The Ford Everest large SUV range has gained another special edition in Australia, with the new Wolftrak model bringing the green-themed treatment previously seen on the Ranger ute to its seven-seat SUV sibling. Available to order now, the Wolftrak effectively succeeds the limited-run Wildtrak offered earlier in 2026, and is based on the mid-range Sport.

Pricing starts at $73,000 driveaway for the Wolftrak equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, while the more powerful 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel version is priced from $79,990 before on-road costs.

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The Wolftrak is differentiated from the regular Everest range externally with exclusive ‘Traction Green’ paint, which is a colour that’s also offered on the Ranger Super Duty, while lime green accents feature on the honeycomb grille, exterior badging and decals.

It also gains black exterior detailing, including the 20-inch alloy wheels, bonnet-mounted ‘EVEREST’ lettering and roof. ‘Shadow Black’ and ‘Command Grey’ exterior colours are also available.

The green theme continues inside, where the Wolftrak features leather-accented front seats with Wolftrak branding, contrasting Traction Green stitching and matching accents across the dashboard, air vents and doors.

Ford has also fitted the usually-optional Premium Towing Pack as standard, which adds an integrated trailer brake controller, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and a trailer connection alarm.

Under the bonnet of the Wolftrak, buyers can choose between the 125kW/405Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel introduced to the Everest range as part of its recent update, or Ford’s familiar 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. A 10-speed automatic is the only available transmission.

2027 Ford Everest pricing (excluding on-road costs):

• Active 2.0L – $58,990
• Active V6 – $66,990
• Sport 2.0L – $68,990
• Wolftrak 2.0L – $73,000 driveaway (new)
• Sport V6 – $76,990
• Tremor V6 – $79,990
• Wolftrak V6 – $79,990 (new)
• Platinum V6 – $82,917

The Ford Everest Wolftrak will enter local Ford dealerships soon.

Chinese car maker Geely has recorded one of the biggest sales increases in the Australian new-car market, with its September result up a staggering 870 per cent compared with the same month last year and a hair off 640 per cent in 2026 so far. That’s according to the latest VFACTS new-car sales figures, which tells us that Geely recorded 4473 sales in September 2026, enough to place it 10th overall in the market.

That result put the relative newcomer ahead of fellow Chinese brand Chery, which recorded 4205 sales, and only narrowly behind MG with 4635. That’s a remarkable rise for the brand, which only launched nationwide in March 2025 with just the EX5 electric medium SUV in its range.

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The EX5 remains the Geely’s biggest seller locally and recorded 2008 deliveries during September 2026, which was enough to make it the eighth best-selling vehicle reported through VFACTS for the month.

However, while the EX5 was its best-selling product, both the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid medium SUV (1254) and EX2 electric hatchback (1211) also contributed to the brand’s impressive sales result with over 1200 registrations recorded for both vehicles.

That gives Geely an unusually even spread of volume across its relatively small range, while the EX5 and EX2 also place the brand in a strong position to capitalise on Australia’s rapidly growing appetite for electric vehicles.

No doubt helping Geely’s sales are that electric vehicles accounted for 24.2 per cent of all new vehicles sold in Australia during September, which is more than double their 11.3 per cent market share in September 2025. Plug-in hybrid sales also increased, this time by 122.7 per cent year-on-year, placing the Starray EM-i in another rapidly expanding part of the market.

Geely’s Australian sales could climb further in 2027, with the company confirming two additional models for the local market: The Emgrand sedan and Battleship 700 and Monjaro large SUVs. All will feature plug-in hybrid drivetrains locally and will broaden Geely’s local lineup further into new segments.

Almost one in four new vehicles sold in Australia during September 2026 was fully electric, as our nation’s transition away from petrol and diesel cars continues to gather pace. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 24.2 per cent of the Australian new-car market in September 2026, which is more than double the 11.3 per cent share recorded during the same month last year.

The surge in EV sales comes despite Australia’s overall new car market remaining relatively steady with 108,778 vehicles sold during September 2026, which is an increase of 1.8 per cent year-on-year using data from both the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council. However, while the total amount of cars registered remained similar, the story behind the numbers looked quite different to how it did just 12 months ago.

