Xpeng News

I have been to three Chinese motor shows in a row, and all three times have signalled a shift in the calibre of the cars, which are increasingly setting a global agenda.The first time, I wrote of the sheer scale on display from some of the biggest brands and the amount of interest around carmakers BYD, GWM and Nio compared to the stands of Nissan, Toyota and Honda.The Shanghai Motor Show a year later was full of ambitious new products and a lack of fear to try new things on a global stage.But this year’s Beijing Motor Show marked yet another, unexpected shift, which should continue to strike fear into popular incumbents used to topping charts in regions around the world.This time, things were somewhat scaled back. Gone were the weird and whacky Chinese domestic market specials. The stands were slick, professional and showcased a handful of global-market ready models.Above all, the flavour was international. If the previous two motor shows were experimental and expansion themed, respectively the 2026 Beijing Motor Show was an announcement.Chinese automakers aren’t just for China any more. They have their sights well and truly set at topping the charts around the world.The Geely Group stand was happy to show some older cars, such as the Monjaro SUV and Preface sedan, but also ones that were fully prepared for export, with a variety of fresh hybrid powertrains designed to please international buyers and markets with different emissions settings and charging infrastructure.Even the auto giant’s primary reveal was relatively tame, a concept sedan which previewed its new design language but the message was clear - this is our new unified design for the world, not just for China, and it is powertrain agnostic. You’ll know a Geely when you see it, and it will have exactly what you want under the bonnet.The same could be said for most of the other stands I had time to visit. GAC showed off its global market off-road SUV alongside an array of export-ready models, but it was the more obscure once-domestic-only marques like the luxury HongQi and the off-road-focused 212 which had taken a massive step up in terms of the international allure of their stands.Another very telling shift was the renewed interest in brands like Nissan and Toyota. Not so much the globally-recognised versions of these brands, mind you, but their Chinese joint-venture incarnations, which have created quite some hype in the preceding months in markets outside of China.Nissan’s stand went from a sad handful of dated sedan models in previous years, to absolutely heaving with interest thanks to its Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute and just-revealed Terrano SUV.Nissan has unapologetically re-oriented toward its joint-venture with Dongfeng in China for these models, declaring it has to lean on “China Speed” to reignite interest in its otherwise ailing global footprint.Toyota, meanwhile, showed a stand primarily of joint-venture models with BYD and GAC, many of which, it seems, may start to be exported as more of the world seeks a more electrified line-up than the Japanese juggernaut has previously been keen to offer.With context, this shift makes a lot of sense. Domestically, Chinese automakers have been engaged in a brutal price war, as Beijing’s subsidies shift between production of ‘New Energy’ models to the actual sales pipeline, as the government seeks to rapidly get combustion vehicles off the road.The result has seen the biggest players, like BYD, able to use their scale to sell models at extremely sharp prices in order to squeeze rivals on volume, all seemingly with the objective of being one of the last ones standing at any cost. It has seen a massive contraction in the number of automakers able to stay afloat in China, and with a market quickly reaching a point of ‘New Energy’ saturation, many, including BYD, have sought the refuge and higher margins of export markets like Australia.As it turns out, many of these markets have been ripe for the taking, particularly ones with low barriers to entry, incumbent market leaders not used to such competition, and little to no tariffs.It’s no wonder then, that as I walked around the Beijing Motor Show, I very much felt like every automaker was trying to sell me a car, rather than the local standing next to me.

XPeng has unveiled its latest flagship SUV to take on BYD and Zeekr. The XPeng GX is an ultra-luxury large six-seater SUV, powered by a range-extender or fully-electric set-up.This puts it into direct competition with other high-end models in the Chinese market, such as the BYD Great Tang.It will also take on the Zeekr 9X, which is anticipated to launch in Australia over the next year or so. It is unclear at this stage whether the GX will launch in Australia.The brand’s in-limbo distributor TrueEV had previously announced a G9 large SUV and X9 people mover, but that is yet to materialise. The newly-formed XPeng ANZ has expressed interest in having the GX as a model on sale in Australia.The range-extender set-up in the new range-topping GX utilises a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 110kW to charge the battery combined with front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 210kW. This variant has a 63kWh battery, offering an electric-only driving range of 430km, with a combined driving range of 1585km. Both of these figures have been calculated using the more generous CLTC system. The all-electric variant also has dual motors, which produce a total of 270kW, along with a driving range of 750km (CLTC) from its 110kWh battery pack.  All variants of the GX have all-wheel drive. The GX utilises an 800-volt platform to facilitate a 10-80 per cent charge in under 12 minutes for the large SUV, according to XPeng. There is plenty of lavish luxury on the inside of the GX, with the usual large digital driver display and central touchscreen combo, accompanied by a 21.4-inch TV-like rear screen.Additionally, there is a panoramic head-up display spanning the width of the front windscreen. All seats are wrapped in Nappa leather, with plenty of electric adjustment options, as well as heated and ventilated functionality. The GX has been priced from just under 400,000 yuan, which is around A$80,000, but expect it to be around $100,000 if it ever makes it to the Australian market. 

