Xpeng will officially launch its G7 electric SUV in three days, following the blockbuster debut of Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV last week. The G7 is set to hit the Chinese market on July 3, with a launch event scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time, the company announced today on Weibo.
Described by Xpeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng as a rare combination of advanced technology and spacious comfort, the G7 aims to stand out in the competitive smart SUV segment. According to He, the G7 is the first “super AI car” with Level 3 computing power. It’s equipped with three in-house developed Xpeng Turing AI chips, delivering over 2,200 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) and integrating the company’s VLA and VLM large language models. The SUV also features leading-edge technologies such as an AR-HUD (augmented reality head-up display) and an AI-powered chassis with preview functionality.
Xpeng first unveiled the G7 on June 11 and opened pre-sales at a starting price of RMB 235,800 (approximately $32,880), positioning it between the existing G6 and the flagship G9 SUVs. Within the first 46 minutes, Xpeng received over 10,000 pre-orders, showcasing strong early demand.
The G7’s debut closely follows the June 26 launch of Xiaomi’s YU7—its first electric SUV—which saw a record-breaking response in China’s EV market. Priced from RMB 253,500, the YU7 secured 200,000 firm orders within just three minutes and over 240,000 locked-in orders within 18 hours. Xiaomi required a RMB 5,000 refundable deposit for firm orders, while locked-in orders were non-refundable, indicating strong purchase intent.
The overwhelming success of the YU7 has redefined pricing expectations in China’s EV space, replacing Tesla’s as the market’s pricing benchmark. Any new electric SUV entering the segment now faces inevitable comparisons with the YU7, requiring clear differentiation in technology, performance, and value.
Ahead of the YU7’s launch, He Xiaopeng noted on Weibo that the G7 and YU7 cater to different user needs, emphasizing their significant differences. He expressed confidence that the arrival of both models will reshape a market long dominated by a single model—referring to Tesla’s Model Y—by offering more choices tailored to diverse consumer demands.
In another China’s High-Tech XPeng P7+ Touted as an Affordable Tesla Model S Replacement in Australia
A new Chinese luxury electric car is being pitched as a budget-friendly alternative to the iconic — but now unavailable — Tesla Model S in Australia. It’s called the XPeng P7+, and it just made its Australian debut at the Melbourne EV Show.
Already on sale in China and previously showcased in Europe, the P7+ is now under evaluation for the Australian market by local importer TrueEV.
TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke didn’t hide his enthusiasm for the sleek five-door, rear-wheel-drive hatchback, or his hopes of bringing it to Australian showrooms.
“This is a fantastic car; it’s been a very popular model in China but hasn’t been seen before in Australia,” Clarke said.
“I remember seeing the Tesla Model S for the first time and thinking it was amazing. Unfortunately, it’s no longer made in right-hand drive for the Australian market, so the P7+ could be a great replacement.
“Our role at TrueEV is to assess the demand for the P7+. We’ve purchased this vehicle, imported it, and we’re currently conducting market tests.
“If the demand is there, we’ll be pushing hard to get it officially launched in Australia.”
If it does arrive, the XPeng P7+ would bring a wealth of advanced tech—without exceeding Australia’s Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $91,387 AUD for fuel-efficient vehicles.
“We always aim to keep XPeng vehicles under the luxury tax threshold,” Clarke said. “The P7+ is a luxury executive sedan, so it’s going to be close—but the goal is to keep it under.”
For comparison, when Tesla discontinued the Model S in Australia in 2021, pricing started at $129,990 AUD (before on-road costs). In China, the P7+ starts at around $40,000 AUD equivalent.
The P7+ on display in Melbourne features a 230kW electric motor and a 76.3kWh battery, with an estimated 560–610 km range (WLTP) and a super-sleek 0.206 drag coefficient for better efficiency.
XPeng claims it can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes, thanks to its 800-volt electrical system.
The tech-packed P7+ includes what XPeng calls the world’s first AI-defined smart driving system, featuring in-cabin intelligence and advanced automated driving aids powered by XPeng’s in-house Turing chip.
“‘AI-defined’ means the car learns and adapts to you,” Clarke explained. “It understands your driving behavior, the conditions, and even offers suggestions on how to drive more safely and efficiently. It’s constantly analyzing your ride quality, energy use, and decision-making to enhance the driving experience.”
