Xpeng News

XPeng is going hard in Australia with its new factory-backed operations, but the brand has said it doesn’t see itself as a rival to BYD.Instead, the Chinese carmaker, which has been championing the use of so-called physical AI, positions itself a key rival to Tesla.“Globally now, of course, Tesla is one of the competitors [to XPeng],” said XPeng Head of International Development Alex Tang to CarsGuide.Both companies currently offer electrified vehicles with semi-autonomous driving capabilities in certain markets, plus they are both developing humanoid robots.Tesla already offers its Full-Self Driving (Supervised) technology in Australia and XPeng is planning to roll out its version, called VLA NGP 2.0, in 2027.Additionally, XPeng is planning to introduce its humanoid robot, called Iron, to its dealers and eventually make it available to other businesses during 2027.“So far we do have some markets that we outsell Tesla, frankly speaking, and some markets, of course, Tesla has more sales,” said Tang.“But at the end of the day, what we are trying to create is affordable technology for all.“Physical AI for all, is our slogan, but it’s also our mission that we want more customer access the brand to the latest technology.“So we are not only targeting at some niche market, but mainstream customers that can afford the best technology.”“Further speaking, we have some customers that come from the premium brands,” added Tang, specifically calling out Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.“We really don’t think BYD is our competitor, not only in China but globally because we do have different positioning,” said Tang.“Not only the brand, but also the products and the customers are always different.“We are really trying to lead the development of the AI car segments that supply the best technology from the global to the local customers.”As noted above, XPeng is now a factory-backed operation in Australia, having taken over from the previous distributor, True EV.There are still ongoing legal disputes however between XPeng and True EV and a trial is set to begin locally in October.Despite this, XPeng has confirmed it plans to launch five new or updated vehicles in Australia over the next six months.Including the updated G6 electric SUV and the X9 electric people mover, the Chinese carmaker will launch the L03 coupe SUV, G9L large SUV and L05 mid-size SUV.XPeng has also confirmed the GX flagship large SUV will be coming to Australia, however concrete launch timing is yet to be locked in.

The boss of a major dealer group has told CarsGuide how competing forces and the state of the economy is taking its toll on the new car industry despite record sales in 2026.Mark Beitz, the managing director of Bartons Motor Group said the record registration numbers released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries in its monthly VFACTs data wasn’t a true reflection of car sales in June as “excess inventory”, which was building up at an alarming pace on dealer lots gets cleared out.“There were a lot of cars which were already sold months prior being delivered in June, so that accounted for a massive spike, particularly in EV and plug-in hybrids,” he said.“There is an adoption trend for EV, we can see that - so for the first quarter you were seeing that natural sustainable growth in EVs.”But, referencing the wave of attention for electric cars in the last three months that stemmed from high fuel prices due to the war in Iran and Strait of Hormuz crisis, he said while dealer groups had "never seen anything like it" it wasn't a sustainable pace for EV sales in the long run.“People were only buying EVs for a month or so” he said.“There was a lot of aged EV stock in the country, this big surge, the panic buying, really cleared that up - but we sold those cars back in April and what we're seeing in VFACTs is deliveries.”“What we’ve seen since then - in May it started to wane and now new order intake is nothing like what we saw in April.”But with many global stockpiles of fuel, which were released onto the market to ease prices, reportedly set to run thin in the coming months, does Beitz think there could be a renewed rush on EVs and plug-ins?“My feeling is no” he said.“I think as a country what we’ve experienced is what’s going to happen - I don’t feel we’ll run out of fuel, there wasn’t Armageddon like people thought there was going to be, so I don’t see another huge surge. I don’t think we’ll see anything like that second quarter for the rest of the year.”“I think it will instead be an average of the first half of the year for the second half.”He said conditions going forward looked more bleak for the industry, as a combination of factors would make numbers seen in the first six months of 2026 more difficult to replicate going forward.“The industry is seeing some real challenges. The profitability is the lowest it’s ever been - overall the industry has had the lowest return in decades for the first half of the year - that’s unheard of."“There’s a number of factors. The economy is taking its toll - there’s excess inventory everywhere. You’ve only got to drive to the ports, there’s cars everywhere. So there’s an excess inventory issue that’s affecting our ability to retain revenue. Margins have fallen through the floor.”“The other thing which is a massive issue is that there are way too many brands, and only the same amount of buyers. Year-to-date there’s a small growth but it’s bugger all, and 65 per cent of the market is still ICE vehicles, and even there it’s declined.”But despite the intense competition and ultra-low price points coming to the market from new Chinese brands, Beitz was reasonably positive about the survival chances of so-called ‘legacy brands’.“They’ll find a way forward,” he said.“Nissan is a good example, they’ll have a portfolio, which resembles their traditional products like Navara and Patrol, but next year they’ll be bringing across a range of Chinese manufactured options.”He agreed that levels of interest for incoming Chinese-built cars from brands like Nissan seen across automotive media was being replicated by buyer interest at a dealer level.“I think they’re responding but they struggle to move as fast as the Chinese brands are arriving. But legacy brands are coming back, I think they might hold on to where they sit currently."However, he also added their footprint has likely permanently shrunk when it comes to retail space: “It will result in a re-allocation of already limited space for dealers like me.”Despite promising signs for EVs going forward - with many more younger buyers being attracted by lower price points from new brands, Beitz pointed out that non-EV market share is still 75 per cent of the total market, and 78 per cent for his network specifically.He believes combustion vehicles (including plugless hybrids) will continue to make up the majority of the market for years to come.

