XPeng confirm five-model NZ expansion and hands-free driving tech to tackle Tesla, Zeekr

XPeng has detailed an ambitious expansion plan for New Zealand, confirming it will launch five models over the next six months before rolling out its most advanced hands-free driving technology by the end of 2027.

The Chinese EV brand, which currently sells the G6 SUV and X9 people mover locally, revealed its roadmap during a brand day in Melbourne, with XPeng New Zealand sales manager Sean Tupp confirmed New Zealand will follow the same rollout schedule as Australia.

The expanded lineup will begin in the third quarter of 2026 with updated versions of the G6 SUV and seven-seat X9, the latter taking on rivals including the Denza D9, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and Zeekr 009.

The updated G6, which rivals the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and Zeekr 7X, will expand to four model grades. XPeng says the entry-level single-motor Standard Range variant will be priced lower than the current model, priced from $$59,990, while offering up to 480km of WLTP driving range.

Two all-new models will follow in the fourth quarter of 2026: the compact L03 SUV and flagship G9L large SUV. A fifth model, the mid-size fastback L05 SUV, is scheduled to arrive during the first quarter of 2027.

XPeng has already established a foothold in New Zealand. The G6 SUV has been on sale for around six months while customer deliveries of the flagship X9 people mover, priced from $104,990, begin this week.

The L03 was confirmed for New Zealand earlier this month and is expected to arrive before the end of 2026, while the G9L and L05 are new additions to the local product plan.

Full details all three models remain under wraps, though the G9L is expected to be a large electric SUV positioned against rivals such as the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90.

XPeng says overseas markets will no longer have to wait years for its latest products and technology.

"International customers should not wait years for the latest technology," said XPeng vice chairman and president Dr Brian Gu.

"Whenever we have new platform, new intelligence and powertrain technologies that come into the new product offering, we want to launch at the same time we launch in China."

The rollout also marks a shift in XPeng's powertrain strategy.

While the G6 and X9 sold in New Zealand are battery-electric vehicles, the company confirmed it will introduce its new Kunpeng range-extender technology to Australia and New Zealand alongside EVs.

The system combines a large battery with a petrol-powered generator, allowing drivers to complete most daily journeys on electric power while extending driving range for longer trips.

XPeng also plans to invest in charging infrastructure, with its own ultra-fast charging hubs capable of 360kW and 480kW charging, and future support for up to 1MW charging. The company says it will also partner with existing charging providers and offer roaming access across participating networks.

Looking further ahead, XPeng has committed to bringing its most advanced driver assistance technology to New Zealand before the end of 2027, subject to local regulations.

Known as Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP), the system is powered by XPeng's in-house Turing AI chips and is designed to handle complex urban and highway driving. The company says more than half of eligible drivers in China already use the technology daily.

The hands-free driving system runs with up to three AI chips depending on model, with each chip said to be capable of processing trillions of operations per second.

New Zealand and Australia are among the first right-hand drive markets scheduled to receive the technology as part of XPeng's global rollout.

The final pricing and model range details of the brand's expanded lineup are expected to be announced later this quarter.