of a Tesla, especially considering many other EV owners are still locked out of parts of the network, which helps reduce wait times over busy holiday periods.Now Geely has teamed up with Nio in China to jointly invest in their charging and battery swapping businesses, share technologies and standards and develop a shared service network.Chinese carmakers are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and EV infrastructure is the new battleground.A wider network makes it more appealing for customers to choose your brand over another, especially as EV specs become across the board with design, tech, battery size, electric motor performance and driving range all similar.It is also a way to grow revenue as profit margins on new cars continue to be squeezed by the ongoing price war in China.This price war is also trickling down into Australia, with BYD cutting the price of its Atto 1 hatchback to $19,990, drive-away.There is always a chance these kinds of networks could spill out of China and into Australia, as Chinese brands continue to make large investments here and often use the local market as a test bed before launching in larger markets such as Europe.BYD has already committed to building a network of its Flash Chargers in Australia.Flash Chargers are ultra fast and can deliver up to 1500kW or 1.5MW of juice. The current fastest charger in Australia can output 400kW."Geely Holding Group will work with Nio and other industry partners to build a denser, more reliable, and safer recharging network, making mobility more seamless and worry-free for users," said Geely CEO Andy Conghui.Geely’s charging network has about 2500 charging stations in China with more than 12,000 connectors. The company wants to expand this to 22,000 stations with more than 100,000 connectors. Geely needs help to do this and will connect its network with Nio’s.That scale is enormous and a network like that could revolutionise Australia's EV landscape.Geely also wants to roll out a huge number of its new AI-powered smart chargers.These chargers can deliver up to 2250kW of energy.Geely has tested the tech on its Lynk & Co and Zeekr vehicles, with both refilling the battery from 10 to 70 per cent in four and a half minutes. They went from 10 to 97 per cent in eight minutes and 40 seconds. Zeekr's current 7X can accept up to 450kW.The smart chargers use AI algorithms to manage heat levels and improve battery health and longevity.Nio will combine its expansive battery-swap network with Geely's burgeoning ecosystem. Battery swap tech replaces a depleted battery with a fully charged unit, and is claimed to take about five minutes.There is no such network in Australia and no current plans to bring the tech here. Nio operates a small number of swap stations in Europe.

Geely is powering up its line-up like nothing ever seen before.The Chinese giant, which owns Polestar, Volvo, Zeekr, its own Geely home-brand and several others, has launched a new charger that can deliver up to 2250kW of juice.The fastest public charger in Australia currently pumps out 400kW, and BYD’s coming Flash Chargers will be able to deliver up to 1000kW or 1.0MW.The new smart chargers have been previewed in China, with no word yet on if they will make it to Australia.There is a chance Geely will follow in BYD's footsteps and bring its hyper fast chargers Down Under.Electric cars, especially from China, are all fairly uniform, with design, tech, battery size, electric motor performance and driving range all pretty similar.So charging speed and charging network is seen as a way to differentiate one electric car that is similarly specified and priced from the competition.Carmakers don’t want to add bigger batteries to increase driving range, as that increases the cost of the vehicle.Game-changing solid-state batteries, which are about three times as energy dense as current batteries and capable of delivering 1000km driving ranges from the same sized battery are still many years away from being mainstream.So faster charging is a better way to entice buyers.Geely has tested the tech on its Lynk & Co and Zeekr vehicles, with both refilling the battery from 10 to 70 per cent in four and a half minutes. They went from 10 to 97 per cent in eight minutes and 40 seconds. Zeekr's current 7X can accept up to 450kW.The last 27 per cent takes twice as long as heat management systems slow the speed of charge in the last 20-25 per cent to maintain battery health and reduce the risk of fire.This ultra fast charging coincides with the brand’s next-generation battery, which allows 12C charging.AC rating determines the battery's charging speed, with 6C now the new benchmark for car batteries.Geely’s new smart chargers use AI to improve the charging experience and improve battery health.Consistent DC fast charging will degrade the battery quicker than using AC charging.The smart charger uses AI algorithms to predict battery temperature up to 30 seconds ahead and adjust charging power, rather than adjusting to the current temperature.The smart chargers will also tailor charging  for an individual vehicle and battery to help it maintain its integrity for longer.A new 'lithium-ion pulse restoration' tech can extend the battery’s life by 20 per cent, according to Geely.

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day, which can be overwhelming for buyers.Some, like GWM have stuck it out in the Australian market for decades with many familiar brands returning to Australian shores, including Chery and Geely. There are plenty of other newcomers many Aussies have never heard of.The following is a run down of all the Chinese car brands already established in Australia and their models currently on offer, as well as a heads-up on others set to touchdown shortly. Avatr is Chinese giant Changan’s premium brand aimed at Zeekr and MG's IM Motors and it has confirmed it will start taking orders on its 07L electric SUV in late 2026.The brand hasn’t revealed any local details of the large, five-seat 07L yet, but in China it’s available in two grades, with the Max+ version using a single 305kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels.The potent Ultra grades up the ante with three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, combining for 712kW. Both use a roughly 90kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 725km in the single motor version and 650km in the tri-motor grade.  BYD Atto 1For the time being, at $19,990 drive-away, BYD’s Atto 1 Essential is the cheapest new electric car available in Australia. It’s a city-sized, four-seat, pure-electric hatchback with big appeal for younger urban buyers given its cheaper than many internal-combustion alternatives like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid.The Atto 1 is offered in two grades, Essential and Premium, the former with a 30kWh battery for a claimed range of 220km and the latter with a 43.2kWh pack for a more useful 310km between charges.  BYD Atto 2The BYD Atto 2 is a small, five-seat electric SUV priced to challenge aggressively positioned rivals like the MG S5 and Leapmotor B10.It delivers easy, comfortable city motoring and despite a budget price, doesn’t feel cheap. There are two grades, Dynamic and Premium, both powered by a 130kW/290Nm front mounted electric motor with a 51.1kWh LFP battery delivering a range of 345km.BYD Atto 3The BYD Atto 3 is a compact electric SUV rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3 and Niro EV, MG S5 EV, Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, among others.Following a 2025 model year update the Atto 3 range was positioned with the entry-level Essential ($39,990 before on-roads) and flagship Premium ($44,990, before on-roads) variants.The range is powered by a 150kW/310Nm front-mounted electric motor with either a 49.9kWh or 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level.BYD DolphinThe BYD Dolphin is a small electric hatchback that rivals the GWM Ora and MG4 and starts at $29,990, before on-roads. But for examples of the entry-grade Essential ordered between September 15 and December 15 and delivered by December 31, 2026 the price is $28,888, drive-away. The Dolphin is powered by either a 70kW electric motor with a 44.9kWh battery, or a 150kW electric motor with a 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level.BYD Seal The BYD Seal is an electric sedan rival to the Tesla Model 3, available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance. The Premium is a single motor, rear-wheel drive model delivering 230kW/360Nm and a 570km (WLTP) range while the dual-motor Performance pushes a stonking 390kW/670Nm to all four wheels and has a range of 520km (WLTP).BYD Seal 6The BYD Seal 6 is a ‘large’ medium petrol-electric hybrid sedan and wagon specified and priced to challenge the segment-leading Toyota Camry.Starting at a fraction under $35K before on-road costs, its range is the star attraction, with more than 1000km achieved in the real world, tested on just one tank and one charge from Sydney to Melbourne. BYD Sealion 5The BYD Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid medium SUV powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working in concert with a single permanent magnet electric motor.With a sub-$35K entry price the base-grade Essential’s 12.9kWh battery is good for a pure-electric range of 71km, rising to 100km for the top-spec Premium thanks to a bigger 18.3kWh battery.  