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For example, plug-in hybrid sales jumped 122.7 per cent compared with September 2025, while conventional hybrid sales also increased 20.7 per cent. Because of that, demand for internal combustion engined vehicles continued to fall significantly as petrol vehicle sales declined 36.2 per cent year-on-year, while diesel sales were down 18.4 per cent.

The September result continues the huge shift seen so far throughout 2026. Battery-electric vehicles now account for 18.9 per cent of the Australian new-car market year-to-date, compared with just 8.1 per cent at the same point in 2025.

The Ford Ranger remained Australia’s best-selling vehicle with 5062 sales, followed by the Toyota RAV4 with 4624 and Tesla Model Y with 4476. BYD also continued its rapid rise, finishing second overall with 8191 sales – behind Toyota’s 17,682 but ahead of Ford on 7592. Kia followed with 5901 sales, ahead of Mazda (5702), Tesla (5654), GWM (5212), Hyundai (5073), MG (4635), Geely (4473) and Chery (4205).

Whether we’ll see electric vehicles hit 25 per cent marketshare or greater is not yet known, but considering the continued influx of cheap EVs onto the market, we’d say that it’s more than likely by the end of 2026.

Tesla has quietly discounted selected Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles in Australia by around five per cent, shaving as much as $3750 from the price of existing stock. The discounts appear on Tesla’s Australian inventory website and apply to selected vehicles built before the recently announced MY27 upgrades, with savings ranging from $2750 to $3750, depending on the model.

The Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive receives a $2750 reduction, dropping its $54,900 before on-road costs list price to $52,150, while the Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is reduced by $3100, from $61,900 to $58,800.

Model Y buyers can save slightly more. Existing examples of the Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive receive a $2950 discount, reducing its $58,900 list price to $55,950 before on-road costs. The largest saving applies to the six-seat Model Y L Premium All-Wheel Drive, which is reduced by $3750 from its usual $74,900 price to $71,150 before on-road costs.

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Because the discounts apply to stock already in Australia and not vehicles available to be ordered, individual vehicles may cost more depending on the paint, wheel and interior options fitted. Tesla is also currently offering a $2000 trade-in bonus on eligible Model 3 and Model Y purchases, potentially adding another saving for buyers with an existing vehicle to trade.

The discounts arrive just days after Tesla announced a number of changes to its Australian Model 3 and Model Y ranges for MY27, with deliveries of the updated vehicles due to commence later this month. Tesla’s newly introduced entry-level Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive isn’t included in the discounts, either. Launched last week at $45,900 before on-road costs, it is already the cheapest electric sedan currently available in Australia.

The Tesla discounted inventory offer is available on eligible new and demonstrator Model 3 Premium variants, Model Y Premium RWD, Model Y Premium Long Range AWD and Model Y L Premium AWD vehicles ordered and delivered by December 31, 2026, while stocks last.

The latest VFACTS figures on Australia’s new vehicle market have revealed it remained in rude health in September, with a total of 108,778 sales representing a 1.8 per cent increase on the numbers from the same month last year. Ford’s Ranger is one of the biggest winners as it regained the title of the most popular vehicle down under in a major turnaround.

Toyota remains top of the manufacturers table with 17,682 sales and 17.2 per cent market share, with BYD closing the gap in second with 8191. Ford (third), Kia (fourth) and Mazda (fifth) all recording drops compared to their September 2025 sales. Tesla is sixth after shifting 5654 vehicles during the month.

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Adding Tesla and Polestar’s figures to the VFACTS numbers reveals that the EV percentage of the total Aussie new-car market is approximately 24.2 per cent, which is slightly down from the 24.9 per cent mark recorded in August, when BEVs outsold petrol and diesel vehicles for the first time ever.

That is once again the case with the latest results, which also show 49.8 per cent of all new vehicles sold in September were electrified. Hybrids accounted for 17,843 sales, with 10,072 plug-in hybrids bought once the VFACTS figures are combined with data from the Electric Vehicle Council.

