XPeng is moving to clean up the loose ends from its failed relationship with former Australian distributor TrueEV, offering to honour a range of documented commitments made to customers before the two companies parted ways.
The Chinese electric-car maker’s factory-backed subsidiary, XPENG Motors Australia (XPENG ANZ), has formally become the sole operator of the brand locally following the conclusion of its distribution agreement with TrueEV.
XPeng began direct Australian operations in April, but the latest announcement is particularly significant for customers who bought vehicles through TrueEV or its authorised dealers and have been left uncertain about previously promised benefits.
These include a $5000 cashback promotion, 10-year warranty offers, complimentary scheduled servicing and other sales campaigns.
However, there is an important caveat: XPeng is not automatically accepting every previous commitment. Customers will need to provide proof of purchase and documentation showing what was promised, with each claim assessed individually.
Once verified, XPENG ANZ says it will arrange the appropriate cashback payment, activate warranty coverage, organise servicing or agree on another applicable outcome.
The company has also expanded its Australian customer-support team, with former TrueEV customers directed to contact XPENG ANZ directly.
Another significant change concerns warranty coverage. XPeng’s current manufacturer-backed warranty, introduced for eligible vehicles sold from June 1, 2026, will now be extended to eligible vehicles previously purchased through TrueEV and its dealers.
For private owners, that provides seven years/unlimited-kilometre vehicle coverage, while commercial vehicles receive seven years/160,000km. The traction battery, battery-management system, drive motor and Intelligent Power Unit are covered for eight years/160,000km.
Again, eligibility and the detailed conditions contained in XPeng’s warranty documentation apply. Third-party extended warranties bought separately remain the responsibility of their original providers.
XPeng is also attempting to strengthen its after-sales operation. Its factory-backed dealer and service network now covers Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
In June it signed an agreement with the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority to participate in the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, although technical onboarding remains underway and is expected to take several months.
XPeng after-sales boss Shaun Anthony said customers who received commitments from TrueEV should submit the details directly to XPeng, which would work with them to determine the appropriate outcome.
Aussie motorists have been warned that connecting their EV to the grid using V2G technology could put them at risk of voiding their vehicle’s warranty in addition to possibly harming battery health.
V2G stands for vehicle-to-grid and it uses bidirectional charging that allows EV owners to use their vehicles as mobile energy storage systems and make money by supplying power back to the electricity grid when demand and prices are high.
The federal government announced a huge expansion of its V2G trial back in June, taking the testing from 50 households to 1000. AGL revealed it was launching a residential trial of the technology in September 2025, and Kia and Hyundai have been testing V2G as well.
However, the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has alerted Aussie EV owners that their warranties most likely don’t cover them for using V2G to connect to the grid. Doing so can also harm battery health in vehicles that haven’t been designed with it in mind.
“Unless it has been stipulated in those terms and conditions [of the warranty] that vehicle to grid is allowed, it’s generally not,” EVC head of energy, infrastructure and commercial Alina Dini told CarsGuide.
While most EVs on sale down under don’t have the capability for V2G charging, motorists can get around that by using a range of third-party devices. But manufacturers have issued blunt warnings about the products because they can take control of the energy transfer away from the car.
For example, Hyundai’s website states: “The use of unapproved bidirectional charging equipment introduces safety risks, potential vehicle damage and warranty implications for your vehicle.”
Hyundai’s current range doesn’t support the bidirectional tech but that should be about to change after the company used an Ioniq 9 to complete Australia’s first V2G discharge in June this year. Manufacturers weren’t happy with the first-generation V2G connection standard, but Hyundai conducted the test using the second-gen standard, which it described as providing the “secure, interoperable framework required” for the discharge, as well as vehicle-to-home applications.
“Getting this right is essential because V2G will only scale in Australia if consumers, energy providers and governments can trust the technology,” said Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano.
According to Dini, other carmakers are also preparing for a change, with all of the OEMs the EVC works with “having a really hard look at their warranties”.
The BYD Da Han has arrived crammed full of luxury combined with stunning range after making its debut at the Chengdu Auto Show. Available in three versions, it has been priced from 249,900 yuan – about $51,900 – with features that wouldn’t be out of place on a far more expensive car.
Also known as the Great Han, the new sedan comes in entry-level RWD Premium spec, followed by the RWD Flagship and the AWD Flagship, which has a 299,900-yuan ($62,200) price tag.
One of the biggest attractions for the Da Han is its outstanding range, with the RWD variants getting a claimed 1008km under CLTC conditions. The single electric motor, which makes 370kW, draws energy from a 102.326kWh Blade battery pack. That same pack offers a claimed range of 880km in the top-tier AWD version, which has a combined peak power of 570kW from its two motors and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds.