BYD Sealion 6The BYD Sealion 6 joined the local line-up in 2024 and was the first BYD model to feature plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.It’s currently available with two PHEV powertrains, one front-wheel drive and one all-wheel drive. Depending on the grade, it can travel up to 92km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing.BYD Sealion 7The Tesla Model Y-rivalling Sealion 7 electric SUV is available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance, with pricing starting at $54,990, before on-road costs.There are two different electric powertrains available, and depending on the grade, it has an electric range up to 482km, according to WLTP testing.BYD Sealion 8The BYD Sealion 8 is a large, seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV offered in single-motor front-wheel drive and dual motor all-wheel drive form with its DM-i powertrain allowing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to assist and help drive the wheels at higher speeds.BYD claims a combined petrol-electric range in excess of 1000km and a pure-electric range of more than 100km for all variants.BYD Shark 6The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid ute rival to the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Priced from $55,900, before on-road costs, the Shark 6 is now offered in Dynamic, Premium and Performance grades across cab chassis and pick-up body styles. It continues to be a hugely popular ute option and is BYD’s second-top seller in Australia.Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under.The state-owned company is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG.The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant manufacturer and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV. Changan versions of these models will likely be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia. Chery C5The Chery C5 (formerly known as Omoda 5) was the brand’s first model when it came back to Australia in 2023. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sending 108kW/210Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.A series-parallel (plugless) hybrid variant adds a single electric motor and high-voltage battery for a combined 165kW/295Nm. It remains front-wheel drive. Chery E5The pure-electric five-seat Chery E5 is powered by a single electric motor sending a solid 155kW to the front wheels.A September 2026 upgrade added four-way lumbar support, massage and ventilation to the already powered driver’s seat and a six-way power-adjust passenger seat (matching the driver’s) with ventilation included.In-cabin tech was also enhanced with the multimedia display increasing from 12.3 to 15.6 inches and an electrically operated charging-port cover and active grille shutter were added.Chery Tiggo 4Available in two trim levels - Urban and Ultimate - the Tiggo 4 starts from $23,990, drive-away, and extends to $26,990, drive-away.Both are powered by a (108kW/210Nm) 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with standard features including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ‘Hello Chery’ voice control, dual 10.25-inch screens (multimedia and instruments), six-speaker audio and more.Chery Tiggo 7The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is offered in two 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol front-wheel drive variants - Urban and Ultimate. Pricing starts at $29,990 drive-away, and extends to $43,990 drive-away.The petrol-electric Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is a plug-in model with a combined range claim of 1200km.Chery Tiggo 8This car is one of the cheapest seven-seat SUVs on sale in Australia, the (180kW/375Nm) 2.0-litre turbo-petrol starting at $38,990, drive-away, for the entry-grade Urban, rising to $43,990, drive-away, for the top-spec Ultimate.The plug-in Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a claimed overall range of 1200km.Chery Tiggo 9 Super HybridThe Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is Chery’s flagship in Australia, offered in front-wheel drive Elite form as well as all-wheel drive Ultimate trim.Both are powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with the Elite tipping in a 19kWh battery for a pure-electric range of 90km, while the Ultimate ups the battery to 34kWh for a 170km EV range.Deepal S05This entry-level compact electric SUV has been ‘set to arrive in Australia’ for some time; initially, the third quarter of 2025, but we’re still waiting. It’ll rival the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 when it eventually goes on sale.Overseas this car is available as an EV with up to 510km of CLTC range, or an range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator.Deepal S07The Deepal S07 was the brand’s first model in Australia and is a Tesla Model Y rival.Available in a single grade, priced from $53,900, the S07 is powered by a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm.Following local feedback, Deepal updated and recalibrated the S07’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and extended service intervals from every 10,000km to 20,000km.Deepal E07This electric ‘multi-truck’ is an SUV/ute mash-up priced from $64,900, before on-road costs, for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version, and $73,900 before on-roads for the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive model.Unlike many other SUVs, the E07 has a coupe-like roofline that electrically retracts to reveal a cargo section that’s like a ute tray. This area only has a 300kg payload, however.Denza B5The Denza B5 is a large, luxurious and off-road capable plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV featuring a unique powertrain combining dual electric motors and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the latter only driving the wheels from 80-130km/h. The rest of the time it acts as a generator charging the 31.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery.Two grades - B5 and B5 Leopard - are highly specified five-seaters boasting 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and an overall range in excess of 850km.   Denza B8The Denza B8 is an upper large six- or seven-seat SUV aimed squarely at established players like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300.It’s a premium plug-in hybrid powered by the combination of dual electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine for four-wheel drive. Despite a 3.3-tone kerb weight it’s capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Denza D9The Denza D9 is a luxurious, pure-electric seven-seat people mover boasting a sky-high standard specification across front- and all-wheel drive versions.More than 5.2 metres long and close to 2.0m wide, it’s a substantial machine with a top-shelf standard specification tailor-made for high-end hotel transport, prestige transfer operators and fussy families. Quick, too, with the AWD variant running 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.Farizon V7EFarizon pitches the pure-electric V7E as a “nimble commercial van designed for urban work.” It has a cargo capacity of just under seven cubic metres, a 1338kg max payload and a range of up to 328km.Load length is 2.86 metres and the load height is just 510mm. There are two models - Standard Range with a 50kWh LFP battery, and Extended Range with a 66kWh battery, both powered by a 110kW/230Nm motor driving the front wheels. Farizon SVThe Farizon SV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the LDV eDeliver 7 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, and is available in a wide range of different body configurations.Max cargo space is 11.23 cubic metres, maximum gross payload is 1300kg and range is up to 376km. Farizon F3EThe Farizon F3E is a pure-electric light commercial now available in cab chassis, trayback and Cargo Box form with a maximum payload capacity of 1705kg and range of up to 314km.It’s powered by a single 110kW/260Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, carries a 72.