China’s XPeng has confirmed its plan to launch five new or updated vehicles in Australia over the next six months.Including the updated G6 electric mid-size SUV and the recently launched X9 electric people mover, the Chinese carmaker has locked in a local launch for the L03 coupe SUV in the fourth quarter of 2026.This latter XPeng vehicle was only just revealed in Europe last week and it signals the brand’s intention to bring new cars to Australia more quickly and in sync with China.Then the G9L large SUV and the L05 mid-size SUV are all coming Down Under within the next six months.Additionally, XPeng has confirmed the flagship GX SUV is coming to Australia, however concrete launch timing is yet to be locked in. It’ll likely also need a different name as Lexus already sells a model with this name locally.All XPeng models to date offer pure electric (BEV) powertrains, however the Chinese carmaker is set to introduce range-extender hybrid (REEV) powertrains in Australia in 2027.XPeng hasn’t fully disclosed which of its models will be offered with a REEV powertrain in Australia, however it’s understood that the L03 coupe SUV will be the first. It’ll be offered with both BEV and REEV powertrains.Other XPeng models will likely follow with offering both powertrain technologies.The Chinese carmaker also plans to introduce its semi-autonomous driving software in Australia. It’s already available in other markets and it’s currently targeting a local launch before the end of 2027.This will finally give Tesla a rival on the semi-autonomous driving front. It’s the only carmaker to offer a similar level of technology currently in Australia.Lastly, XPeng is currently planning an Australian pilot for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.It is still in discussions with potential partners and will disclose the models it’ll be offered on and the timeline at a later date.As it currently stands, XPeng has 25 showroom locations within Australia and New Zealand but it’s looking to ramp this up to 50 within six months. It also plans to have three flagship experience centres.The Chinese carmaker is also setting up offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland to act as support hubs for the dealers.It has established a national parts warehouse with delivery through a partnership with FedEx, plus has a customer care support network with a dedicated call line and roadside assistance.It’s clear that XPeng is going hard in Australia now that the factory has officially taken over direct operations from the previous distributor, True EV.There are still ongoing legal disputes however between XPeng and True EV and a trial is set to begin locally in October.

XPeng has confirmed the pricing and specifications of its next new vehicle in Australia, the X9 electric people mover, as orders open.There are two versions of the 2027 XPeng X9 available at launch, the FWD Standard Range and AWD Performance. Pricing is $89,900, before on-road costs and $109,900, before on-road costs, respectively.This sees it undercut the luxurious Zeekr 009, but it’s priced similarly to the Denza D9.The entry-level X9 FWD Standard Range is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 235kW.It’s fed by a 94.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and offers up to 535km of WLTP-claimed range.The flagship X9 AWD Performance, on the other hand, has a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with total system outputs of 370kW and 640Nm. This allows it to travel from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.The dual electric motors are fed by a larger 110kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery which offers up to 580km of WLTP-claimed range.AC charging across the line-up is 11kW, whereas peak DC fast-charging is up to 542kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 12 minutes.There’s also vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities at up to 6kW.As standard there is air suspension with adaptive dampers, as well as a rear-axle steering system.A seven-seat configuration is standard with second-row captain’s chairs that offer 14 ways of electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massaging, as well as a 17.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a 21-inch head-up display, 21.4-inch rear touchscreen, 27-speaker sound system and a fridge/hotbox.On the safety front there are nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, a semi-autonomous park assist, as well as a surround-view camera.The X9 is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, whereas the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date.Beyond the updated G6 electric mid-size SUV and the X9 electric people mover, XPeng also plans to launch the L03 coupe SUV, G9L large SUV and the L05 mid-size SUV in Australia over the next six months.The Chinese carmaker has also confirmed the flagship GX SUV will launch in Australia, however it hasn’t locked in concrete launch timing yet.

