Xpeng X9 Reviews

A fix for a huge electric car problem is in the works. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has announced a $1.43 million investment into a national EV charging roadmap.  The EVC said in its 2026 State of EVs report that Australia still needs "substantial public charging investment”.  It called for better data on demand use, reliability and coverage, with Australia’s charging infrastructure conundrum more complex than merely installing more fast chargers.  The roadmap is expected to be finalised in mid-2027.  The $1.43 million is made up of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) ($1.06 million) as well as contributions from the EVC and other project partners.  The roadmap will look at charging demand, pressure points and where greater coordination could inform investment decisions through to 2035. It aims to introduce a coordinated charging network for passenger cars and heavy vehicles in metropolitan and regional Australia.  “Other major EV markets have recognised the value of coordinated national planning,” EVC Chief Executive officer Julie Delvecchio said.  “This Roadmap will bring that to Australia, shaped around our distances, our electricity system and the needs of everything from passenger cars to heavy trucks.” Owning a petrol or diesel car is becoming more expensive in Australia, and buyers are making the switch to EV power.  The Tesla Model Y has consistently featured in the top five best-selling cars, and in June 2026, it achieved a recording-breaking 8072 sales.  The BYD Sealion 7 has also recorded a serious increase in sales as it provides tough competition for the Model Y, while Geely’s EX5 has had a bumper 2026.  The federal government is targeting 5 million electric cars on Aussie roads by 2035, which would require the total number of EVs on the road to increase tenfold. Electric cars are now among the cheapest on offer in Australia.  The BYD Atto 1 starts from $19,990, drive-away (until December 15, 2026), while the Geely EX2 is available from $26,490, before on-road costs.  The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is helping to increase EV choices for buyers, with high-emission cars incurring hefty fines under the scheme. 

The XPeng G9L is the latest in a long line of mega SUVs preparing to take a super-sized bite out of Australia’s SUV-mad market. At 5120mm long, 1998mm wide, 1788mm tall, the G9L is bigger than a Toyota LandCruiser and giving giants such as the new Y63 Nissan Patrol a run for their money. It’s also a whopper on the inside thanks to its 3100mm wheelbase - the distance between the front and rear axles - which means the wheels have been pushed to all four corners to help liberate more cabin space. XPeng hasn’t confirmed when it would arrive in Australia, but expect it to arrive in the first half of next year. No word on price, either, but no Chinese car has broken six figures yet, so it’ll be cheaper than luxury rivals from Germany. The G9L is a range-extender hybrid, which uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to charge its monster 63kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that feeds two electric motors that drive the wheels. This gives it the driving prowess of an electric car without the range anxiety. The G9L’s set-up makes 370kW and 695Nm, and can propel the big unit to 100km/h from a standstill in 5.4 seconds. XPeng claims it can drive up to 287km on electric power only, which is calculated via the benchmark WLTP test cycle and it has a combined driving range of up top 1200km. Advanced 800-volt electrical architecture means it can absorb a generous amount of juice, with it able to go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in about 12 minutes. XPeng has made a big deal about how it is integrating AI into its cars, including the G9L. The company builds its own microchips, which allows it to have more control over its capabilities. AI is used as part of the energy management and adapts the energy flow depending on different driving scenarios. XPeng claims it has 24 energy flow strategies covering battery estimation, regenerative braking and thermal management. The G9L has the computing power to allow for full autonomous driving, and the company is preparing to roll out fully autonomous capabilities in 2027, where regulations allow. Australia does not allow that yet. For now the G9L has what it terms Next Generation Pilot, which is Level 2 driver-assistance tech. That is the same grading given to Tesla’s Full Self Driving (Supervised), so expect similar capabilities. Tesla’s tech can drive autonomously, but the driver needs to be in control and alert and ready to take control just in case. Future over-the-air updates will continue to enhance the tech. XPeng has just launched its Yoyo autonomous robotaxi service in China using its flagship GX SUV. The G9L is packed with kit. The cavernous cabin is festooned with premium materials and hi-tech features. The seats are wrapped in supple Nappa leather. The front pair are heated, ventilated, have adjustable side bolsters, massage functions and memory settings. Second row seats are power adjustable, heated, ventilated, massaging and have electric sunshades. Even the third row gets heating and power adjustment. There is a 26-speaker stereo, mini fridge, big multimedia screen, a slim driver display and head-up display. More details will be revealed closer to the G9L’s launch date.