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and features V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality.Forthing Taikon 5Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises with pricing that undercuts the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Geely EX5, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 and Starray EM-i.The standard equipment list is long and the EV has a single 150kW/340Nm front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels while the range-extender features a rear-mounted 120kW/240Nm for rear-wheel drive.The latter also carries a 75kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine which acts purely as a generator. and never drives the wheels. Foton Tunland V7The Tunland V7 is powered by a 120kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and is available in 4x2 and 4x4 both featuring leaf spring rear suspension.Braked trailer towing capacity is a category competitive 3500kg and payload is over one tonne. Tech includes a 14.6-inch multimedia screen and a digital instrument display. Foton Tunland V9 The Tunland V9 is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance as its V7 sibling although this model picks up a BorgWarner selectable electronic 4WD system and a multi-link suspension set-up at the back.The tub is the same size as the V7 but the price you pay for a smoother ride is payload dropping to 995kg. The L has a rear diff lock while the S has diff locks front and rear as well as other included features like a panoramic sunroof, roof rails and privacy glass.EmzoomThe Emzoom is a small (4.4m long) five-seat SUV powered by a 125kW/270Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.While the entry-level Premium grade and top-spec Luxury are the same mechanically, the latter picks up extra features including 18-inch rims (up from 17s), electric door handles, power adjust for the driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera view, extra safety tech and more. Aion UTThe Aion UT is a roughly Corolla-sized hatch and one of the most affordable new EVs on the Aussie market, starting from $31,990, before on-road costs, for the entry-level Premium grade.The Aion UT has a front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW/210Nm with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.3 seconds. It has a 60kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which grants it a WLTP-certified 430km of driving range. Aion VThe five-seat Aion V is GAC’s mid-size, all-electric SUV offered in base Premium and flagship Luxury grades, both powered by a 150kW/210Nm electric motor driving the front wheels.The battery is 75.2kWh lithium-phosphate type, which provides a claimed WLTP range of 510km. GAC claims it can accept up to 180kW charging speeds, which will get the battery from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes. M8The GAC M8 is a three-row luxury people mover powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain to rival other relative newcomers like the LDV Mifa 9, XPeng X9 and Zeekr 009, not to mention the hybrid version of the segment-leading Kia Carnival.It features everything from power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows to top end materials including nappa leather trim on the top-spec Luxury version.Geely EX2The Geely EX2 is a city-sized pure-electric hatch which has BYD’s Atto 1 squarely in its sights, its biggest advantage being that it seats five rather than the tiny BYD’s four passengers.There are two grades - Complete and Inspire - with power for both coming courtesy of a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 60kW in the entry-level car and 80kW in the higher spec. Maximum torque is 150Nm for both. Range is 252km and 345km, respectively.Geely StarrayThe Geely Starray EM-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV offered in two grades - Complete and Inspire - powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which combine for 193kW.A hybrid transmission sends power to the front wheels, and a circa-18kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery delivers a pure-electric driving range of up to 83km.Geely EX5The Geely EX5 mid-size SUV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y, offered locally in two trim levels - Complete and Inspire - starting from $41,990, before on-road costs.It’s a single-motor front-wheel drive with snappy 0-100km/h acceleration in the mid seven-second bracket, a WLTP range of up to 475km and includes V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability for charging or powering electronic devices.GWM Haval JolionThe GWM Haval Jolion is the brand’s small SUV rival to the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS.Available with petrol and hybrid powertrain options, the Jolion has been the brand’s top-seller for some time.Pricing starts at $26,990 drive-away, and extends to $38,990 drive-away.Haval Ora 5 SUVThe Ora 5 pure-electric SUV takes over from the previous Ora hatch with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.Offered in Ultra and Lux models, propulsion is via a single motor mounted at the front axle sending 150kW and 260Nm to the front wheels.Claimed range is 435km from a 58.3kWh battery with DC fast-charging (at 120kW) taking about 30 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent.GWM Haval H6The GWM Haval H6 is the brand’s rival to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 among countless other mid-size SUVs.Available in petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the H6 boasts a strong standard equipment list across Lux and Ultra grades in all three powertrain forms and a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.GWM Haval H6 GTThe GWM Haval H6 GT is a ‘coupe’ SUV version of the regular H6 offered locally in petrol and PHEV powertrain options.The latter is capable of travelling up to 180km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing, but can also do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away and extends to $52,990 drive-away.Haval H7This mid-sized SUV is intended to be slightly more rugged than the related Haval H6, but not quite as butch as the Tank 300 off-roader.Built on the same platform as the Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT, complete with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the 1.5-litre turbo hybrid Haval H7 differs with a locking rear differential and a ‘light off-road cruising mode’.Get in quick, because there’s a new version coming soon.Haval Tank 300Available in petrol, hybrid and turbo-diesel form, the body-on-frame Tank 300 was the brand’s first model from its Tank sub-brand in Australia.The whole range now offers a braked towing capacity of 3000kg thanks to recently introduced tweaks.Pricing starts at $47,990 drive-away, and extends to $59,990 drive-away.Haval Tank 500The GWM Tank 500 is currently the brand’s flagship offering in Australia and has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.A body-on-frame seven-seat SUV rival to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, among others, its pricing starts at $65,990, drive-away, and extends to $79,990, drive-away.Haval CannonThe GWM Cannon is a ladder frame four-wheel drive dual cab ute powered by a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an in-house developed nine-speed auto transmission.A new single-cab chassis version is the entry-point to the range. It’s a Premium trim level with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 4x2.Pricing starts at $35,490 drive-away and extends to $50,990 drive-away.Haval Cannon AlphaLike the Tank 500 SUV the Cannon Alpha ute has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine although a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid option remains.The PHEV powertrain rivals the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV. It offers up to 115km of electric range, according to NEDC testing, and has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.Pricing for the Cannon Alpha line-up starts at $61,490 drive-away, and extends to $67,990 drive-away.The latest brand to hit Australian shores from Chery Group, iCaur (pronounced ‘eye-car’), has just made its public debut, and here’s what you can expect from the unusual new brand.The brand’s first product is the V25 mid-size SUV. It wears boxy 4WD styling, although it isn’t as adventure capable as some rivals. It will also launch early next year in fully electric form and a range-extender hybrid version will arrive at a later date.Performance is as high as 335kW/505Nm, according to Chinese specifications.The hybrid version will launch first in its domestic market and will be equipped with a 1.5-litre engine producing 115kW paired to a 33.68kWh battery good for a 150km electric driving range.Specs for the fully electric V25 which we'll see in early 2027 are yet to be revealed, even overseas.JAC T9The JAC T9 dual-cab ute was the brand’s first vehicle in Australia. It’s being distributed by LTS Auto and sold at over 60 dealerships nationwide.Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and following many revisions it now has a braked towing capacity of 3200kg.This budget dual-cab ute rival to the GWM Cannon and LDV T60 Max is only offered in two trim levels locally. Pricing starts at $38,990, before on-road costs, for the Tradepro dual cab chassis.JAC HunterThe Hunter PHEV is essentially a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the T9 turbo-diesel ute and a direct rival to the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors producing system outputs of 385kW and 1000Nm. It’s also capable of travelling more than 100km on electric power alone.Jaecoo J5Chinese carmaker Chery loves a sub-brand and its Jaecoo nameplate arrived here in the second half of 2025 as a more premium option relative to its already established Omoda sibling.Think of Jaecoo as a mainstream Hyundai, Kia and Toyota alternative and the J5 as a sharply-priced small SUV challenger to the Kona, Seltos and Corolla Cross.There’s a choice of combustion, (series-parallel) hybrid and pure-electric models spanning a roughly $10K (drive-away) price band between $25,990 and $36,990.  