2027 Xpeng G9L: Kia EV9 rival spied in Australia ahead of local launch

Xpeng has a plethora of new models locked in for Australia, and CarExpert has spotted one of the largest undergoing testing in Melbourne.

2 hours ago

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Max Davies

Marketplace Journalist

Max Davies

Marketplace Journalist

Xpeng is moving quickly after having set up factory-backed operations in Australia, and one of its newest models has been caught testing ahead of its expected local launch in late 2026.

Spy shots captured by this author reveal a heavily camouflaged Xpeng G9L undergoing testing in Melbourne, a new large SUV that will offer three-row seating and the option of either fully electric (EV) or range-extender (EREV) powertrains.

Australian pricing and specifications have yet to be announced, but Xpeng ANZ has confirmed that it will arrive in November 2026. It's one of five Xpeng models slated for launch over the next six months.

The G9L has yet to be officially revealed, though it was previewed in May 2026 via Chinese government filings. CarExpert understands that much of that information will also apply to Australian-bound models.

A camouflaged XPeng G9L SUV prototype seen from the rear three-quarter angle on a street in Melbourne, Australia

The G9L measures 5120mm long, 1999mm wide, and 1782mm tall, while riding on a 3100mm wheelbase. Those measurements are comparable to the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90 electric SUVs.

Overseas, the electric G9L will be available with both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The latter offers power outputs of 160kW and 270kW for the front and rear motors, respectively

The EREV option, meanwhile, is expected to also be available with single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive setups, albeit with the addition of a 110kW 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine serving as a generator.

Full battery specifications have yet to be announced, though overseas reports suggest the EREV will be fitted with a 63.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack for a claimed electric-only driving range of up to 325km in WLTC testing.

An XPeng G9L SUV prototype covered in black-and-white camouflage wrap seen from the front-side angle on an Australian street

As mentioned, Xpeng ANZ is expected to bring both powertrain options to local showrooms, but it isn't clear if it'll introduce both rear- and all-wheel drive versions. The G9L will arrive in close proximity to several other models, including the L03 mid-size SUV and the larger L05, plus the X9 people mover.

The company is also planning to launch an even larger SUV, the GX, though it has yet to announce local launch timing for this model.

The onslaught comes after Xpeng commenced its own local distribution this year. Xpeng vehicles were previously distributed exclusively by independent company TrueEV, which launched the brand here late in 2024.

The two companies are now in a legal battle regarding the move, with TrueEV dropped as the exclusive distributor less than two years into a five-year deal.

In an effort to support existing customers, Xpeng ANZ recently said it will honour cashback offers for those who purchased vehicles under TrueEV, while confirming plans to increase its local footprint by expanding its current 25 dealers to 50 in 2027.