It's official. XPeng has taken over exclusive distribution of its cars in Australia. Former distributor True EV has been forced to permanently shut the doors to its glamorous Sydney showroom in Mascot.True EV also confirmed XPeng Australia is now the sole distributor of XPeng cars in Australia, as part of a statement on its website.True EV blamed a lack of vehicle supply for the showroom’s demise. True EV said it has continued to fulfil customer parts orders and is committed to assisting customers where possible through this transition. XPeng Australia will now bear responsibility for servicing and customer support, according to True EV.True EV said XPeng will also take charge of all cashback offers and promotional offers.The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported earlier this month customers who purchased XPeng cars from True EV in 2026 hadn't received $5000 cashback offers promised.XPeng has not officially confirmed it will honour these cashback agreements in lieu of True EV, but it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A spokesperson for XPeng Australia said it would work to resolve issues for affected customers. XPeng told True EV it was removing its exclusive rights to distributing vehicles in January 2026.True EV began Federal Court legal proceedings against XPeng soon after, alleging the car maker had breached its distributor agreement. XPeng claims True EV ordered and paid for less than a third of the obligatory orders targets, and has not proceeded with an order in more than 12 months. True EVs distribution arm went into external administration in Australia in March, with financiers Helios appointing receivers to extract nearly 200 cars. The company's interlocutory injunction application to prevent XPeng starting its own operation in Australia was denied earlier this year. The trial will begin in October. XPeng Australia recently unveiled an updated version of its G6 electric mid-size SUV that will hit new factory-backed showrooms imminently.XPeng is plotting to bring more models to Australia.An X9 people mover will join the G6, with a GX luxury SUV also on the horizon.XPeng's Mona L03 and L05 SUVs were spotted undergoing testing Down Under recently.A long-wheelbase G9 large SUV has also been spied in Australia as it gears up for a global launch.

XPeng has announced pricing and launch specification for its coupe-style L03 mid-size SUV in Europe, ahead of a likely Aussie arrival.The newcomer is offered initially as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), with a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) version joining the line-up before the end of the year.Given order books are already open in China (where the car is called Mona L03) and examples have been spotted testing in Australia, the L03 is a likely 2027 arrival here, the Chinese maker already confirming it will “be available in 64 countries and regions”.With customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and priced from €35,600 (~$58,250), the German L03 range consists of five models, two rear-wheel drive (RWD) single-motor BEVs, a pair of dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) electric variants and a single range-extender option.It would likely be cheaper in Australia due to our close proximity to China and the existence of a free trade agreement.The REEV version features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the wheels driven exclusively by an electric motor, with a (70kW) 1.5-litre internal combustion engine (ICE) acting as a generator only to recharge the 37.3kWh LFP battery while driving. Claimed WLTP range is 1000km on a single tank of fuel and full battery charge, with a pure-electric range in excess of 200km.The single-motor, RWD version of the BEV is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds with combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) energy consumption of 11.9kWh/100km.German pricing:  It’s important to note these German prices include 19 per cent VAT (Value Added Tax) and as with most Chinese new arrivals, you can generally expect the L03 to be significantly more affordable when it lands in Australia.The L03 is priced from between the equivalent of $31,000 to $34,000 in electric form in China (where there are nine models on offer) and a local entry-grade is likely to be more in line with base versions of the BYD Atto 3 (from $39,990), GAC Aion V (from $42,590) and Geely EX5 (from $41,990).Developed by a global team led by former Ferrari Head of Exterior Design Juanma López, the L03 measures 4.65 metres long, a fraction over 1.9m wide and 1.6m tall with a 2850mm wheelbase. Drag coefficient is a slippery 0.23.All Euro L03 grades feature full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels (20s on the flagship Ultra BEV), Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable, folding, and heated exterior mirrors, nine-speaker audio (with two speakers integrated into the driver's seat), built-in navigation, dual-zone climate control, and three screen displays - an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 26.8-inch head-up display.The boot boasts a decent 367-litre volume and there’s an 89-liter ‘frunk’ up front.Safety includes seven airbags and “more than 13 driver assistance systems” bundled under the name ‘XPILOT’, including AEB (Auto Emergency Braking), blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert adaptive cruise control and more.CarsGuide has contacted XPeng Australia for comment on the L03’s potential for local sale and likely arrival timing.