Jaecoo J7The J7 mid-size SUV led the brand’s launch in Australia and it’s available with either petrol or PHEV powertrain options.It’s a rival to the likes of the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6, among others.Pricing starts at $34,990 drive-away and extends to $47,990 drive-away.Jaecoo J8The Jaecoo J8 is a larger SUV than the J7 but doesn’t offer a third row of seating despite being bigger than a Kia Sorento.Pure-combustion and series-parallel hybrid powertrains are available and pricing starts at $49,990 drive-away and extends to $54,990 drive-away.Earlier this year JMC (short for Jiangling Motors Corporation) confirmed it will be relaunching in the Australian market before the end of 2026. The Chinese carmaker was previously in Australia from 2015 to 2018 with a single vehicle, the Vigus dual-cab ute, and left due to poor sales.The return will be led with an all-new version of the Vigus and JMC Motor Australia CEO Danny Lenartic is spearheading an expansion of the dealer network.The Vigus is powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 118kW to an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. LDV G10The LDV G10+ van is one of the brand’s older models, but it offers a one tonne payload and 5.2 cubic metres of load space. Power comes from a 118kW/375Nm 2.0L turbo-diesel engine driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto transmission. Pricing starts at $37,884, drive-away, and extends to $41,642 drive-away.LDV eDeliver 5The eDeliver 5 is a pure-electric van sized for city and suburban work. It boasts a 1.2-tonne payload, a minimum 6.6 cubic metre cargo space and a 335km range.Offered in Short wheelbase, Long wheelbase Low roof and Long wheelbase High roof form it goes head-to-head with the Ford Transit Custom Electric, Kia PV5 Cargo and VW ID. Buzz Cargo. LDV Deliver 7 / eDeliver 7The LDV Deliver 7 is a modern equivalent to the ageing G10+ van, offering an all-electric version called the eDeliver 7.Pricing for the Deliver 7/eDeliver 7 range starts at $44,726 drive-away, and extends to $73,674.LDV Deliver 9 / eDeliver 9The LDV Deliver 9/eDeliver 9 is the brand’s largest commercial van offered locally.Available in turbo-diesel and electric versions, this van can be had in many different body configurations.Pricing starts at $51,568 drive-away, and extends to $118,836 drive-away.LDV T60 MaxThe LDV T60 Max will continue to be sold in Australian showrooms alongside the newer Terron 9.It received an update last year that saw it receive autonomous emergency braking (AEB) across the range, and the braked towing capacity increased to 3500kg. Power comes from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.LDV Terron 9 LDV’s latest ute is a tough turbo-diesel aimed at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 3.5-tonne towing. It’s four-wheel drive with ‘Terrain Mode’, a rear diff lock and towbar standard.Inside is a world of screens with dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 360-degree camera view.LDV D90LDV’s cut-price rival to the likes of the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado is powered by a 184kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It’s well-equipped with an impressive safety suite and pricing is sharp, starting at $43,674 drive-away, and extends to $51,568, drive-away.LDV Mifa / Mifa 9The LDV Mifa/Mifa 9 is currently on a temporary ‘sales hiatus’ in Australia due to modest demand. It’s not formally withdrawn from sale but there are no cars coming for a while so you’ll have to hunt for examples held in dealer stock.Like a number of other LDV models, there is an electric version of this car that sits alongside the combustion version.If you can find one, pricing starts at $46,971 drive-away, and extends to $129,000 drive-away.Leapmotor B05This is Leapmotor’s VW Golf-sized pure-electric hatch due in local showrooms before the end of 2026.It’s roomy and surprisingly sporty thanks to a rear-mounted 160kW/240Nm motor driving the rear wheels and suspension fine-tuned at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco Proving Ground in Italy (like Leapmotor, Alfa is a member of the Stellantis brand family).  A launch deal is set from $35,990, drive-away.Leapmotor B10The Leapmotor B10 is a BYD Atto 3-rivalling small pure-electric SUV offered in Style and Design Long Range grades.The former has a claimed (NEDC) range of 442km (from a 56kWh battery) and the latter 516km (from a 67kWh battery). Power is 160kW for both models is 160kW and 30-80 per cent DC charge time is approximately 20min. Leapmotor C10The Leapmotor C10 is a mid-size five-seat SUV rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.It’s offered in electric and range-extender powertrain configurations with prices starting at $43,888, before on-road costs, and extends to $49,888, before on-roads.Yet another Chery Group sub-brand is touching down in Australia. The Lepas L6 mid-size electric SUV will arrive in showrooms before the end of 2026 but the budget electric Lepas L4 small SUV, previously set to launch Down Under in 2026, won’t be available until the first half of 2027.MG3The MG3 has been the brand’s entry point to its line-up for years now.A small hatchback rival to the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, it offers 1.5-litre pure petrol and a hybrid option, the latter built around the same four-cylinder engine.Pricing starts at $21,990 drive-away, and extends to $30,990 drive-away.MG5The MG5 is the brand’s budget rival to the likes of the Hyundai i30 Sedan and Kia K4.It’s loaded with included features for the money and powered by a 119kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.Pricing starts at $24,888, drive-away, and extends to $28,990 drive-away.MG4The MG4 electric hatchback was the brand’s first model built on a dedicated electric architecture.Available in a range of electric powertrain and battery configurations, a performance-oriented XPower variant is the flagship of the line-up.Pricing starts at $31,990 drive-away, and extends to $47,990, drive-away.MG7The MG7 is a sleek 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powered fastback sedan offered in a single Essence grade.It’s front-wheel drive and the standard equipment list includes leather seats, a 360-degree camera view, 19-inch alloy rims and more. MG CybersterThe MG Cyberster electric convertible joined the local line-up during late 2024 as a new flagship for the brand.As well as its dramatic design, which includes swing up ‘scissor’ doors, it boasts up to 375kW of power and a range of between 426 and 507km. There are rear- and all-wheel drive versions sitting either side of the $100K mark.MG ZSThe second-generation MG ZS is a small SUV rival to the GWM Haval Jolion.There are (81kW) petrol, (125kW) turbo-petrol and (158kW) hybrid options, however an electric version left the line-up some time ago (the MGS5 EV replacing it).Pricing starts at $22,990 drive-away, and extends to $33,888 drive-away.MG S5 EVThe MGS5 EV is the brand’s pure-electric successor to the MG ZS EV and is a rival to the BYD Atto 3, among others.Available in multiple trim levels, the S5 EV can be had with a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack for WLTP ranges of 335km and 450km, respectively. Pricing starts at $41,990, drive-away.MG HSThe MG HS is the brand’s mid-size SUV rival to the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4, among countless others.It’s offered in pure-combustion turbo-petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with a 1.5-litre engine and front-wheel drive common to all of them.Pricing starts from $33,990 drive-away, and extends to $55,990 drive-away.MG S6 EVThis is a pure-electric mid-size SUV offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive form. Both carry a 77kWh battery for a claimed range of 530km in the FWD and 485km in the AWD.Performance is strong with the FWD running 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and the AWD lowering that to just 5.1 secondsMG QSThis large seven-seat SUV is aimed at the Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger with two grades - Excite and Essence - powered by a 153kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels in the former and all four in the latter.Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away, and extends to $50,990 drive-away.MG U9The MG U9 ute is essentially a rebadged version of the LDV Terron 9, the big difference being the MG’s coil spring rear suspension compared to the LDV’s traditional leaf spring set-up.It features turbo-diesel power, 3.5-tonne towing, and a three lock 4WD system. A pure electric version is due to hit local showrooms any minute.MG IM5The IM5 is a pure-electric, mid-size, five-seat luxury sedan to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3.It’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 655km.Standard specification and safety are sky-high, with pricing starting at $60,990, drive-away.  