XPeng, which sees itself more as a tech company than a conventional carmaker, admits to teething problems, as it responds to software and other issues in its cars Down Under. XPeng Australia and New Zealand’s Head of Marketing and Creativity Damian Royce said the local team was on a learning curve as it was a new group, but it was aware of the problems affecting some of its vehicles. “They’re some of the things that we’re continually working through,” said Royce. “So they are the teething problems that you may get with a new brand, and establishing itself in Australia and New Zealand. “We want to make sure we’re ironing all of those things out, so we’re aware, we’re active, and taking things, whether it's a little niggle or a large one, very seriously because we are making sure the ownership journey is as good as the vehicles themselves,” he said. There were numerous reports of issues with XPeng X9 vehicles given to the media to test, including vehicles not starting, refusing to shift into Drive, loss of power steering resulting in the steering freezing and inability to charge at some public chargers. There have also been other multimedia and other general glitches reported online. Royce said the company is working to make sure the issues are resolved. “It comes back to listening, constantly listening to what customers are saying, giving that feedback. So as we develop for this market, we can make sure our vehicles are as we say they are, suitable for our market.” The company ruled out the allegation it was rushing vehicles to market, despite it planning on launching five new models in six months. The bevy of new models launching includes the L03 coupe-SUV, X9L large SUV and GX luxurious large SUV in quick succession. XPeng Australia’s communications manager Terry Zhang said Australian customers are very tech savvy and they are generally finding issues because they are exploring and experiencing the vehicles. He said the company wasn’t Beta testing its vehicle software with customers. He said the speed of resolving the problems is the most critical thing.

Hybrid power is now mainstream for Aussie buyers.   It's an important choice for buyers transitioning from petrol- and diesel-powered cars to full EVs. Hybrid-powered cars are also important for brands as they seeks alternatives to internal combustion cars that incur fines under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). There are broad categories of hybrid cars in Australia, and each one has its own benefits for buyers. Here's a look at what hybrids are available, and which one might suit you best. Mild hybrid power is the first stage of electrification for cars. Mild hybrid cars can't drive on EV power alone, because they only use a small, low-voltage battery (usually) 48-volt, with a less than 1kWh capacity. The electric motor usual powers certain electrical features and the starter motor. They don't need to be charged, but they also don't offer noticeably better fuel efficiency than standard petrol- and diesel-powered cars. The popular Toyota HiLux ute is available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, while Suzuki and Renault offer mild hybrid set-ups on some of their models. Conventional hybrid, plug-less hybrid or self-charging hybrid cars are popular in Australia. The engine works seamlessly with a bigger electric motor to maximise fuel efficiency. A conventional hybrid usually runs on electric-only power at low speeds or for short distances when cruising at higher speeds. The engine will kick in at higher speeds or when more power is needed, blending petrol and electric power. This makes fuels efficiency in urban environments or star-stop traffic better than what a petrol- or diesel-powered car would achieve. The battery in a conventional hybrid is charged by the engine and from regenerative braking, meaning the car doesn't need to be plugged in. The conventional hybrid car's battery is smaller than those in plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars, and still requires a petrol engine to run. Toyota provides conventional hybrid set-ups on the vast majority of its Australian line-up, including its RAV4 SUV and Camry sedan. Other popular brands Kia, Hyundai and others also have affordable conventional hybrid variants on its popular models. Plug-in hybrids or PHEVs take hybrid power to the next level because they are equipped with a much larger battery and a more powerful electric motor set-up. PHEVs have a long electric-only driving range, with some capable of exceeding 200km, before the engine is needed to drive the wheels. Most new PHEVs have an EV range of at least 100km. This means daily commuters will rarely have to fill-up on fuel if they charge the battery every night. PHEVs also boast significant combined driving range as they have a regular sized fuel tank to power the engine, resulting in ranges of north of 1000km before the fuel tank and battery are depleted. Carmakers often claim PHEVs drink less than 2.0L/100km of fuel, but that requires owners to constantly charge their batteries and never let it deplete. Once the battery is depleted fuel use will skyrocket, as the small engine has to move around a heavy vehicle weighed down by the battery and electric motors. PHEVs suit a buyer with access to charging facilities, who also want outstanding fuel efficiency. Bigger Chinese vehicles usually employ PHEV set-ups, including the BYD Shark 6 ute and incoming Zeekr 8X and 9X. Range-extender hybrids, also known as Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) or Extended-Range Electric vehicle (EREV), are gaining popularity globally. They are feature similar hardware to PHEVs, but work in a different way. The engine in a REEV's is used as a generator for charging the battery, and the wheels are driven by the electric motor, or motors, only. REEV's have an EV-sized battery that can also be plugged in to charge, giving these cars a driving range comfortably exceeding 1000km. Leapmotor's B10 and C10 SUVs use REEV set-ups in Australia, but the incoming Forthing Taikon 5 and the XPeng L03 will also employ the set-up when they hit showrooms. Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ hybrid system in the X-Trail and Qashqai SUVs employ REEV tech on a smaller scale, using the engine to power a small battery that powers the wheels, but this battery cannot be plugged in to charge.