In a dramatic turn of events, a new factory-backed arm of XPeng has taken the reins from previous distributor TrueEV in what appears to be shaping up to be a messy legal saga.The new factory-backed outlet says it has now established direct operations in Australia, with new local employees, and a new dealer network “effective immediately”.According to the new entity, this will include new customer support infrastructure and factory-backed logistics to service customers everywhere except Tasmania and the Northern Territory, where the brand is yet to establish a presence.The brand reassures buyers that it is “deeply committed to the long-term stability and continuity of the Australian market” and is currently hiring for a range of roles.Unlike the widely publicised BYD factory-take-over, which appeared to be amicable with its successful distributor EVDirect, the XPeng factory subsidiary is set to lock horns with its previous distributor TrueEV.TrueEV recently entered external administration after running the local XPeng brand since 2024, despite holding a five-year distribution contract for the brand.While the distributor has said for a long time that a factory-backed take-over was on the cards and would likely happen sooner than originally anticipated, explosive revelations first published by The Australian claim TrueEV will be suing XPeng for unconscionable conduct after it tore up its distribution agreement on the first of January this year.According to allegations made by TrueEV, XPeng undermined its operations since 2024, including withholding new product and “sabotaging” its dealer network by changing approval requirements, forcing TrueEV to de-list some dealers and forcing it to remove its service partner, Ultra Tune.TrueEV alleges this effectively made it impossible for it to sell cars through its already-established network of 15 dealers and 58 service locations.The case looks set to be dragged through the Federal Court unless a settlement is reached before then, and could create a rocky pathway for the factory backed operation as TrueEV could seek to legally block the company from operating as it pleases until the matter is settled.The revelations help to explain XPeng’s slow advance in Australia since the well-received arrival of its G6 mid-size SUV as a rival to the ever-popular Tesla Model Y.Despite the brand (under TrueEV) announcing the G9 large SUV and X9 people mover, as well as hinting at the introduction of the Mona M03 as an ultra-affordable electric fastback, the models have failed to materialise.It comes at a crucial time for Chinese EV-focused brands which will no doubt seek to capitalise on the current spike in fuel prices to build up their market share.In contrast to XPeng’s strong start and slow follow-up, a rocky start for its direct Zeekr rival with its niche X small SUV and 009 people mover has been very successfully followed-up by its 7X mid-size SUV, with the brand building hype for what should be its next product, the 8X plug-in hybrid large SUV.Stay tuned for more on developments for XPeng’s Australian operations.

The distribution arm of Australian XPeng seller True EV has gone into external administration, according to an Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) filing.Under external administration the administrator takes over management powers of the business from the directors, while it continues to trade.The administrator in consultation with stakeholders will develop a plan to put the company on course for solvency or to be wound up.True EV brought the XPeng name to Australia in 2024, when it began importing and selling cars.The news comes as XPeng seeks to take over the sales arm of its products in Australia. It confirmed its official launch in New Zealand at the start of this year, stating “details for the Australian market will be announced in due course”.This transition carries some complications because True EV has a long-term distribution deal for XPeng vehicles in Australia.At the same time, True EV and its retail arm have commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against 'Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Trading' and XPeng Australia.It is not known at this stage what the case is in dispute of, but more details will be revealed in the coming days.True EV Chief Executive Officer Jason Clarke told CarsGuide last year he was expecting XPeng to make more direct control of the Australian operation.“The modus operandi of an OEM is give me more, give me more,” Clarke said.“Everything that you’ve seen from XPeng to date has been TrueEV. So we’ve got it to this point.“They’ve been involved closely not from the product of the brand promotion. That’s been us.“I’d say, end of this year, next year, you’ll start to see them more and more, doing more and more.”The potential messy breakup between True EV and XPeng HQ, puts a cloud over the care of current customer vehicles for the near future and the pending delivery of vehicles.There are currently three models listed on its Australian website, which are G6 and G9 SUVs, along with the X9 people mover.At this stage, only the G6 is available for order, with the other two models expected to launch in Australia later in the year.According to ASIC documentation, the retail arm of True EV continues to have a registered status.BYD took over Australian distribution of its cars from third party distributor EVDirect in the middle of last year after booming sales results, which have continued into 2026.