MG IM6The IM6 is a premium, five-seat medium EV SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y.It’s a twin-under-the-skin to the IM5 sedan meaning it’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 555km.Like the IM5, it’ll be sold in MG dealers around Australia with an identical price structure to the IM5.BYD could soon have some serious company in Australia because Chinese brand Nio has launched its Firefly, a BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 rivalling pint-sized electric car, in Thailand (a fellow right-hand drive market), with a starting price of the equivalent to $35,000 in Australia.The Firefly was approved for sale in Australia by the federal regulator back in August 2025, which is often the final hurdle before a vehicle goes on sale.Those federal government filings were updated late last year when right-hand drive production was confirmed and pre-production cars have been spied on Australian roads.Homologation details show two variants will be offered in Australia with power coming from a single 105kW/200Nm electric motor fed by a circa-42kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a WLTP driving range of up to 330km.Omoda 9The Omoda 9 Virtue SHS is a five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV sitting in a size band between medium and large. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors - two at the front, integrated into the transmission package and one at the rear.Combined output is 395kW, allowing this family-friendly SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. A 34kWh battery allows the 9 to drive up to 145km (WLTP) on electric power alone and combined (combustion/electric) range is around 1100km.Standard specification is extensive, including 14-speaker Sony audio, ambient lighting, 20-inch alloys, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a panoramic sunroof and heaps more.Skyworth BE11The Skyworth BE11 (formerly known as the Skywell EVA 5) was due to launch in the third quarter of 2025 but rollout plans have been paused by its importer to focus instead on commercial vehicles (although the brand’s website still encourages potential buyers to ‘register interest’).The BE11 is a mid-size electric SUV to rival the likes of the Leapmotor C10, Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6, with two grades in prospect  - Comfort and Luxury. Battery size is 86kWh and quoted (WLTP) range is 489km. Smart #1Smart is a Geely / Mercedes-Benz joint-venture in China and the #1 (pronounced ‘hashtag one’) is a small electric SUV rival to the likes of the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, which are also based on the same Geely platform.Available in three variants, the flagship Brabus version is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing a total system output of 315kW.Smart #3Slotting above the #1 is the slightly larger #3, which is based on the same Geely platform.The #3 is powered by the same electric motor and battery configurations as the #1, and also features a Brabus flagship trim level.Smart #5The Smart #5 is a mid-size pure-electric SUV and although the brand had not officially revealed performance output figures for Australia at the time of writing, in the UK its standard single electric motor provides up to 267kW and 373Nm to the rear wheels.The AWD Brabus adds an additional motor, increasing performance to 475kW and 710Nm. This dual motor set-up means the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Smart Australia has confirmed the car is equipped with a 100kWh battery, offering a driving range of 590km, according to WLTP standards.The first model from GWM’s premium sub-brand, Wey, has been approved for sale in Australia ahead of its expected launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.According to government approval documents, the GWM Wey G9 people mover has been approved for local sale in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises. At this stage GWM hasn’t officially announced the Wey G9 will be launching in Australia, but if it does it will form as a rival to the likes of the BYD M9, GAC M8 and Kia Carnival, among others.The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. Total system output is 263kW. The PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. Despite having a smaller engine, it has a higher total system output of 325kW. Wuling, a joint-venture between MG’s SAIC parent company and General Motors, is on its way to the Australian market with the Eksion 560 mid-size SUV approved for local sale. It is produced in petrol, plug-in hybrid and EV form, but at this stage only the latter has been given federal government approval for Australia.It is 4745mm long, making it similarly-sized to the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X, but it’s a size up on the popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid. Australian sales approval information confirmed the car has a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 150kW and it’s expected to offer the same 310Nm as in Indonesia (a fellow right-hand drive market) where it is already in showrooms.XPeng G6The G6 was the brand’s first vehicle on sale in Australia. It’s a mid-size, five-seat, coupe-style electric SUV rival to the BYD Sealion 7, Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y among others.There are currently two variants on offer, the Standard Range and Long Range. Claimed range is 435km and 570km, respectively, according to WLTP testing.Pricing starts at $51,800 before on-roads, and extends to $66,800 before on-roads.XPeng L03The L03 mid-size coupe-SUV is priced and specified to undercut the Geely EX5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. There are three pure-electric and one range-extender (EREV) L03s to choose from, with prices starting at $41,900, before on-road costs, for both the Standard Range EV and Power X EREV. Standard Range electric versions use a circa-58kWh LFP battery that provides a WLTP rated driving range of up to 445km. Power comes from a single electric motor sending 163kW/280Nm to the rear wheels.The Power X EREV features a 1.5-litre petrol engine used purely as a generator to charge the 37kWh Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery. A 178kW/280Nm single electric motor drives the rear wheels.XPeng G9LThe XPeng G9L is confirmed for Australian launch in early 2027. It’s a big five-seat SUV at just over 5.1 metres long.It is available with a pure-electric or range-extender hybrid (REEV) set-up. The latter uses a small petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery, with only the electric motor(s) driving the wheels.Both electric and EREV versions will be available in two- or all-wheel drive. The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor for a combined 430kW.XPeng X9The XPeng X9 is the brand’s seven-seat electric people mover rival to the plush Zeekr 009.The Standard Range sends 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, but the Performance AWD ups the ante with 370kW and 640Nm. These are combined outputs, thanks to a second motor on the rear axle. The X9’s 800V architecture allows for up to 542kW of DC charging capability. The Standard Range features a 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 542km, while the Performance AWD switches to a 110kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese Lithium-ion battery pack, upping WLTP range to 580km.Zeekr XThe Zeekr X is a highly-specified small electric SUV which shares its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30, Volvo being a fellow Geely Group brand.A rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, and of course the Volvo EX30, among others, the Zeekr X is available in two versions – RWD and AWD.Pricing now starts at $48,900 and extends to $57,900, before on-road costs.Zeekr 7XThe Zeekr 7X line-up spans three variants - Standard Range, Long Range RWD and the dual-motor Performance AWD.Its value-for-money focus means even the entry-grade Standard Range includes features like a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, big screens, 10-speaker audio, tri-zone climate control and much more.Zeekr 7GTThe Zeekr 7GT is a sporty station wagon designed to take aim at the likes of the Audi S5  BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s on track to land here in late 2026 or early 2027.Powertrain choices in China include a rear-wheel-drive version offering a whopping 370kW/545Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, or an all-wheel drive with 585kW/812Nm and 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.85 seconds (faster than a Porsche Taycan Turbo).The 7GT starts from the equivalent of around A$42,000 and tops out at around $52,000 in China, suggesting a range of around A$55,000-$70,000 here.  Zeekr 009The Zeekr 009 is available in six- or seven-seat configurations and is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up producing a total system output of 450kW.Amazingly, despite its upright stance it boasts a low 0.27 drag coefficient and the interior is as spacious as it is luxurious.Pricing starts from $115,900 before on-roads, and extends to $139,900 before on-roads.Zeekr 9XAt a whopping 5239mm long with a wheelbase of more than three metres, the three-row Zeekr 9X will be Australia’s first ultra-luxury car from China when it arrives in late 2026. Propulsion comes courtesy of a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the base two variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range without even needing the engine.The all important 0-100km/h sprint time? As low as 3.1 seconds. Not bad for a three-tonne SUV.

