Xpeng X9 Reviews

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.”

Sales of new Chinese-made cars in Australia have been on the rise for a number of years now, but 2025 saw it reach new heights.According to VFACTS sales data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, a total of 221,699 new vehicles imported from China were sold in Australia, which is up 25.9 per cent year-on-year.It’s worth noting that this figure doesn’t include Tesla and Polestar sales. Every Polestar and almost every Tesla (excluding the updated Model Y Performance) sold in Australia are made in China.Combining this Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) sales data, it’s understood more than 252,000 Chinese-made cars were sold in Australia during 2025. An exact figure can’t be determined as Tesla doesn’t provide any data indicating how many of its Australian-delivered cars were made in China and Germany.Even despite this, China has now overtaken Thailand as the second largest new vehicle import market in Australia. A total of 249,958 Thai-made new vehicles were sold in Australia during 2025, which is down 8.2 per cent year-on-year.It’s worth noting that this is still behind Japan, which has been the largest new vehicle import market in Australia for decades now. A total of 358,981 Japanese-made new vehicles were sold in Australia last year, which is down 5.3 per cent year-on-year.The large jump in Chinese-made new vehicles in Australia is likely attributable to the wealth of new Chinese brands that launched last year. Examples include Deepal, Geely, JAC, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, Omoda, XPeng and Zeekr.These brands are able to scale quickly in Australia as they view it as a test market for further expansion. Plus, there are no import tariffs to hinder potential sales.There was also astronomical growth in a number of existing Chinese brands in Australia. Sales of Chery vehicles were up 176.8 per cent year-on-year and BYD vehicles were up 156.2 per cent year-on-year.Chinese brands GWM, BYD and MG have all cemented their place in the top 10 best sellers and continue to grow.Although Chinese-made car sales rose a considerable amount last year, the top 10 best-selling models were largely imported from Japan or Thailand. The best-selling Chinese-made car last year was the 10th placed Tesla Model Y with a total of 22,239 examples sold.A number of non-Chinese carmakers have been taking note of how Chinese-made cars have been performing in Australia and are quickly pivoting to producing models in that country.As examples, the Cupra Tavascan, Kia EV5, Lotus Eletre and Emeya, as well as the forthcoming Hyundai Elexio, Mazda 6e and Mazda CX-6e are all made in China.For now we'll have to wait and see, but China could soon topple Japan and become the biggest new vehicle import market in Australia if it continues its trajectory.

The European Union is proposing an alternative to its tariffs targeting Chinese-made electric-powered vehicles, in the form of a minimum price model, according to Bloomberg.Under the model, Chinese exporters can submit price offers, which must be “adequate to eliminate the injurious effects of the subsidies and provide equivalent effect to duties”.Details such as the minimum import price, sales channels, cross compensation and future investments in the EU must be included.Alternatively, brands who do not use this new model will continue to be subject to the tariffs.A 2024 investigation found China’s car exporters gained unfair advantage from Chinese government subsidies, which found they were able to sell cars significantly under the price of Europe-built alternatives.To combat this, Chinese brands were hit with tariffs of up to 35 per cent on imports in addition to a 10 per cent foreign cars tariff.These tariffs are designed to counteract the impact of these subsidies to protect jobs and entice buyers toward European cars.They also are intended to encourage Chinese brands to build cars in Europe.Chinese auto makers have already begun building cars in Europe.For example, Xpeng is using local assembly in Austria, while Leapmotor manufactures cars in Poland.This latest change demonstrates a cooperative approach between the EU and Chinese car makers, described as a “soft landing” in China.Despite tough economic conditions for Chinese car makers in Europe, brands are gaining an increasingly strong hold.Chinese car brands outsold Renault and Audi in Europe during August in 2025. The following month they sold more vehicles than South Korean brands in Western Europe for the first time ever.These defiant sales figures are largely due to Chinese brands shifting focus from EVs to the import of hybrid and internal combustion vehicles.The news comes after reports that the EU is planning to remove its total ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.