A determined push by Chinese carmakers towards large luxury SUVs offering a choice of pure-electric and range-extender hybrid power continues to gather momentum as the XPeng GX enters full global production.Exuding an unmistakable Range Rover vibe, the GX joins the Aito M9, BYD U8L, Denza N9, Li Auto L9, MG IM LS9 and Zeekr 9X as similarly sized, specified and priced (not to mention Range Rover-inspired) rivals in the Chinese domestic market.Breaking cover earlier this year, we now know the XPeng GX is a substantial six-seater, measuring close to 5.3m long, 2.0m wide and 1.8m tall with a lengthy 3115mm wheelbase. Kerb weight ranges between 2690kg and 2890kg.Offered in pure-electric (BEV) and range-extender hybrid (EREV) form, the BEV sends a combined 430kW and a solid 695Nm to all four wheels via dual motors and Xpeng’s 800-volt coaxial electric drive system.An 800V AI battery platform supports 5C ultra-fast charging capable of completing a full charge of an 80kWh pack in around 12 minutes.That said, battery sizes for the BEV are yet to be confirmed but claimed ranges across four grades are 635km, 665km, 720km and 750km.The EREV GX also features a dual-motor AWD set up delivering a combined 370kW and a claimed pure-electric range of 320km. A 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine acts purely as a generator to power a CALB-sourced 63.3kWh LFP battery, but not the wheels. No word from XPeng yet on the EREV’s combined range figure, but a number in excess of 1000km is likely.Specifications detailed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) point to upper GX grades featuring front- and rear-steer-by-wire tech to assist slow speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. And Xpeng has already confirmed the GX will be equipped with four Turing AI chips boasting computing power in excess of 3000 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second).Design details include a split-opening tailgate (a la Range Rover), retractable door handles, a panoramic sunroof and an active front air intake. Wheel size varies between 21- or 22-inch, depending on the version, and the large SUV’s relatively tight front and rear overhangs are 980mm and 1170mm, respectively. Domestic pricing is expected to land between ¥400,000 – ¥500,000 (~$82,000 – $102,000).CarsGuide has previously contacted XPeng for its position on the GX’s potential for Australian sale with the company not making any comment at this stage.

Japan has lost its crown as the number one source of new cars for Australia - and it could be for good.

XPeng’s G6 is now available as a range-extender hybrid in China, adding an important powertrain option to the previously electric-only SUV's arsenal.The new hybrid G6, dubbed the Power X, offers an all-electric driving range of 325km (WLTP), with a total driving range exceeding more than 1000km.It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, but like all range-extenders, the 110kW of power does not drive the wheels and only charges the battery.The single electric motor driving the wheels produces 218kW.It has the same 800-volt architecture found on the all-electric G6, which can add 314km of driving range in 12 minutes.The mid-size SUV uses a smaller battery than its electric siblings, equipped with a 56kW unit as opposed to 66kWh and 88kWh alternatives, though this is still a very large battery for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.An updated version of the G6 EV will launch in Australia this year, but there is no news yet on whether this will include the range-extender variant.XPeng Australia has been contacted for comment as to whether it will make its way to Aussie shores.Range-extenders, which are exploding in popularity in China, remain a rarity in Australia, but any range-extended G6 would be a direct rival for the Leapmotor C10, starting from $43,888 (before on-road costs).The G6 is currently available in Australia as an all-electric SUV, which comes in standard range and long range variants.The standard range starts from $54,800, before on-road costs, with a driving range of 435km (WLTP), while the long range is $5000 more expensive, with 570km of driving range.It is a rival for the likes of best-selling Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7 in the mid-size electric SUV space.The range-extender model is slightly shorter than the EV, measuring at 4771mm in length, 1920mm wide, 1650mm tall and a 2890mm wheelbase.In China, it starts in price from around 187,000 yuan, which is around $40,000, but expect a significant on that figure (generally 15 - 20 per cent) if it launches Down Under.While there's no news on XPeng's hybrid plans for now, the brand is plotting an expansion on its G6-only range, expecting to add the G9 large SUV and X9 people mover in Australia imminently. The brand was forced to delay this range expansion as updated models of each debuted in China before the originals were made in right-hand drive for export.Expect to learn more about XPeng's plans for 2026 in Australia shortly, with suggestions of a BYD-style factory take-over of its current distributor also in the mix.