EV sales were up by a startling 117.7 per cent year on year, whereas petrol vehicles declined by 36.2 per cent, and diesels dropped by 18.4 per cent. It’s early days but this could represent a fork in the road for the Aussie car market.

Chinese carmakers are once again strongly represented in the top 10 manufacturers, with GWM in seventh, MG in ninth and Geely in 10th, just ahead of Chery in 11th spot. The top 10 rankings are the same when it comes to the total sales numbers for 2026 so far.

Ford’s Ranger became the most popular vehicle in the country with sales of 5062 in September, up from 4867 in the same month last year. The Ranger topped the VFACTS monthly sales charts in January, February and March this year, but hadn’t been No.1 since. It dropped to fifth in August with 2440 deliveries, and was fourth in July with 4042 sales. Those August figures were skewed by the halting of deliveries due to an airbag issue that forced a recall, however.

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The Toyota RAV4 is the second-most popular new vehicle on 4624, then it’s the Tesla Model Y with 4476 deliveries, Toyota’s HiLux on 4455 and the BYD Sealion 7 on 2687. Following them are the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (2059), GWM Haval Jolion (2018), Geely EX5 (2008), Toyota Prado (2006) and Isuzu D-Max (1866).

BYD is still a fair way off Toyota for the title of best-selling manufacturer, but this is the sixth straight month the Chinese brand has locked up second spot and it recorded an increase, whereas Toyota fell as its HiLux suffered a drop of almost 12 per cent year on year.

Of the top 10 best-selling vehicles, three are electric: the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Geely’s EX5. Compared to this time last year, sales are down in NSW by 0.8 per cent, with the NT recording a fall of 13.3 per cent, with Western Australia down by 1.6 per cent and South Australia by 0.3 per cent.

Light commercial sales suffered a 13.2 per cent decline compared to September 2025, but that was offset by a 6.3 per cent rise in the number of passenger vehicles sold, and a 6.1 per cent jump in sales of SUVs.

“The changes seen throughout this year are continuing. many consumers are making practical decisions and selecting from the range of available technologies that best meet their needs,” said Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries acting CEO Dianne O’Hara.

The battle for affordable electric cars in Australia is heating up with the new Leapmotor B03X small SUV priced from just $29,990 driveaway ahead of its local arrival in November. That makes the B03X the cheapest electric SUV currently offered down under, according to Leapmotor, with the compact newcomer undercutting an increasingly crowded field of affordable EVs.

Two B03X variants will be available from launch: the entry-level Style priced from $29,990 driveaway, while the longer-range Design LR is priced $4000 higher at $33,990 driveaway. The Style uses a 39.8kWh LFP battery providing up to 292km of WLTP driving range, paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing healthy outputs of 130kW and 200Nm.

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Spending the extra on the Design LR increases battery capacity to 53kWh, which extends the claimed range to a more road-trip-friendly 382km on the WLTP cycle. Power also rises to 145kW with torque pegged at 200Nm, although Leapmotor quotes the same 8.6-second 0-100km/h time for both variants, likely due to the larger battery’s extra weight.

As for charging ability, both models feature an 11kW AC onboard charger, while the Style can DC fast-charge at up to 100kW and the Design LR increases that to a healthier 133kW. Leapmotor claims a 30-80 per cent recharge can take as little as 16 minutes, while both versions also feature 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

Measuring 4270mm long and 1810mm wide with a 2605mm wheelbase, the B03X sits firmly in small-SUV territory and is actually as long as the Mazda CX-3. Leapmotor says there are 33 storage areas throughout the cabin, plus 475 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats up and 1315 litres of capacity with those seats folded.

Despite its bargain price, the B03X is well equipped with 18-inch steel wheels with covers, roof rails, automatic LED lighting, automatic wipers, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with live services and over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also satellite navigation, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charging, fabric upholstery, a synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel and single-zone automatic climate control.

Safety features include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with automatic lane changes, adaptive lane guidance, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, door open warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

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On top of the Style, the Design LR adds 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-folding mirrors, synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, 12-speaker audio, ambient lighting, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and an integrated dashcam.

Leapmotor will back the B03X with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty, alongside eight years of roadside assistance.