EV prices are at an all-time low for Aussie buyers. The BYD Atto 1 is available from $19,990 (drive-away) until 15 December 2026, making it the most affordable new car on sale in Australia. This makes it cheaper than the petrol-powered Kia Picanto hatch that previously held the title.While the Kia Picanto’s retail $19,190 price is lower, this does not include on-road costs that push its drive-away cost in excess of the $20,000 mark.Other budget-focused players are also gathering steam like the Geely EX2 ($26,490), MG4 Urban (from $29,990 as a limited offer) and the incoming GAC Aion UT Standard Range.It's not just affordable EVs getting cheaper, SUV segments aren't far behind.Fuel prices have driven EV demand, but government rules are having a different sort of impact. The Australian federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has brands seriously thinking about what models they introduce to the market Down Under. This is because cars sold that emit high levels of CO2 now incur significant fines, and count towards each brand's fleet total.Pure combustion cars, whether they are petrol or diesel powered, generally fall foul of emissions regulations which has seen brands remove those models from their line-up in favour of hybrid or fully-electric alternatives. Head of the EV Council and Origin Energy E-mobility GM Chau Le told CarsGuide NVES was driving competitive pricing for electric vehicles in Australia. “Thanks to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, we now have over 100 EV models in Australia and across quite a number of segments from affordable, smaller cars all the way to larger SUVs,” Le said. “In each of these segments, EVs are becoming competitive, but we're not quite there yet in some of the segments. “We're still a bit out, but with more EV models coming in and improvement in battery technology, it's only a matter of time until we're competitive across all segments.”Kia Australia’s General Manager Marketing Dean Norbiato told CarsGuide in May 2026 the Korean brand was pivoting its popular Seltos SUV to hybrid-only due to potential NVES fines. The outgoing Seltos SUV is sold in Australia with both petrol- and hybrid-powered set-ups. “You just have to look at the penalties for NVES on a petrol vehicle versus a hybrid vehicle," Norbiato said. “For us to be a sustainable OEM in this market, hybrid obviously makes sense from that standpoint.”Kia's sister brand, Hyundai, has also signalled its intent to switch much of its incoming range of next-generation vehicles to hybrid-only.Expanding EV options doesn't automatically boost buyer demand, according to Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber. “The impact it has had has been on the supply of vehicles. And we now are in a market in Australia where there's 132 EVs on sale in the country, and there's 80 plug-in hybrid models,” Weber told CarsGuide. “What NVES doesn't do is address the demand issue. And therein lies the challenge for the industry.”Electric car sales are not surging in all areas of the market, and the ute segment is still dominated by diesel-powered options.  The popular Ford Ranger had a slow August 2026 due to an ongoing recall preventing deliveries. It was still the sixth best-selling car in the country, while the Toyota HiLux held a place in the top three. The plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 has been a game-changer for the segment in Australia, and it has been one of the few utes to see sales growth in the last 12 months. Even though the Shark 6’s sales have grown significantly, buyers are still primarily choosing diesel options. BYD’s ute has sold only roughly a third of the units compared to the Ranger in 2026. Weber said demand is not driven by NVES, but external factors like the price of petrol and the subsidisation of EVs.He said the technology needs to be available before buyers make the jump.“Now, you can argue, and quite rightly, that NVES has had an impact, say in the ute market, because we're now seeing plug-in hybrids,” Weber said. “The question I have is whether those products would have come to the market anyway, because what also drives change in markets is competition."I think people will buy the car that meets their needs and wants and until the technology can actually satisfy those people in those segments, that will limit what they buy. “This is one of the great barriers as we move forward on that pathway to zero-emission vehicles.”Electric cars outsold petrol- and diesel-powered cars for the first time in a single month in August 2026.The SUV segment has been the latest to see a surge in EV sales, with three of the top 10 for August 2026 being fully-electric. SUVs show how technology reaches an enticing level to boost buyer demand. Many models now boast driving range exceeding 450km and there are now three-row options at more price points. Utes remain a difficult segment for fully electrics to crack, with towing and driving range key aspects of a buyer’s decision.  The BYD Shark 6 initially launched with a 2500kg braked towing capacity - short of the industry standard 3500kg. BYD has since introduced a performance grade that reaches the 3500kg, but it is the most expensive in the range, starting from $62,900. The Toyota HiLux BEV launched in May 2026. It only offers a 240km (WLTP) driving range and a 2000kg towing capacity, despite being the most expensive variant in the range ($74,990).The recently-revealed MG U9 will launch in Australia the fourth quarter of 2026 with a 3500kg towing capacity and 430km driving range, but it carries a $78,990 price tag.It costs buyers noticeably more money to drive out of the showroom with an electric ute than a diesel-powered one.As technology improves and demand picks up, this gap will shrink. 

Geely has revealed the heavily updated 2026 EX5 ahead of its global launch.The EX5, which is already one of the best-selling electric mid-size SUVs in Australia, is set for a deeper upgrade than a typical facelift, moving from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.It also comes with a huge power upgrade, with the current 160kW front-mounted motor being replaced by a 245kW unit on the rear. It also comes with an upgrade to the car’s max speed from 175km/h to 201km/h.The car has also grown in dimensions slightly, now 4636mm long, 1920mm wide and 1670mm tall, making it both taller and wider than the outgoing car.The brand also says the EX5 will make the switch to the latest generation version of Geely’s LFP ‘Aegis’ battery pack. Details are yet to be revealed, but given the company said it will enable the new SUV to charge in just 10 minutes, it suggests an upgrade to an 800-volt architecture.Certainly, it will be an upgrade from the EX5’s current max charging speed of 100kW, which results in a charge time of more than 30 minutes.It is also expected to boost range from the current car’s 410km WLTP from the modest 60.22kWh unit.In addition, with the space above the front axle freed up, the EX5 is set to get an under-bonnet storage area frunk for the first time.Exterior styling has received some tweaks, while maintaining the overall vibe. The front bumper has been redesigned to add a three-dimensional effect, while the rear lower bumper and tailgate-mounted spoiler have also been tweaked.One of the most noticeable changes are the new alloy wheels (available in either 18- or 19-inch designs).The interior has also been tweaked. The new car replaces the odd squircle steering wheel with a new round design also seen in the upcoming Monjaro EM-i, as well as a crystal-look multifunction control dial to replace the current plastic-look unit.There also appears to be re-designed seat trim, new two-tone colour schemes, and ambient lighting throughout.The car appears to maintain the same 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.4-inch multimedia touchscreen as before, as well as the flip-open storage tray and wireless phone charging bay.More details on the new EX5 are expected to be confirmed imminently for the Chinese market, with the brand focusing on its global aspirations.Geely Australia representatives told CarsGuide there was nothing to share yet on the future of the EX5 locally, although added there was more up the brand’s sleeve for the latter half of 2027.This is on top of the company doubling its model range in Australia in the next year. It has confirmed the Emgrand sedan and Monjaro mid-sizer are set to arrive in the first half, and they will be joined by the flagship Battleship 700 hybrid off-roader before the end of 2027.Stay tuned for more on Geely’s rapid range expansion soon as the brand solidifies its top-10 aspirations in the Australian market.

