The 2024 Xpeng G6 has made its debut in Australia, arriving for local testing and public previews before customer deliveries begin later this year. This mid-size SUV is part of Xpeng's efforts to establish a presence in the Australian market, and it has been accompanied by the larger G9 SUV, which is currently being considered for a potential launch in Australia next year.
Over the weekend, both the G6 and G9 were discreetly displayed in left-hand-drive configuration at a group of new-car dealerships in Wollongong, a city located approximately 90 kilometers south of Sydney. The G6 model on display was the all-wheel-drive Performance variant, which is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms by 2025. However, two rear-wheel-drive versions of the G6 are slated to be available for purchase later this year.
In preparation for the upcoming launch, right-hand-drive prototypes of the G6 have been spotted undergoing testing on Australian roads in recent weeks. Customer deliveries for the G6 are expected to commence between October and December 2024, with pre-orders already open. The pricing details for the G6 are anticipated to be announced by September, with estimates suggesting a starting price range of $55,000 to $60,000 plus on-road costs. This pricing positions the G6 as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, one of the more popular electric vehicles in Australia.
The G6 will be offered in multiple configurations, beginning with the entry-level G6 Standard Range model. This version is equipped with a 66kWh battery and a 258 hp and 440Nm electric motor, providing a claimed driving range of 435 kilometers according to WLTP testing. The Standard Range variant can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds. For those seeking greater range and performance, the Long Range variant upgrades to an 87.5kWh battery and a 210kW/440Nm motor, which extends the driving range to 570 kilometers and reduces the 0-100km/h acceleration time to 6.2 seconds.
As for the Xpeng G9, its inclusion in Australian showrooms has not yet been finalized. However, the local distributor of Xpeng vehicles has expressed a strong interest in bringing this larger SUV to the Australian market next year. The G9 measures 4.9 meters in length, positioning it between vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger. Despite its appearance, the G9 is configured as a five-seater, not a seven-seater. With a claimed driving range of up to 570 kilometers, the G9 is poised to appeal to those seeking a larger electric SUV.
The fact that an example of the G9 has been shipped to Australia suggests that Xpeng is seriously considering a launch in the country. Representatives for Xpeng have been contacted to confirm the status of the G9 for Australian showrooms.
Xpeng, a Chinese automotive company founded a decade ago, is entering the Australian market to compete with established electric vehicle brands such as BYD and Tesla. The company is confident in the G6’s capabilities, even suggesting that it could rival premium models like the Porsche Macan. With competitive pricing and strong performance, Xpeng aims to carve out a significant presence in Australia’s growing electric vehicle market.