Leapmotor B03X pricing (driveaway):

• Style: $29,990
• Design LR: $33,990

The 2027 Leapmotor B03X will arrive in Australian dealerships in November, giving buyers one of the cheapest ways yet to put a new electric SUV in the driveway.

Welcome to the Department of Tough Gigs. This Month: The pure-electric mid-sized SUV.

Homogenisation is the – unfortunate – name of the game here. SUV packaging, combined with current aero-faux, has forced the butternut-pumpkin-on-its-side profile upon us. The now-default skateboard architecture has played its part, and the relentless march of the Chinese brands has done the rest.

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Enter the Mazda CX-6e. It’s no secret that the CX-6e is not only made in China, but shares its platform with the Deepal SO7 as part of a joint venture. Which raises the spectre of whether the shared product of a ubiquitous concept can ever be as Mazda as Mazda fans would demand.

And the `tough gig’ thing is actually selling the reality short: A successful modern EV SUV needs to be brilliantly specified (connectivity is a gimme, comrade) capable of anxiety-beating range and, just lately, served up at a price that renders the notion of front-loading your EV running costs, yesterday’s thinking. And yet, despite that mission-impossible brief, that same modern car-maker can’t afford to be without such a thing in its showrooms.

Which is how Mazda arrived – some would say, belatedly – at the CX-6e, the brand’s first all-EV SUV.

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But despite all that talk of homogenisation, the Mazda really does manage to stick its neck out stylistically, starting with the sheer size of the thing. Frankly, it looks like it should be a seven-seater rather than the five-seater it is, but maybe that’s the cost of staying with Mazda’s Kodo design language that insists upon a long nose and a (relatively) rear-set cabin. But look again, and the CX-6e continues to stand out from the pack. There’s some angularity to it, a few swooshes, some wild looking wind-tunnels in the flanks and a rump that, in profile, is rather fetching. From dead-behind? Er, not so much and this is clearly the Mazda’s least flattering angle.

That size thing is reinforced once you step inside, too. There’s a lot of space on offer and not just in the front seats. The rear pew loses points for its centre position being like sitting astride a speed hump, but the outside spots are comfy and exceptionally spacious. Head, knee and legroom? Oodles. And there are climate controls, too.

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Back up front, there’s wireless charging, a head-up display, large central bin with a split lid and plenty of charge ports. The frunk is not especially huge, but the cargo area is about right even if the underfloor storage area is a bit fake news.

But that same interior seems a bit try-hard in other respects. The h-u-g-e central screen is not central at all but, in fact, extends farther to the passenger’s side. That gives the tormentor in the jump seat the opportunity to fiddle with a second map and generally fuss about with menus, while just being just within the driver’s peripheral vision for maximum distraction.

The upmarket version of the CX-6e also features digital (read: camera) interior and exterior mirrors and these are as annoying as any other car-maker’s attempt at the same tech. The interior mirror requires those who use reading glasses to don them for maximum clarity (not terribly convenient for also watching the road ahead) and the usual depth-of-field shallowness is also apparent. And the exterior mirrors (sorry, cameras) on stalks convey their image capture to a screen in the corner of each front door to electronically answer the question nobody ever asked. Happily, the entry-level model misses out on these trappings of executive life.

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I’m also going to call Mazda out for the lack of physical switches on show. More accurately, for the otherwise simple functions that have been rendered complex and frustrating through the use of menus and touch-screens.

Let’s start with adjusting those mirrors (regardless of model and level of mirror complexity). First you need to mine the screen for the right menu, select mirror adjustment and then take a shot at which of the arrows on the steering wheel will achieve the angle you desire.

And what about the panoramic sunroof’s blind? Is there a switch located conveniently and logically next to the sunroof? Is there bollocks. Instead, it’s back to drilling though menus until you reveal the blind control on the screen and hit the touch-button to open or close it. No kidding.

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The caveat? All these functions are also operable via the voice-command system. Which is fine if you don’t mind talking to inanimate objects.