Geely has confirmed the Battleship 700 off-road SUV for the Australian market.The brand said the large plug-in hybrid 4WD will hit our shores in the second half of 2027 and will top-out the Geely range for the time being.At this stage, few local details can be confirmed, even including the SUV’s name, which may be changed by the time it arrives domestically.Battleship 700 is its Chinese name, while it is alternatively called the Galaxy Cruiser, and debuted under its internal code name of KO11 in Europe.The Battleship 700 is over five meters long making it a rival to everything from the BYD Denza B8 through to the Toyota LandCruiser 300 series, although with styling cues taking inspiration from the Land Rover Defender.Its plug-in hybrid system is closer in design to the Denza B8 than GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T in that it drives the front wheels via a combination of the engine and electric motor, with a purely electric rear motor set-up. It does not feature a driveshaft connecting the transmission at the front to the axle at the rear, and has no transfer case.The brand could confirm the Australian market will receive a high-specification version of the SUV, featuring the full array of off-road features.It will use the most powerful powertrain combination consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the front and a total of three electric motors, one in the front and two in the rear.In China this set-up produces up to 830kW and is the most powerful off-road SUV in its class. It is said to be able to sprint from 0-100km/h in just over four seconds.In place of a driveshaft between the two axles, the Battleship 700 gets a 47kWh battery pack, which is said to provide up to 170km of fully electric driving range.The Battleship 700 rides on a newly-developed ladder architecture for upcoming off-road vehicles from Geely, and features adjustable-height air suspension, off-road specific software modes, an 800mm wading capability and importantly a rear differential lock between the two electric motors.It also features a full-size spare wheel on the swing-open tailgate, an 800-volt electrical architecture for ultra fast charging, vehicle-to-load and a full-size household outlet in the boot.Inside, it scores features like a panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch digital dash, and 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, a fridge/heater under the centre console, standard synthetic leather interior trim and up to 23 speakers for the sound system.It also features the more high-end version of Geely’s software suite (more similar to what appears on Zeekr models), as well as adaptive damping in the suspension.It can automatically park itself, and features a ‘crab turn’ mode to rotate on the spot.The Battleship 700 in 2.0-litre tri-motor form starts from the equivalent of around $56,500 in China, stretching to $81,460 for the top-spec ‘Land Yacht’ version.With the usual additional 15 - 20 per cent added by the time most Chinese vehicles land in Australia, you can expect pricing in the realm of $70,000 - $98,000 by the time it arrives in Australia.The Denza B8 it will compete against costs $91,000 before on-roads in Australia.This places it well at the top of the brand’s range, but it undercuts the Zeekr 8X and 9X luxury SUVs.Geely said it received 43,900 orders within 60 minutes of the order books opening for the car in China on the 15th of September.The Battleship 700 is one part of a massive expansion for the Geely brand in Australia, building off the early success it has achieved with the EX5 and Starray EM-i SUVs.Also in 2027 the brand will also be adding the Emgrand, a Camry-rivalling sedan, and Monjaro mid-size SUV in the first half of the year, doubling its range from three to six vehicles.Geely made its debut in the top-10 best selling brands in Australia for the month of August, not even 18 months after it arrived locally with the EX5.

Geely has confirmed details of its upcoming Monjaro mid-size SUV ahead of its Australian launch.Now confirmed and seen for the first time in right-hand drive, the version of the Monjaro headed to Australia is the recently-updated model riding on Geely’s GEA-Evo architecture.It will hit our shores in the first half of 2027, and it will slot in Geely's local range as a more premium alternative to the existing, slightly smaller Starray EM-i.It will arrive only as a plug-in hybrid for the Australian market, and the brand tells us the range will span three trim levels in either front- or all-wheel drive.All versions come with a 40kWh battery pack, which is more than double the size of the one in the Starray. It offers 170km of WLTP electric driving range, and is paired to a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.Local power figures are yet to be revealed, but the Monjaro EM-i produces up to 250kW/667Nm in overseas market specifications.Other standard features in the Monjaro EM-i range include a 15.4-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 25.6-inch head-up display, a large digital instrument cluster and a power tailgate.Other features available, likely depending on the trim level, will include up to 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive damping suspension, message front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats.The Monjaro EM-i also features vehicle to load (V2L) and vehicle to vehicle (V2V) power output at up to 6.6kW.Geely says the Monjaro is equipped with the group’s latest safety technology, including seven airbags and ‘star armour’ chassis cage for crash safety, as well as the full array of active safety kit.The exterior will be available in five colours, while the interior will have three colour choices. It also has a larger boot capacity than the Starray.While pricing is set to be revealed closer to the Monjaro’s local launch, expect it to be more expensive than the Starray, which is priced from $37,490 to $44,990 locally.This indicates pricing more similar to the mainstream competition like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, or Kia Sportage. Geely tells us the Monjaro will be competitively priced considering the kit it offers.The Monjaro EM-i is one of three new models joining Geely’s line-up and doubling its model range in 2027.The first half of the year will also see the introduction of its Camry-rivalling Emgrand sedan, also as an EM-i plug-in hybrid.It will arrive in two variants with an 18.4kWh battery granting it an 80+km WLTP electric driving range.It also pairs a 1.5-litre engine to a gearbox mounted electric motor, for over 180kW of power and 250Nm of torque.There is no word yet on whether Geely will also introduce the plugless hybrid ‘i-HEV’ versions of these cars, which were recently unveiled internationally.Using a new ultra lean burning 1.5-litre petrol plugless hybrid system from Horse Powertrain, the i-HEV system was benchmarked to be more efficient than Toyota’s hybrid system, and Geely claims it can consume as low as 2.22L/100km when fitted to the Emgrand sedan.While the brand had no comment on adding the plugless hybrid system to the Australian line-up for now, Geely Australia CEO Alex Gu told CarsGuide in May of 2026 that he was pushing for Australia to be one of the firs markets to receive the tech.Once the Emgrand, Monjaro, and Battleship 700 are added to Geely’s line-up, it will span six models, adding to the existing EX2 hatchback, EX5 electric mid-sizer and Starray plug-in hybrid.