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 1 For 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 2 The 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 3 The 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 Dolphin The 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 6 The 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 5 The 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 6 The 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 7 The 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 8 The 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 6 The 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 C5 The 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 E5 The 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 4 Available 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 7 The 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 8 This 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 Hybrid The 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 S05 This 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 S07 The 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 E07 This 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 B5 The 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 B8 The 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 D9 The 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 V7E Farizon 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 SV The 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 F3E The 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 5 Forthing'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 V7 The 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. Emzoom The 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 UT The 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 V The 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.  M8 The 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 EX2 The 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 Starray The 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 EX5 The 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 Jolion The 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 SUV The 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 H6 The 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 GT The 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 H7 This 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 300 Available 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 500 The 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 Cannon The 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 Alpha Like 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 T9 The 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 Hunter The 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 J5 Chinese 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 J7 The 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 J8 The 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 G10 The 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 5 The 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 7 The 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 9 The 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 Max The 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 D90 LDV’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 9 The 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 B05 This 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 B10 The 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 C10 The 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. MG3 The 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. MG5 The 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. MG4 The 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. MG7 The 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 Cyberster The 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 ZS The 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 EV The 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 HS The 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 EV This 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 seconds MG QS This 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 U9 The 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 IM5 The 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 IM6 The 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 9 The 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 BE11 The 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 #1 Smart 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 #3 Slotting 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 #5 The 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 G6 The 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 L03 The 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 G9L The 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 X9 The 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 X The 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 7X The 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 7GT The 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 009 The 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 9X At 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.