Even externally, there’s evidence that the CX-6e, built in China as a joint venture with Changan Automotive, has maybe started to adopt a few Chinese-car protocols. The hatchback release button is a great example. Is it anywhere you’re likely to look for it? In fact, it’s opened by a small, black on black push-button that’s actually part of the rear wiper mount assembly. Or you can open it via your phone and the Mazda app (yeah, right).

And here we go again; learning how to operate a car all over again. Not to mention that the ADAS systems are calibrated according to Chinese protocols, making the driver-distraction monitor (in particular) its own distraction. The resentment is real.

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The CX-6e range kicks off with the GT variant at $53,990 (or $56,990 drive-away as a launch special) which gets you dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start (again from your smart-phone should you so desire) heated front chairs, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging and even vehicle-to-load capability.

Pony up for the Azami at $56,990 plus on-roads, and you gain the 21-inch alloys and stickier tyres, and those digital mirrors. Which is another way of saying buy the GT.

Mechanically and electronically, the pair are identical with a 78kWh battery giving a claimed range of up to 484km (WLPT) and the ability to absorb charge at a rate of 194kW for a 30 to 80 per cent charge in about 15 minutes.

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The driving experience tends to justify the means. While the overall set-up for Australian-delivered cars borrows largely from the European tune, our cars have been further revised with Aussie tweaks to the software, damper tune, power steering and torque delivery.

And, we have to say, it all kind of works. The suspension feels about right (and is marginally better on the 19-inch wheels) and the steering is natural, neutral and nicely accurate if a tad light. There’s not an over-abundance of regenerative braking on show, but that’s matched by the mild, 190kW/290Nm driveline that, while not making any big promises on paper, feels absolutely just right for this type of vehicle.

There’s enough urge for anything you’ll throw at it, along with the silence and smoothness an EV promises, without the mind-bending thrust (and subsequent spare-bedroom threats) dished up by some of the twin-motor competitors. Yet it still climbs hills with authority and there’s just enough urge to be able to rotate the chassis on throttle alone at the critical point in a corner. Enough to remind you why rear-drive is most drivers’ natural preference, anyway.

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So, it’s big inside, drives convincingly and is priced pretty well, too. You could damn with faint praise by saying the CX-6e is a great first effort at an EV SUV by Mazda. But it’s actually better than that. Suggesting that even if the Chinese joint-venture status has imposed its limitations (a lack of real buttons, for instance) the Mazda-ness has managed to shine through where it counts.

Specs: 2026 Mazda CX-6e

Nissan Australia has teased an important new addition to its lineup, with the brand expected to confirm its first plug-in hybrid model for our market later in the week. Teased ahead of an official reveal on Thursday October 8, the “highly anticipated” new model promises electrified performance and increased capability.

While Nissan has stopped short of revealing the identity of the new mystery model, evidence points strongly towards the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute, which could potentially wear the Navara Pro nameplate when it reaches Australia. The Frontier Pro has already been spotted undergoing testing on Australian soil, with Nissan saying its upcoming model has been extensively tested and tuned to suit local conditions.

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If confirmed, the Frontier Pro would give Nissan a direct competitor for the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, as well as the upcoming Chery Stockman, in Australia’s growing plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute market. Importantly too, it would be sold alongside rather than replace the recently introduced new-generation Navara, which continues with diesel power.

Revealed at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show, the Frontier Pro was developed with Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng and is closely related to the Dongfeng Z9. It is also significant as Nissan’s first production plug-in hybrid and its first electrified ute.

Overseas versions combine a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack. Depending on market specification, Nissan has quoted combined outputs of up to 320kW of power and 800Nm of torque. The Chinese market version offers more than 100 kilometres of claimed electric-only driving range, though a WLTP-rated figure is yet to be confirmed.

Exactly when the new model will reach local showrooms – and what it will be called – remains to be seen, but we won’t have to wait long for answers as the full Australian announcement will take place on Thursday, October 8.

NSW motorists will soon be able to claim money back under the state’s reduced weekly toll cap, with the first round of rebates opening on Sunday, October 11.

The toll cap was lowered from $60 to $50 a week on July 6, expanding the number of drivers eligible for relief. However, motorists have had to wait until October to lodge claims under the new threshold.