Geely has not only put a price-tag on its highly anticipated Battleship 700 4WD, but says it sold 43,900 units within an hour of the books opening in China.The over-five-meter long plug-in hybrid (PHEV) off-roader starts from the equivalent of $41,754 in its Chinese home market, with prices stretching to nearly double that - $81,460 for the flagship ‘Land Yacht’ edition.There are a total of six variants available, across three powertrains and three main trim levels.The entry-level powertrain is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit (120kW/255Nm) available in either single-motor front-wheel drive (350kW/605Nm) or tri-motor all-wheel drive (690kW/1165Nm), while the top-spec powertrain is tri-motor all-wheel drive only with a larger 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing a total of 830kW/1330Nm.All versions come with a 47.14kWh CATL LFP battery pack, allowing a driving range of up to 305km on the 2WD cars, or up to 280km for the tri-motor all-wheel drive versions, although this is to the more lenient CLTC measuring standard.The three trim levels are dubbed Explorer, Peak and Land Yacht. All versions also get adaptive dampers, while 2.0-litre tri-motor versions score height-adjustable air suspension and a low-range driving mode with a rear differential lock.The big 4WD has no driveshaft connection between the front and rear axles, with that space taken up by the large battery. This makes it closer in layout to rivals like the Denza B5 rather than the GWM Tank 500, with the rear axle being purely electrically driven.This means the Galaxy 700 needs to rely more heavily on its software terrain modes for its off-road prowess.Every variant scores features like LED lights all-round and massive 20-inch alloy wheels, while the large internal screens run Geely’s latest and more high-end Flyme 2 software suite which features some similar features to the system featured in Zeekr models.The Battleship 700 is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market, but Geely choose to bring it here; it would be a no-brainer for it to go with the all-wheel drive versions only.With the usual 15 - 20 per cent premium added to Chinese vehicles by the time they are converted to right-hand drive, compiled and shipped to Australia, we could expect pricing to land in the realm of $70,000-$98,000 if the brand sticks to the higher trim levels.This would easily make it Geely’s flagship, whilst still leaving breathing space above for its Zeekr premium arm and its more road-focused 8X and 9X luxury plug-in hybrids.It would also place it in similar pricing territory to the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (from $75,990), whilst undercutting the Denza B8 (from $91,000).The Battleship 700 is part of a wave of new box-style off-roaders buying into the Chinese market trend.GAC has also recently priced its similar Yue 7 off-roader in China. It is significantly less powerful and not quite as nicely appointed but is also significantly more affordable than the Geely, starting with a predicted price of A$52,000 to around $65,000 for 4WD versions once the usual conversion is added from its Chinese price.Other options which are expected for an Australian debut in the near future include those from Chery’s iCaur and Jetour brands, as well as from its Freelander joint-venture with Land Rover.Stay tuned for more on the Geely Battleship 700 as the brand is expected to confirm more of its plans for 2027 imminently.

Geely’s electric Zeekr 7X rival has just got a game-changing update. The new-generation Geely EX5 mid-size SUV will launch in China on 21 September 2026, according to reports.It has appeared Chinese government filings as the Geely E5.The EX5 has proved popular with Australian car buyers in 2026, featuring among the top 10 best-sellers for August as electric car sales overtook petrol and diesel individually for the time. It poses a serious threat to established mid-size petrol- and hybrid-powered SUV favourites the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5.It also takes on the BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and GAC Aion V in the electric SUV space. The EX5 measures up similarly to the Toyota RAV4 hybrid that maintains its place high up the sales charts. The big change on the new EX5 is a shift from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, providing boosts to performance and practicality. RWD can provide a car with improved handling and better weight distribution.The RWD EX5 will be powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor, producing 245kW, compared to the 160kW on the model currently on sale in Australia.This increased power has boosted the top speed to 201km/h compared to 175km/h. It will continue to be equipped with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. It's unclear whether this will be different to the current version's 68kWh unit, which delivers 475km (WLTP) of range. The move to RWD has also opened up a new front trunk space, with a maximum load capacity of 50kg, but its storage capacity is unknown at this stage.The EX5 is 21mm longer than its outgoing model, but otherwise takes on similar proportions. Geely has added more safety features to the EX5, including fender side-mounted cameras and a roof spoiler-integrated camera. Geely hasn't officially confirmed any details around the new EX5 or when it might arrive.Geely has big plans for Australia and will introduce several new models Down Under over the next year, but it’s unclear whether the new EX5 is one of those. The last update to the EX5 came in March 2026 when it received the larger 68kWh battery.News of that variant dropped in May 2025, with its Australia release coming roughly 10 months later.This means buyers could get their hands on the new EX5 in mid-2027.The EX5 currently starts from $41,990 (before on-road costs), but this new model is likely to incur a price hike on that figure when it arrives here.

It has never been cheaper for buyers considering an EV in Australia. Increased demand and more efficient development processes have reduced the prices of electric cars in Australia significantly. Carmakers continue to battle it out to go cheaper than their rivals, with options now appearing below the $30,000 mark.Some affordable EVs are even cheaper than traditional petrol-powered budget examples. The BYD Atto 1 has maintained its title as the cheapest electric car in Australia.The compact SUV starts from $23,990, with top-spec models costing $27,990, both before on-road costs. Until the end of the year, the BYD Atto 1 Essential grade is just $19,990 drive-away, making it not just the cheapest EV but the cheapest car in Australia.The Atto 1’s single electric motor only produces 65kW and 175Nm as standard, while its 30kWh battery is good for more than 200km of driving range (WLTP). The newest member of the below $30,000 club is the Geely EX2, which has already surged towards the top of the sales charts in Australia. The rear-wheel drive EX2 starts from $26,490, with the range-topping variant priced from $30,990, both before on-road costs. The base variant has 60kW and 150Nm from a single electric motor, along with a 35kWh battery offering 252km.GAC will launch a short-range version of its Aion UT in late 2026 that is expected to be less than $30,000, as well. The Atto 1 and Geely EX2 use before on-road costs pricing, so buyers will have to spend an extra up to $5000 on registration and other costs to drive it out of the showroom. The MG4 Urban is the cheaper front-wheel drive sibling of the MG4, available with a sharp drive-away price of $31,990.Its 110kW and 250Nm as standard bests its cheaper competition, while its more than 316km of driving range is hard to look past at its price point. While GAC’s short-range Aion UT is not here yet, the current ‘Premium’ grade starts from $31,990 (drive-away). The Aion UT boasts an electric motor that makes 150kW and 210Nm, besting the MG4 Urban with a quoted riving range of more than 400km from its 60kWh battery.The GWM Ora 5 SUV is available from $33,990, drive-away, as a new cheaper replacement for the Ora hatch.The Ora 5 makes 150kW and 260Nm from its single electric motor.BYD’s affordable EVs continue down the list, with the Dolphin hatchback ($29,990) and the bigger Atto 2 small SUV ($31,990), both before on-road costs. Leapmotor’s B05 is the brand’s cheapest car on sale, and currently is available with a $35,990, drive-away price until 30 September 2026. The B05 is a smaller SUV compared to mid-sized Leapmotor’s B10 with its fully-electric variant kicking off from $38,990, drive-away, also until 30 September 2026. The Jaecoo J5's proportions are on the larger end of the small SUV scale, making it a compelling proposition at $36,990, drive-away. The J5 has had a strong start to life in Australia, and the best-selling small SUV for May 2026.