In terms of size, the P7+ is a large sedan, measuring 5065 mm (199.3 in) long, 1937 mm (76.3 in) wide, and 1512 mm (59.5 in) tall. Cargo space is impressive, with up to 2221 liters (78.4 cu ft) available when the rear seats are folded.
Inside, the P7+ is loaded with high-end features including a 20-speaker premium audio system and multiple digital displays for both the driver and passengers.
The P7+ is just one of several XPeng models being considered for Australia, alongside the G9 SUV, X9 people-mover, Mona M03 compact sedan, and G7 SUV.
TrueEV, which launched its retail operations only last year, currently sells two versions of the XPeng G6 SUV in Australia, with an all-wheel-drive Performance model on the way.
On another news A number of new Chinese brands have established a presence in Australia over the past few years, and some are beginning to break through and find success in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) market. One of the most prominent examples is BYD, which has made significant strides in the Australian automotive landscape. Recently, the Chinese parent company took direct control of the import and distribution of its vehicles in Australia, a strategic move aimed at reducing wait times and improving stock availability for consumers.
Previously, BYD’s distribution was managed by a third-party operator, EVDirect, which successfully moved around 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) for the brand since its local arrival in 2022. This transition to direct control reflects BYD’s commitment to enhancing its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in the Australian market. By streamlining its distribution process, BYD aims to ensure that its vehicles are readily available to meet the growing demand for electric mobility.
Other brands are now taking note of BYD’s success and are considering similar strategies. One such brand is XPeng, which entered the Australian market in 2024. XPeng’s operations, including importing, distribution, and retail, are currently managed by Sydney-based TrueEV. This partnership allows XPeng to leverage TrueEV’s local expertise while establishing its brand presence in Australia.
During the 2025 Melbourne International EV Show, TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke discussed the potential for XPeng to take more direct control over its operations in the near future. He indicated that XPeng could begin to assume greater responsibility as early as late 2025. “The modus operandi of an OEM is give me more, give me more,” said Mr. Clarke, emphasizing the expectation for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expand their involvement in the market.
Clarke noted that everything consumers have seen from XPeng thus far has been facilitated by TrueEV, which has played a crucial role in getting the brand to its current position in Australia. He expressed confidence that XPeng would increasingly take on more responsibilities, particularly as it observes the successful models established by other brands like BYD and GWM. “So the pressure is always nearly on the OEM to do more faster,” he added.
The challenges of entering new markets, especially for electric vehicles, are significant. Clarke pointed out that tariffs can pose obstacles, particularly if a brand’s primary market is in regions like the Middle East or the United States, where regulatory environments can be complex and challenging. However, he sees Australia as a promising opportunity, stating, “You look at Australia and go, ‘Well, we’re going to be one of 80 brands for 20 million people. Let’s go!’”
XPeng has been actively involved in the Australian market, but its contributions have primarily focused on product promotion and brand visibility, which have been managed by TrueEV. Clarke anticipates that by the end of this year and into next year, consumers will start to see XPeng taking on a more prominent role in its operations, further solidifying its presence in the Australian EV market.
While XPeng is a major client of TrueEV, the company also encompasses a range of other businesses that focus on enhancing the overall EV ownership experience. These include a retail platform, charging accessories, emergency charging solutions, warranty services, finance options, and insurance businesses. This comprehensive approach aims to provide consumers with a seamless and supportive experience throughout their EV journey.
Currently, XPeng offers only one model in Australia: the G6 electric mid-size SUV. However, the brand has ambitious plans for expansion. It is set to launch the X9 electric people mover either late in 2025 or early in 2026, followed by the G9 large electric SUV around mid-2026. Additionally, an updated version of the G6 is expected to be released before the end of this year, showcasing XPeng’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to consumer needs.
The growing presence of Chinese brands like BYD and XPeng in Australia reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where competition is intensifying as more players enter the EV market. As consumer awareness of electric vehicles increases and the demand for sustainable transportation options continues to rise, these brands are well-positioned to capture a share of the expanding market.
In conclusion, the success of Chinese brands in Australia, particularly BYD and XPeng, highlights the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market. With strategic moves to enhance distribution, improve customer experience, and expand their product offerings, these brands are poised to make a significant impact in the Australian automotive sector. As they navigate the challenges of entering a new market, their focus on consumer education, infrastructure development, and collaboration with local partners will be crucial in establishing a strong foothold and driving the adoption of electric vehicles in Australia.