XPENG's X9 leads pure-electric MPV sales across Australia and New Zealand as factory-backed network expands

X9 tops the pure-electric MPV segment in both markets

XPENG's X9 seven-seat electric people mover has claimed the top spot in the pure-electric MPV segment across the Australia–New Zealand region, according to figures the automaker has released and Gasgoo has reported. In New Zealand, the X9 led pure-electric MPV registrations for three consecutive months, while in Australia it has topped sales among Chinese-branded pure-electric MPVs for two consecutive months. The underlying data comes from New Zealand's Motor Industry Association registration figures and sales data from Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. ¹

The sales result is notable given the X9 only reached Australian order books mid-year. The seven-seat flagship is priced from $89,900 before on-road costs, positioning it against BYD's Denza D9 and the Mercedes-Benz VLE, with Hyundai's hybrid-only Staria Lounge also in the frame, according to Chasing Cars. The publication lists equipment including heated, ventilated and massaging seats, Nappa leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, a 27-speaker stereo, a fridge, air suspension and four-wheel steering. Chasing Cars reports claimed range of up to 580 kilometres and 10-to-80-percent charging in 12 minutes. ¹⁴⁷

Distribution overhaul after TrueEV's collapse

The sales success coincides with a major restructure of how XPENG sells vehicles locally. Gasgoo reports that XPENG terminated the exclusive distribution rights of its former partner TrueEV after the importer entered administration following what the outlet describes as a capital chain rupture. XPENG has since established a regional subsidiary to run local distribution directly and is recruiting new dealers across five major states, including Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, though the report does not name appointed dealers or opening dates. ¹

Chasing Cars reported in April 2026 that XPeng Motors Australia Pty Ltd, trading as XPENG ANZ, would assume control of the brand's entire Australian and New Zealand operations, establishing new authorised dealer networks across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. The move followed BYD's similar decision to take head-office control of its Australian operations. In New Zealand, two factory-backed dealers were appointed in January, in Auckland and Christchurch, with further locations planned for later in 2026. ³

The takeover ended a relationship that was meant to last longer. TrueEV launched the XPENG brand in Australia in 2024 under a five-year distribution agreement, opening the brand's first Australian dealership in Mascot, Sydney, in December 2024, according to CarExpert. The Beep reported that XPENG terminated the exclusive agreement effective 1 January 2026, less than two years into the five-year deal, and that the distributor entered administration in the weeks before XPENG's factory-backed launch on 1 April. TrueEV claimed to have delivered more than 2000 XPENG vehicles locally, though it never reported monthly sales to VFACTS, and its administrator was managing 197 vehicles across multiple sites. ⁴⁶

Federal Court dispute continues

The split has spilled into the Federal Court. The Beep reports TrueEV alleges XPENG systematically undermined its operations, including refusing to supply new models unless XPENG could establish a parallel distribution channel, unilaterally changing dealer approval requirements, and directly approaching TrueEV's franchised dealers and finance partners. TrueEV argues the conduct breaches Australian Consumer Law and the Franchising Code of Conduct. XPENG has countered that its sales and service network would perform better under its own local arm and has not addressed the specific allegations publicly. ⁶

CarExpert reports TrueEV was ordered to provide more than $1 million in security for costs before 31 July, with the Federal Court trial scheduled to start on 6 October 2026. The case outcome remains unresolved, and The Beep noted in April that it was unclear whether TrueEV's existing showrooms would continue operating alongside the factory-backed network. XPENG's appointment of a local senior executive team was confirmed by The Beep, though the outlet's reference to a former GWM Australia executive being linked to the leadership was described as unconfirmed. ⁴⁶

Customer commitments on cashbacks, warranty and parts

Among the immediate concerns for existing owners were unpaid promotional payments. CarExpert reports XPENG Australia said it will honour customer cashback offers for vehicles sold under TrueEV, after complaints from buyers yet to receive payments of up to $5000. The $3000 cashback on the G6 was introduced in November 2025 and increased to $5000 for vehicles ordered before 31 December 2025. National service development manager Brenton Dalton told the publication affected customers should first seek rectification through existing TrueEV dealers or head office, and that where that fails, "if that customer's entitled to it, absolutely, we will pay it on a goodwill basis". ⁴

Aftersales infrastructure has since been built out. XPENG says on its Australian site that its genuine-parts warehouse is operational in Melbourne in partnership with FedEx, handling national parts inventory with next-day delivery across major states, alongside a three-level technical support system and work with AASRA on Australia's right-to-repair scheme. CarExpert reported in June that dealers were open across five states, with state offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, next-day parts delivery for Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, two-day delivery for Brisbane, a dedicated customer care channel, and a review process for outstanding promotion-related matters. ²⁵

Ownership assurances have been formalised as well. Chasing Cars reported in August that factory-backed XPeng has extended warranty coverage, instituted factory-run servicing, and confirmed it will honour all previous promotional campaign offers. XPENG says it backs its Australian operation with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty supported by 24/7 roadside assistance and a dedicated customer hotline, with warranty, servicing and genuine parts handled through its authorised service network. One commitment remains open: Chasing Cars reported in April that it was unclear whether the 10-year warranty given to early XPENG adopters would be honoured going forward, with further details expected in due course. ²⁷³

Network expansion and the five-model offensive

XPENG's July strategy announcement set out its expansion targets. The company says that within six months it plans to operate three flagship technology experience centres and up to 50 sales outlets nationally, aiming to place most Australian customers within a 40-minute drive of a showroom. Several of Australia's top-10 dealer groups have joined the network, according to the company, and authorised dealers are appointed across all five target states. Chasing Cars put the current count at 25 dealers across Australia and New Zealand, with support offices planned in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland. ²⁷

The renewed commitment is underpinned by new product. XPENG says five new vehicles are launching in Australia within six months, keeping the local rollout closely aligned with China, with the seven-seat X9 available to order from the July event, the L03 confirmed for Q4 2026 sale, and its NGP intelligent driving system scheduled for 2027 with Australia among the first right-hand-drive markets. The lineup also introduces the Kunpeng Range Extender technology, offering range-extended variants alongside battery-electric models. ²

Chasing Cars reports the updated G6 lineup opens at $51,800 before on-road costs for the Standard Range, which carries a 480km WLTP range, with the Long Range at $56,800 and a new G6 AWD Performance at $63,800, plus a Black Edition at $66,800. The publication says XPeng claims DC charging of up to 451kW and 10-to-80-percent charging in 12 minutes under test conditions, and notes its own experience with early G6s suggests the charging claim is credible. Further models reported by Chasing Cars include the G9L large SUV and Mona L05 by January 2027, the extra-large GX flagship confirmed for Australia with timing to be confirmed, and a sedan under consideration — though the company told the publication the displayed P7 coupé is unlikely for Australia and it has not confirmed availability, specifications or timing for other models beyond stated plans. ⁷⁵