Australia is about to receive a wave of new EVs before the end of 2026. EV sales are surging in Australia as brands beef-up their line-ups to provide further choice. Here is a look at some of the best models still to arrive this year. GAC will launch an ultra-affordable variant of its Aion UT electric hatchback before the end of 2026. This Standard Range variant is priced similar to the popular Geely EX2 that starts from $26,490 (before on-road costs). It should start at less than $30,000 drive-away when it gets here, given the current variant on sale starts from $31,990 (drive-away). It’s equipped with a 44kWh battery instead of a 60kWh unit, offering a driving range of 320km, compared to 430km, according to WLTP standards. GAC hasn’t confirmed performance output yet, but in China its front-mounted electric motor produces 100kW and 145Nm, which is less than the 150kW/210Nm available now. Kia will introduce its first fully-electric people mover, the PV5 Passenger, to the Australian market in 2026. The PV5 Passenger is the people mover variant of the PV5 Cargo already on sale Down Under.  Its performance matches the PV5 Cargo, with a single electric motor making 120kW/250Nm and its 71.2kWh battery expected to offer around 416km of range (WLTP). Kia hasn’t provided a more specific launch date than Q4 2026, but it’s likely to be closer to December. The Korean brand hasn’t revealed pricing yet either, but Cargo starts from $55,990 (before on-road costs), so buyers can expect the more expensive Passenger variant to sit between $60,000 to $70,000. The much-anticipated Zeekr 7GT wagon is due to land in Australian showrooms in Q4 2026. The fully-electric Euro-styled wagon will target a similar reception to its 7X mid-size SUV sibling that has taken the Aussie market by storm so far.  The 7GT is available in a rear-wheel drive configuration, making 310kW/440Nm, as well as an all-wheel drive variant, with 475kW/710Nm.  We still don’t know how much it will cost, but it could sit around the $55,000 mark, coming in cheaper than the 7X SUV. XPeng is looking to make the most of its new factory-backed operation Down Under. The brand will launch its L03 electric mid-size SUV in December 2026, priced from $41,900 (before on-road costs).  This means it’s cheaper than the Tesla Model Y ($58,900) and the Zeekr 7X ($57,900), while matching the Geely EX5’s starting price ($41,900).  The L03 comes as standard with a single electric motor, producing 163kW/280Nm, and a 445km driving range from its 58kWh battery.  There will also be a hybrid range-extender variant of the car that uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to charge the battery and a single electric motor, making 178kW/280Nm. An updated Chery E5 small SUV will hit Aussie showrooms in late 2026. The E5’s budget-friendly status pits it against the BYD Atto 3 ($41,990) and Jaecoo J5 ($36,990, drive-away).  It offers the same performance as its outgoing model, with 155kW and 288Nm, while its 59kWh battery offers 430km of WLTP driving range.  It now has a larger 15.6-inch central touchscreen display and an auto-dimming mirror. The EX60 is the fully-electric counterpart to the XC60 - Volvo’s best-selling car of all time. The mid-size SUV will start from $86,900, and will tackle the BMW iX3 ($89,990) in the increasingly competitive electric SUV segments.  The RWD variant produces 275kW/480Nm, while the AWD makes 375kW/710Nm.  Performance increases up to 500kW and 680Nm on the more expensive P12 variant due in 2027.  Its initial variants will be equipped with either an 83kWh battery offering 610km or a 95kWh unit offering 660km of range, according to WLTP standards. GWM is about to launch a new hatchback variant of its Ora 5 EV in Australia.  The Ora 5 hatch will rival the BYD Dolphin and MG4 Urban in the affordable EV space.  It’s expected to have the same single motor found in the SUV variant, making 150kW/260Nm.  GWM has confirmed it has a 58kWh battery with a 435km driving range (WLTP). 