The system operates as a rebate rather than an upfront discount. Drivers continue to pay tolls normally and can then claim back eligible expenditure above $50 for each Monday-to-Sunday period.

For example, someone spending $80 on eligible toll journeys during a week can claim $30 back. A weekly toll bill of $100 would result in a $50 rebate.

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Claims apply to eligible personal toll trips in vehicles registered for private use. Rebates cover weekly expenditure between $50 and $400, meaning motorists can receive a maximum of $350 back per week for each eligible tag or licence plate.

There is also an annual rebate limit of $5000 per customer.

The first claim period covers eligible toll expenditure between July 6 and October 4.

Before making a claim, motorists need to link their personal toll account to their MyServiceNSW account. Once a claim is approved, the rebate is expected to reach the nominated bank account within 10 to 15 business days.

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Around 200,000 additional toll accounts are expected to qualify following the reduction of the cap, on top of approximately 948,000 accounts that had reached the previous $60 threshold.

Western Sydney motorists are expected to receive a significant share of the rebates, with the region accounting for around half of toll-relief claims. Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Auburn, Merrylands and Castle Hill are among the areas expected to benefit most.

The lower cap follows another change introduced in July that removed administration fees from unpaid NSW toll notices. Those charges had added at least $10 to individual notices and were estimated to cost motorists about $60 million annually.

XPeng reckons its extravagant X9 can tempt buyers away from established players including Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Going by the enormous range, ultra-fast charging and first-class comfort of the lavish seven-seat X9, it could well be right on the money – although some frustrating technology shows there’s still room for improvement.

Built by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, the seven-seat electric X9 takes aim at vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and VLE, Volkswagen Multivan and ID. Buzz with a combination of enormous space, cutting-edge technology and levels of comfort that will make you think you’re in business class on a brand-new jet.

The imposing exterior is dominated by full-width lighting and an unusual van-like rear, but the cabin is where the X9 makes its strongest impression. All seven seats are heated, while the first two rows offer extensive electric adjustment and the four individual front and middle-row seats feature massage functions. Second-row passengers also get XPeng’s ‘Zero-Gravity’ reclining mode, which is particularly welcome while you’re waiting for the battery to recharge.

Nappa leather and generally impressive build quality reinforce the premium feel, although there were some inconsistent seams in our test vehicle. Taller passengers may also feel a bit let down by the lack of extendable thigh support.

The second row is particularly lavish. There’s an 11-litre compartment capable of chilling drinks or keeping food warm, while a 21.4-inch entertainment screen drops from the roof. Folding tables and charging facilities for laptops and mobile devices complete the executive-lounge experience.

Even with all three rows occupied, boot capacity is 721 litres, expanding to 2250 litres. The third-row seats fold electrically into the floor, while the air suspension can lower the rear to make loading easier.

On the road, the dual-chamber air suspension delivers an impressively smooth ride over most surfaces, although sharper transverse joints and deep manhole covers can upset its composure. Rear-wheel steering gives the enormous X9 a tight 10.8-metre turning circle and makes parking surprisingly easy.

The driver-assistance technology is less convincing. It can manage motorway cruising, lane changes and stop-start traffic, but occasionally wanders between lane markings. Some controls are unnecessarily complicated, as well, with too many functions buried in the touchscreen despite a capable voice assistant.

The X9’s electrical hardware is more impressive. The Long Range version uses a huge 106kWh battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture, with DC charging at up to 520kW. In testing, a full recharge took just under 30 minutes. The Standard Range model is claimed to travel about 534km, while the Long Range stretches that to approximately 615km. An AWD version is also available with a muscular dual-motor powertrain producing around 373kW, although such firepower seems excessive in a vast luxury people mover.

The X9 isn’t perfect, but its combination of comfort, space, charging performance and technology gives Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen plenty to think about – and its cavernous interior could also make it an intriguing option for adventurous buyers and campers.

In July, XPeng revealed the X9 will be priced from $89,990 before on-roads when it arrives in Australia in two variants: the FWD Standard Range, and the AWD Performance, which starts from $109,990.