If imitation is the sincerest form of automotive flattery, Jaguar Land Rover should be blushing bright red today as images of XPeng’s latest new model released overnight show it clearly pays its design respects to the current Range Rover.The XPeng GX EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) is the Chinese maker’s new flagship, which according to CarNewsChina is aimed at similarly-sized top-tier SUVs including the Aito M9, Denza N9, Li Auto L9 and Zeekr 9X in its domestic market.Numerous sightings of prototype and pre-production versions of the GX (codenamed G01) gave strong hints to the newcomer’s generous overall proportions. But now an overall length in excess of 5.2 metres has been confirmed.Powered by XPeng’s ‘Kunpeng Super Electric System’ powertrain, the GX is expected to feature 5C battery charging tech (capable of completing a full charge of an 80kWh pack in around 12 minutes) and a combined range in excess of 1000km.With a roof profile, pillar treatment and body contours oozing Range Rover vibes, the GX features dual-layer stacked headlights, a full-length panoramic sunroof and, interestingly, retractable door handles, the latter now banned in new cars on sale in China from January 1, 2027.The absence of a roof-mounted Lidar sensor reflects Xpeng’s shift towards camera-based ADAS tech and a two-piece split tailgate includes a Range Rover-esque single tail-light strip across its upper section. Glimpses of the likely six-seat interior point to an augmented reality head-up display replacing a traditional instrument cluster.The car’s full specification is yet to be confirmed but CarNewsChina suggests final details will be submitted to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) shortly, with the car likely to appear at the Beijing Auto Show 2026 in late April.As for cost-of entry, CarNewsChina expects a number in excess of ¥400,000 (~$83,250).  XPeng currently offers its Tesla Model Y-rivalling G6 mid-size electric SUV in Australia with the X9 large electric (and possibly EREV) people mover scheduled to arrive mid-year and the G9 premium large electric SUV coming here in the third quarter. CarsGuide has contacted XPeng for comment on the GX’s potential inclusion in the brand’s local line-up.

Xpeng’s updated X9 electric people mover has just been shown off, sharpening up as a rival in the competitive segment.

China’s XPeng has been in Australia for more than 12 months and the company has had rapid growth to establish itself from nothing locally.So far the company has 18 dealer locations nationwide and has sold more than 2000 vehicles, despite currently only offering one vehicle, the Tesla Model Y-rivalling G6 electric mid-size SUV.Speaking with CarsGuide, Jason Clarke, who is the CEO of XPeng’s local distributor, TrueEV, reflected on the past 12 months and shared what he wished happened differently.“The only thing I have is I wish we could have moved faster,” said Clarke.“So we’ve had real bursts of productivity and promotion, and then we haven’t, and we’ve been able to source locations and partners, and that doesn’t always work as fast as you want it to happen.“So if I could ask for anything for Christmas, it would be more speed to market and for more models to please more categories for customers.”In 2026 XPeng is finally set to introduce the updated version of the G6. It’ll launch locally late in the first quarter with the first customer deliveries coming onto tap in the second quarter.Additionally the X9 electric people mover is set to launch in the second quarter of 2026 and the G9L large electric SUV will launch in the third quarter of 2026.“To have one model is difficult because you’ve got … different types of customers and a range builds confidence as well with consumers to see what else is there,” added Clarke.“XPeng has so much to offer with its tech and its range. We really would have liked to have promoted that earlier.“It really just comes down to the cost of complying with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) is large.“ got to make sure the demand is there or else the capital outlays are just not going to be worthwhile.“I really believe that they're the only reasons for that, just assessing demand.“So we've got the X9 and the G9 coming in, and forecast for another three models.“We don't know exactly what they are, but, you know, we would be pushing for a smaller SUV, maybe sedan.”XPeng has previously expressed interest in bringing in passenger car models like the P7 and Mona M03.Although Clarke told CarsGuide in June 2025 XPeng would want to take direct control over its Australian operations as soon as late 2025, it’s now unclear when this might happen.“We've been in discussions with XPeng most of this year on how we can optimise the brand in Australia and work together to make that happen,” said Clarke.“It was announced over a year ago that we have a five-year agreement with XPeng, so it's how we work together to expand the footprint, bring in more models and support our customers with best-in-market aftersales.“We're still working through that, but we're pretty close to a formal announcement now on what that looks like moving forward.”