Both the AWD and RWD cars get 1000-volt architecture and it’s claimed the battery can flash charge from 10 to 70 per cent in five minutes, with a 10 to 97 per cent charge taking nine minutes. An upcoming PHEV version will run a 1.5-litre turbo engine with peak power of 115kW, paired with a 200kW single electric motor. An AWD version will have dual electric motors making a total of 400kW.
Coming in at 5256mm long, 1999mm wide, 1510mm high with a wheelbase of 3130mm, the Da Han has dual-chamber air suspension with 100mm of height adjustment, and rear-wheel steering that gives it a tight turning radius of just 4.95 metres. All variants get roof-mounted LiDAR for the BYD God’s Eye B driver-assist system.
Inside you’ll find a Devialet sound system with up to 31 speakers in the top-spec variant, plenty of rear leg room and boot space thanks to those generous dimensions, and soft-closing doors. The dashboard has an LCD instrument cluster, a monitor for the front passenger and a floating touchscreen.
A centre screen folds down from the ceiling for the back-row passengers, who also get tray tables to go with the refrigerator in the centre console. The seats get Nappa leather, heating, cooling, massage and recline functions, as well as extending leg rests. There’s real wood trim, too, and electrochromic rear windows that can change their level of transparency.
The exterior styling fits BYD’s Loong Face design themes with its thin headlights and chrome touches, and it’s exceptionally sleek. The 20 or 21-inch rims featuring floating centre caps just like those on a Rolls-Royce, and the whole package is available painted in silver, black, beige, red and green.
It took just one minute and 57 seconds for MG to receive 10,000 firm orders for its 07 model when it debuted at the Chengdu Auto Show on Friday, absolutely smashing the MG4’s record of 39 minutes and 37 seconds to hit the same mark. The 07 has a lot of selling points, but the most effective could be its pricing, which starts at 108,900 yuan, or about $22,600 in Aussie dollars.
The MG 07 comes in seven versions: two with hybrid powertrains, the remainder all BEVs. The Hybrid 245 Comfort Edition is the cheapest, with the EV 845 flagship coming in at 159,900 yuan ($33,184).
Those BEV models are on an 800-volt platform with front-drive motors producing between 176kW and 300Nm to 235kW and 350Nm. Batteries can be had in options including 67kWh and 91kWh packs offering ranges of 610km, 650km and 845km. The top-spec EV model also gets 5C fast-charging capability.
The PHEV side of the ledger gets a 1.5-litre, 82kW engine with an electric motor making 152kW, with a claimed all-electric CLTC range of 245km. That jumps to a CLTC range of 1745km when both systems are fully charged and fuelled.
Dimensions come in at 4886mm long, 1900mm wide and 1478mm high, with a wheelbase of 2825mm. Semi-hidden door handles make for a cleaner silhouette, the doors are frameless, and the sharp, clean look is enhanced by two-tone wheels, a five-stage adjustable rear spoiler, through-type tail-lights. The 07 is available in six colours: Notting Grey, Morello Purple, Salt Lake White, California Blue, Oxford Blue and Milia Pink.
Inside, there’s a wrap-around cockpit design, full LCD instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating central control screen. Adjustment, heating and ventilation of the driver’s seat are taken care of automatically, and the passenger pew gets a “Queen” zero-gravity mode.
The sound system has 21 speakers and the interior comes finished in two themes, White Violet and Royal Blue. MG has added LiDAR that’s powered by Momenta’s R7 system.
MG has previously said deliveries of the version with 650km of range were expected to start this month, with the 845km version to follow suit in October. While no pricing has been announced for the Aussie market, the 07 could be on track to undercut the Tesla Model 3 RWD down under.
Small cars are back in the spotlight in the September 2026 issue of Wheels, with two very different approaches to affordable urban motoring going head-to-head.
The cover story pits the familiar Kia Picanto against BYD’s new Atto 1 electric hatch. With fuel prices and concerns over future supply again putting running costs under scrutiny, the comparison asks whether compact city cars could be poised for a resurgence – and whether petrol or electric power now makes more sense at the affordable end of the market.
At the opposite extreme, Matt Prior gets behind the wheel of the McLaren W1 to discover whether the British company’s latest hypercar can live up to its promise of being as entertaining on the road as it is devastatingly fast on a circuit.
There’s also a trip to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Remco Slump explores not only the machinery tackling the famous hillclimb but the remarkable variety of cars scattered around the event during a scorching British summer weekend.
Rob Margeit delves into one of motoring’s more unusual engineering avenues with a look back at memorable V4-powered cars, while the Modern Classic spotlight falls on the HSV Maloo. We revisit the story behind Holden Special Vehicles’ high-performance ute and meet an owner who explains why the Maloo remains such a special machine.
The issue’s Wheels Interview heads further into Australian motor racing history with Nigel Tait, a pivotal figure in helping Sir Jack Brabham achieve international success.