XPeng is making it more affordable for Australians to get into one of their vehicles. The Chinese brand is launching the new L03 mid-size coupe-SUV, which severely undercuts the Tesla Model Y, Geely EX5 and Zeekr 7X. XPeng is also adding some variety to the menu with a range-extender hybrid (EREV) version, with Australia being one of the first markets outside of China to get the petrol-electric versions. There are three electric and one EREV L03s to choose from, with prices starting at $41,900 (before on-road costs) for the Standard Range EV and the Power X EREV. The Long Range EV jumps to $46,900 and the range tops out at the dual-motor Performance Ultra grade at $53,900. That entry price puts it at the same price as the Geely EX5 and $17,000 cheaper than the base Tesla Model Y and about $16,000 more affordable than the Zeekr 7X. The Power X EREV version uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is used purely as a generator to charge the 37kWh Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery and never drives the wheels. Instead, a 178kW/280Nm single electric motor drives the rear wheels. XPeng claims the 37kWh battery delivers an electric driving range of up to 215km calculated by the benchmark WLTP test cycle. The brand claims a total driving range of more than 1000km when the battery and 42-litre fuel tank are depleted. At the max DC charging rate, the battery can be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes. AC charging tops out at 6.6kW. Standard Range electric versions use a circa-58kWh LFP battery that provides a WLTP rated driving range of up to 445km. It can DC charge up to 193kW, which can fill the battery from 20-80 per cent in 20 minutes. AC charging is up to 11kW. Power comes from a single electric motor that makes 163kW and 280Nm delivered to the rear wheels. Long Range and Performance Ultra grades up this with a roughly 71kWh LFP battery that enables a driving range of 520km (Long Range) and 440km (Performance Ultra). Both can DC charge up to 236kW, which again fills the battery from 10-80 in 20 minutes.  The Long Range grade has slightly more power at 183kW/280Nm, again sent to the rear wheels. Performance Ultra examples have a second motor enabling all-wheel drive, with a total of 285kW on tap. That extra grunt drops the L03’s 0-100km/h time to 4.5 seconds from the 6.6 and 7.5 seconds of the Long Range and Standard Range grades. XPeng is making a big deal about how it is embedding AI into its cars. Bigger vehicles such as the coming G9L have increased functionality, but the L03 has the computing power to bring fully autonomous driving when it is ready. XPeng hasn’t sourced its chips from stock market darling Nvidia, instead XPeng is going it alone and developing and building its own processors it dubs AI Turing chips. The company is planning on rolling out fully autonomous capabilities in 2027, where regulations allow. Australia does not allow that yet, but this could mean it would have similar capabilities to Tesla’s Full Self Driving (Supervised). Tesla’s tech can drive autonomously, but the driver has to be ready to take control just in case. The L03 rides on either 18-inch alloy wheels or 20-inch units depending on specification.  It has LED lighting front and back, with a full length light bar at the rear. It has cornering lights, privacy glass, frameless doors and door mirrors. Inside there are electronically adjustable, synthetic leather-wrapped seats that are heated and ventilated up front, with a massage function on the Performance Ultra grade. A heated microfibre covered steering wheel, wireless charging, ambient lighting, nine-speaker stereo that jumps to 18-speakers in the Performance Ultra. The range-topper also gets active noise cancellation to keep the outside world at bay. The L03 is a mid-size SUV that is a similar size to big names such as the Geely EX5 and Toyota RAV4, but slightly smaller than the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X. It is 4650mm long, 1920mm wide, 1600mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2850mm. It has a ground clearance of 144mm and seating for five. The boot can hold 494-litres, which increases to 539L with the under-floor compartment included. There is a front cargo area under the bonnet that can hold 102L. It is rated to 750kg unbraked or 1500kg braked. The L03 can be had in white, two types of black, silver and purple.

Premium electrified people movers are growing in popularity, propelled by the VW ID. Buzz EV, as well as Chinese brands like Zeekr and Denza. The XPeng X9 is the latest, with comparatively keen pricing, a huge list of standard features and impressively advanced tech, including air suspension. Great on paper, but we have doubts on some fronts, given our experiences with the Performance AWD model.