A camouflaged prototype version of what appears to be the XPeng G9L has been spotted in Melbourne.Only one photo of this spied prototype was captured and it shows the rear of the vehicle. It’s clearly an SUV and the ‘EV’ badge on the license plate indicates that it has an electrified powertrain.The XPeng G9L hasn’t been revealed yet globally and it will be a long-wheelbase version of the existing G9, which dates back to 2021.According to a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing from earlier this year, the G9L measures in at 5120mm long, 1999mm wide and 1795mm tall, with a 3100mm wheelbase. This makes it 100mm longer than the Kia EV9.Compared to the regular G9, the G9L has a slightly different tailgate cutout and a rear LED light bar. It’s more in line with the larger GX.Globally the G9L will be available with battery electric (BEV) and range-extender (REEV) powertrains. It’s unclear which will be coming to Australia.The G9L BEV is available with single- or dual-electric motor set-ups. Power outputs are yet to be determined.The G9L REEV, on the other hand, will feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts purely as a generator to top up the battery pack. Power outputs are yet to be determined.At this stage no battery or range details have been confirmed.No interior imagery or details have been confirmed yet, so it's unclear whether the G9L offers three rows of seating. The standard G9 only offers two rows.XPeng’s previous distributor in Australia, TrueEV, confirmed the G9L would launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.Given XPeng now has a factory-backed operation locally, it’s unclear whether this launch timing is still accurate.On XPeng’s new Australian website, the only new vehicle besides the updated G6 that currently features is the X9 people mover.This spied G9L isn’t the only recent camouflaged XPeng prototype to be spied in Australia. Examples of the Mona L03 ‘coupe’ SUV and the forthcoming L05 SUV were spied in Victoria.It’s understood that the former is due to launch in Australia in 2027, while the latter is still undergoing validation testing for the Australian market.

Key details of XPeng’s ongoing legal troubles in Australia have been exposed. The brand is currently defending allegations of breaching its agreement with estranged Australian distributor True EV.The Federal Court of Australia has emphatically denied True EV’s interlocutory injunction application to prevent XPeng from establishing a factory-backed operation in Australia.True EV was seeking to restrain XPeng from distributing or servicing cars, accessories and parts under its own name in Australia.The trial will get underway in October with run time estimates ranging from five to 15 days. “The result is that XPeng’s brand and entry into the Australian market for electronic vehicles appears to be in a state of considerable dysfunction,” justice Jackman said. “There is no cogent basis to indicate that this state of affairs will change if True EV remains XPeng’s exclusive distributor.”True EV failed to make the first of two security costs payments for the proceedings totalling $1,256,860 that was due to be paid by 31 May 2026 on time.The brand attempted to make a grand entrance into the Australian market, including the acquisition of a standout showroom situated near Sydney Airport. Such theatrics flattered to deceive, with delayed launches and limited sales defining a turbulent Australian introduction.Court documents have revealed XPeng gave True EV notice to terminate its exclusive distributor rights and install a new operation on 1 January 2026. “XPeng has formed the view that the sales and service network will function much better with XPeng Motors Australia Pty Limited also distributing XPeng vehicles,” an excerpt from the contract stated in the judgment read.The notice stated that this request did not terminate True EV’s right to distribute XPeng vehicles.The distribution arm of True EV went into external administration in March 2026. A spokesperson for the distributor told CarsGuide earlier this year this concerned appointed receivers from financiers Helios for 197 cars. The company remains in external administration, according to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).XPeng appointed True EV as its exclusive distributor in 2024 for a five-year period, with the prospect of a further extension. True EV commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against XPeng in March.True EV claims XPeng’s decision to change the distribution model constitutes early termination and is thus compensable. It further claims it is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to make a return on its investment. XPeng exposed key details of its relationship with True EV in its submissions relating to the defunct interlocutory injunction. The brand said True EV has ordered relatively few vehicles and only a modest fraction of the order targets. True EV has been largely unable to place and proceed with orders on the payment terms specified in the distributor agreement. True EV ordered and paid for less than a third of the obligatory orders targets.It has sought to deal with this by pressuring XPeng to process orders on payment terms requiring XPeng to bear payments risks not required of it under the contract.True EV has not proceeded with any new vehicle order in over 12 months, according to XPeng.XPeng also stated it could have lost up to $14.5 million in Australian operation set-up costs if the interlocutory injunction were to be enforced. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported earlier this month customers who purchased XPeng cars earlier this year haven't received $5000 cashback offers promised by the True EV operation.XPeng Australia is pushing on in the meantime with the launch of an updated version of its G6 electric mid-size SUV.CarsGuide has contacted True EV for comment, but has yet to receive a response.A spokesperson for XPeng Australia said the brand is committed to resolving issues affecting customers who purchased XPeng vehicles through True EV. "We recognise the frustration and inconvenience this has caused and are committed to putting things right," they said."That’s why we have established a dedicated customer-care channel and a review process which has already resolved some customer issues and is expediting others."

