Key Points
- The XPeng X9 7-seat electric people mover has passed Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval, clearing a key regulatory hurdle before local launch.
- Four fully electric variants are confirmed: two front-wheel drive and two all-wheel drive, with three long-range and one short-range option.
- The X9 offers 1,500kg braked towing capacity, rear-wheel steering, and a payload range of 540kg to 610kg depending on variant.
The XPeng X9 has passed Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval, marking a significant step toward its local launch. The seven-seat fully electric people mover is the second XPeng model to be confirmed for Australia, following the G6 SUV which was originally launched in September 2024.
Pricing and a firm on-sale date have not yet been announced, but XPeng ANZ has indicated it expects to share local specifications and pricing for the X9 in Q2 2026.
4 variants confirmed for Australia
The ADR filing lists four variants of the X9, all fully electric. There are two front-wheel drive (FWD) models and two all-wheel drive (AWD) models. Of the four, three are long-range variants and one is a short-range variant.
XPeng X9 Australian variants
Variant | Drive | Range | Payload |
FWD Short Range | Front-wheel drive | Short range | 540kg |
FWD Long Range | Front-wheel drive | Long range | 540kg |
AWD Long Range | All-wheel drive | Long range | 610kg |
AWD Long Range (Performance) | All-wheel drive | Long range | 610kg |
Exact battery sizes and WLTP range figures for the Australian-spec variants have not yet been confirmed. In China, the X9 is offered with 94.8kWh and 110kWh battery options, with claimed CLTC range of up to 750km on the larger pack, WLTP equivalent figures will likely top out at 600km.
Key specs: towing, payload, and rear-wheel steering
All four variants carry a 1,500kg braked towing capacity, which is a practical figure for a large family vehicle and puts it on par with several electric SUVs in the Australian market.
Payload capacity varies by variant. The FWD models are rated at 540kg, while the AWD models step up to 610kg. These figures cover passengers and cargo combined.
The X9 also features rear-wheel steering, which reduces the turning circle and makes the large people mover easier to manoeuvre in tight car parks and urban environments. This is a feature increasingly common on larger EVs.
XPeng in Australia: a brand in transition
XPeng currently sells one model in Australia, the G6 mid-size electric SUV, distributed by TrueEV. The brand's Australian operations are in a period of significant change.
In April 2026, XPeng announced it was establishing its own factory-backed distribution operation in Australia, separate from TrueEV. The company appointed a new local senior executive team and said it was working to build a dealership network across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia.
The situation is complicated by an ongoing legal dispute. TrueEV has alleged unconscionable conduct by XPeng, which reportedly gave notice to terminate its exclusive distribution agreement on 1 January 2026. A trial date has been set for October. TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke has publicly assured existing customers that warranties will continue to be honoured and that cashback offers are being processed.
It is not yet clear whether both XPeng ANZ and TrueEV will operate in parallel, or how the distribution arrangement will ultimately be resolved.
What the X9 is up against
The X9 enters a growing segment of premium electric people movers in Australia. It will compete with the Zeekr 009 and Denza D9, with GWM also expected to enter the segment in 2026. These vehicles target buyers who want large-format family transport with electric powertrains.
In China, the X9 is also available as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 63.3kWh battery. The Australian ADR approval covers only the fully electric variants, so the EREV version is not confirmed for this market.
What comes next
XPeng ANZ has said it expects to share local pricing and specifications for the X9 before the end of June 2026. The updated G6 is also expected to be announced in the same window.
Servicing and aftersales operations are being established ahead of launch, though a confirmed on-sale date has not been provided. Zecar will update this article when pricing and availability are confirmed.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
