XPeng G9L production starts for Australia

The first right-hand-drive XPeng G9L large SUVs have rolled off the production line in China, with the initial batch destined for its restructured Australian business as the Chinese brand accelerates its local model rollout.

XPeng has commenced RHD production of the new five-seat flagship at its Guangzhou manufacturing plant ahead of its official Chinese-market launch on September 17.

Australia will be among the first export destinations for the G9L, with examples expected to arrive as soon as November.

It will be offered globally with both battery-electric and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains.

XPeng announced the production milestone in China on September 11, confirming the G9L is being prepared for a substantial international rollout covering 64 countries and regions.

The production start-up follows XPeng ANZ’s July announcement that five new models would be launched in Australia within six months as the company establishes its new factory-backed operation here.

Australia is being positioned among the first international markets to receive XPeng’s latest models broadly in step with their Chinese launches.

The G9L made its global debut in China in August, when pre-sales opened from 259,800 yuan ($54,240).

It measures 5120mm long and 1999mm wide and rides on a 3100mm wheelbase, making it a substantial five-seat SUV positioned below XPeng’s larger six-seat GX flagship.

Logical rivals run the gamut of family SUVs sold in Australia, including the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and many more.

Both EV and EREV versions are built around an 800-volt electrical architecture and offer 5C ultra-fast charging.

The pure-electric G9L is available in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations and offers optimistic CLTC ranges of 660km, 702km or as much as 755km, depending on variant.

XPeng says its 5C charging system can add as much as 450km of CLTC range in nine minutes.

The EREV combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol range-extender producing 110kW with electric all-wheel drive.

Its unusually large 63.3kWh battery provides up to 435km of CLTC electric-only range, while a 60L fuel tank helps extend total claimed range to 1602km.

The EREV can add more than 300km of CLTC range in nine minutes of charging.

Performance is also substantial, with XPeng claiming 0-100km/h in 4.45sec for the AWD EV and 4.95sec for the AWD EREV.

XPeng says the G9L underwent three years of development and more than 6.74 million kilometres of testing across 26 countries and regions.

The start of Australian-bound production follows a dramatic expansion of XPeng’s local ambitions since it established its factory-backed XPeng ANZ operation earlier this year.

The company confirmed in July that it planned to introduce five new vehicles within six months, accompanied by a rapidly expanding sales and service network.

The G9L will join an Australian range that is expanding beyond the G6 mid-size electric SUV, with the X9 people mover and Mona L03 compact SUV among the other models forming the product offensive.

XPeng is also preparing its Navigation Guided Pilot technology for an Australian introduction in 2027 as it attempts to differentiate itself through AI and advanced driver-assistance technology rather than competing predominantly on price.

Australian pricing, final specifications and the exact G9L model range have yet to be announced.

However, the appearance of completed Australian-bound right-hand-drive cars on XPeng’s Guangzhou production line shows the G9L has moved beyond confirmation and local testing into the production phase.

It will also give XPeng Australia its first opportunity to introduce the company’s new range-extender technology alongside its established battery-electric offering if both G9L powertrains are selected for local sale.

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