Tesla has recalled nearly three million cars in China in the country's biggest recall ever. This recall impacts flush door handles on more than four million cars from not just Tesla but Geely, Xiaomi and XPeng, too. Flush door handles became popular in part thanks to Tesla. Some only pop out when required, as opposed to conventional handles, which can always be used. The trend took off in China, and features on many cars built in the country now. They have now been found to be a serious safety concern following several incidents globally, with this recall the latest step to curb risk. This recall has been brought about by two fatal Xiaomi crashes in China, among many other incidents. The two Xiaomi incidents are suspected to have been caused by power failures preventing car doors from being able to be opened. Tesla accepted in a statement that interior door handles are “difficult to identify and operate because their colour is similar to the interior trim.” “In extreme situations such as a severe collision causing the vehicle's low-voltage system to fail, this could hinder occupants from quickly opening the doors to escape and impede rescue efforts by those outside the vehicle, posing a safety hazard,” the statement continued. Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a physical warning label on the interior door and receive a software update to automatically lower the windows in a crash. The Chinese government passed legislation to ban flush door handles earlier this year that will kick in from 1 January 2027.  Cars will only be allowed to be sold in China if they have a mechanical release inside and outside.  It’s not just China where flush door handles are of concern.  The BBC reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States have anecdotes of the door handles not working and leaving children trapped in cars.  The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is Australia's vehicle safety watchdog. ANCAP’s Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg told CarsGuide earlier this year the body would stick with its current review cycle, but still monitor design developments across all markets.  ANCAP recently introduced its 2026 protocols with a bigger focus on preventing crashes rather than just impact testing. The banning of flush door handles will be felt around the world, including Australia, where many cars built in China are sold, both from Chinese and international brands. New cars imported from China to Australia will no longer feature flush door handles from 2027.

XPeng has confirmed it will not only honour all offers made by previous importer TrueEV, but it will also extend its warranty to every G6 already sold into the Australian market. The factory-backed XPeng entity, which has been involved in a legal stoush with TrueEV for some time, has now made the commitment to existing owners to address ‘uncertainty’ created from its legal proceedings. XPeng says it will review documents surrounding various promotional offers made by True EV prior to the discontinuation of its distribution agreement and subsequent legal proceedings. This includes the much-reported $5000 cashback promotional offer, which many G6 buyers have yet to receive, a confirmation of an extended promotional 10-year warranty offering, complementary scheduled maintenance offers, as well as other “miscellaneous promotional and campaign offers”. The brand encourages any existing XPeng owners to contact it directly. It says cases will be reviewed individually and the company will “work with customers to reach an appropriate outcome”. The company says it has expanded its customer support team to handle enquiries “promptly”. XPeng says it will extend its factory-backed seven-year and unlimited kilometre warranty to all existing G6 vehicles purchased through TrueEV or any of its authorised dealers. The warranty will be as per the new factory-backed operation’s warranty documentation. The seven-year warranty is limited to 160,000km for commercial use, while the high-voltage battery, battery management system and drive motor unit is covered by a separate eight-year and 160,000km warranty. The paint is covered for five years and unlimited kilometres and the anti-corrosion and rust warranty is seven years and unlimited kilometres. XPeng also added it was formalising its participation in the motor vehicle service and repair information sharing scheme, “supporting customer choice in where and how vehicles are serviced”. XPeng is expanding its factory-backed dealer network so that new and existing owners can service their vehicles at genuine workshops. The brand has 25 showrooms but plans to double this network to 50 in six months. During its stoush with its previous importer TrueEV, XPeng has come under criticism for leaving existing G5 owners in the lurch when it comes to parts, servicing, warranty claims, and promotional offers offered under the TrueEV arrangement. The new announcement should come as a relief to existing owners waiting for cashback, parts, or servicing, although the reality of XPeng’s roll-out of these promises remains to be seen. The company is forging ahead with a renewed plan for model launches, announcing it will add the L03 coupe small SUV to the range before the end of the year, alongside plans to launch the L05 mid-sizer as a more affordable alternative to the G6 and the G9L large SUV seemingly in place of previous plans to launch the standard G9 under the previous importer. The company also said it will launch range-extended models in 2027, and its new flagship GX large SUV will arrive at a later date.