The Zeekr 7X has a renewed Australian rival.The updated XPeng G6 has been priced in Australia ahead of its arrival in showrooms next month.This model is only available through the factory-backed XPeng ANZ operation and has no connection to the previous distributor, True EV.True EV was appointed XPeng's exclusive importer, distributor, and retailer for Australia in 2024.True EV commenced legal action against XPeng in the Federal Court of Australia earlier this year, with hearings scheduled for October.  The new G6 will be priced from $51,800 (before on-road costs) for the rear-wheel drive, while the new all-wheel drive variant is available from $63,800. This means the range kicks off from $3000 less than it did previously.The G6 is now more than $6000 cheaper than the hugely popular Zeekr 7X ($57,900), and roughly $5000 cheaper than mainstream rivals like the Kia EV5 ($56,770).It will also be more affordable than the Tesla Model Y ($58,900) that is currently experiencing a huge sales surge in Australia.The RWD standard range has a single electric motor, producing 185kW and 440Nm, with the long range boosting power to 218kW/440Nm.The new AWD variants have dual electric motors pumping out 358kW and 660Nm. The base variant of the G6 has a 69kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a driving range of up to 480km, according to WLTP standards. All other variants have an 81kWh unit, with a maximum driving range of 525km, but AWD examples only have 510km.The G6 rides on an 800-volt platform, enabling DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 12 minutes. On the inside, there is a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital driver display, with two wireless phone chargers. The cabin also features an 18-speaker audio system, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come as standard.It can be optioned with synthetic leather seats that are heated, ventilated and have a massage function. The G6 also launches with the range-topping Black Edition. It adds 20-inch black wheels and brake callipers, and exclusive black exterior paint, with other black elements elsewhere.2026 XPeng G6 pricing Australia  

XPeng’s new segment-bending Mona L03 SUV has been caught testing in Australia just after going on sale in China.Spotted by CarsGuide’s own Byron Mathioudakis on Victoria's Great Ocean Road, the SUV remains heavily camouflaged but still identifiable as the L03 thanks to its partially exposed signature front headlights, tail-lights that form part of its rear spoiler piece and partially exposed alloy wheels with XPeng logos.Glimpses of a steering wheel on the right-hand side can be identified, which is the first time the L03 has ever been spotted in this configuration.The L03 sits below XPeng’s only current model in Australia, the G6 mid-sizer SUV, which competes with the Tesla Model Y. The L03 will compete with more affordable SUVs such as the Geely EX5 (from $41,990), BYD Atto 3 (from $39,990) and GAC Aion V (from $42,590).It shares a familiar minimalist interior treatment to many of its Chinese contemporaries, with modern touches like a large central multimedia touchscreen, oval steering wheel and floating central console, with its key differentiator being its slinky fastback-style rear.The L03 is available overseas in electric form, with a 183kW/280Nm rear-mounted motor and either a 56kWh or 69kWh battery pack for up to 625km of range, according to lenient Chinese standards.A range-extender hybrid model will follow, using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 37.2kWh battery pack.The L03 was spotted alongside another unknown XPeng model, which appears to be a hatchback or crossover. It could be a third member of the Mona family, with the L03 being an SUV and the M03 being a sedan.It stands to reason that XPeng would launch a hatchback as the brand has been active in the European market for some time. It would follow in the footsteps of the original MG4, Leapmotor's B05 hatchback, both created specifically for the European market, or BYD and its Euro-focused plug-in hybrid derivatives of the Atto 1 and Atto 2.The M03 sedan has been previewed in Australia in left-hand-drive form under XPeng’s previous distributor, and has gone on to become a popular low-cost vehicle in China, but it is unclear whether XPeng’s new factory-backed operation will follow through with plans to launch it in Australia now the company’s model range has evolved overseas.The freshly spotted car seems to have more in common with the SUV design, featuring a bar-style tail-light rather than the individual light clusters of the M03 sedan, while its hatch-style tailgate is a new profile for the brand.CarsGuide understands the L03 is due in Australia in 2027, and the spotted SUV is likely undergoing validation testing for the Australian market.The hatchback model is likely undergoing initial testing and will launch further down the track.XPeng is seeking to get its business back on track in Australia amid an ongoing legal stoush with its former distributor TrueEV.The now factory-backed brand currently only offers the updated G6 on its website, with the X9 people mover listed as coming soon.It is yet to comment locally on the L03 and CarsGuide has sought clarity on the hatchback model.