First Drives delivers an unusually diverse crop of newcomers. The electric Mercedes-Benz CLA and Neue Klasse BMW iX3 represent two important next-generation European EVs, while the BYD Seal 6 Touring makes the case for the affordable wagon. Geely’s EX2, the updated XPeng G6 and Toyota bZ4X Touring broaden the electric field, while the LandCruiser Performance Hybrid brings electrification to one of Australia’s most traditional nameplates.
Regular columnists Michael Stahl and Paul Gover return, alongside the Wheels Garage featuring the Honda Prelude and Chery Tiggo 9. Marketplace examines the continuing rise of EVs, while the Buyer’s Guide packs in more than 1900 vehicle prices, specifications and reviews.
Finally, the Wayback Machine winds the clock to August 1971 and a Wheels scoop on the then-new VH Valiant.
More than four million cars are being recalled in China because their emergency mechanical door releases could be difficult to find following a crash, prompting one of the country’s biggest coordinated automotive safety campaigns.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced recalls on August 21 covering vehicles from Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, Xpeng, Geely-owned Zeekr, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC and FAW, among others, reported CarNewsChina.
The central problem is relatively simple: on many affected vehicles, the emergency mechanical release inside the cabin is similar in colour to the surrounding interior trim, making it difficult to identify and operate.
That could become critical following a serious crash if the vehicle’s low-voltage electrical system fails and the normal electronic door-opening mechanism stops working. Chinese authorities say occupants could have difficulty escaping, while rescuers may also face problems gaining access.
Tesla accounts for the largest individual campaign. Almost three million China-built and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles are affected by the emergency-release issue. Tesla will add warning labels and remotely update the window-control software to introduce a post-crash window-lowering function.
Xiaomi is recalling 390,435 SU7 electric sedans, while Leapmotor’s (below) campaign covers 371,200 C01 and C11 vehicles. Zeekr has recalled 92,658 examples of its 007 and X, with Xpeng, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC and FAW also announcing campaigns.
The recalls come ahead of tougher Chinese regulations covering vehicle door handles from January 1, 2027.
Under the new rules, doors will require independently operating mechanical interior releases, while emergency handles must be clearly marked and readily identifiable even in poor light. The regulations also establish requirements governing mechanical exterior releases.
The issue has gained greater attention following fatal crashes involving electric vehicles fitted with electronic door systems.
Most affected manufacturers will address existing cars through highly visible labels identifying the emergency release, often accompanied by over-the-air software changes designed to lower the windows following a serious collision.
The recalls highlight a growing concern surrounding increasingly minimalist vehicle interiors: in an emergency, potentially life-saving controls still need to be immediately obvious and simple to operate.
Tax breaks and local content requirements are a hot topic in the automotive world once again, as car-making countries across Europe and North America look to eke out an advantage against cheaper Chinese competition.
Australia was no different. Years ago, tariff protections meant local assembly was a favourable position, and the more local content you could include, the better the outcome.
The result was some surprising global icons, plucked from their native production lines and put together Down Under.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle may be one of the most recognisable cars on the road, but despite its German origins, Australian-built Beetles featured an incredibly long run. Assembly took place in Clayton, Victoria, starting with imported completely knocked down (CKD) kits and eventually expanding to include local stamping and expanded local components.
CKD production started in 1954, full-scale local production kicked off in 1959, but by 1968 local assembly switched back to welding together imported CKD kits with smaller local contributions. At its peak, the Clayton plant also built Kombis and Type 3s
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz operates a global network of factories today in countries like South Africa, Hungary, China and the USA, among others. In the ‘50s and ‘60s that list also included Port Melbourne.
Mercedes-Benz didn’t just build any car here either, but its flagship of the era, which would later go on to become the S-Class. The W180 was the first locally-assembled model starting in 1959. The later W111 accounted for the bulk of locally-produced models, but by 1965 sourcing switched back to fully-assembled imported models.
Datsun 200B
The massive sales growth of Japanese brands in Australia in the 1970s often gets swept into a single ‘from Japan’ category, but some of the biggest successes came from local assembly.
Such was the case for the Datsun 180B and 200B. The 180B sparked sales success in Australia, and the locally-built 200B grew that even further, but changes made to increase local content also saw quality downgraded. Regardless, the 200B became Australia’s top-selling four-cylinder car until the Mitsubishi Sigma defeated it.
Mini Cooper
Among the many names worn by the iconic Mini over the years, its Australian production debut saw it released under the Morris 850 banner, built at British Motor Corporation’s Zetland factory starting in 1961.
Aussie Mini production allowed freedom of specification and saw production changes like wind-up windows, introduced on Australian-produced Minis years ahead of their British-built counterparts. Hardtop Mini production ended in 1978, but the Moke was built at Enfield until 1982
Toyota Corona
The universal success of the Toyota Camry makes it easy to forget that Toyota started Australian production with the Corona, built in Port Melbourne from 1963 and sold as the Tiara. The name switched back to Corona, and Toyota built six generations of Toyota’s mid-sizer in Australia.
As the Corona moved to a front-drive platform, and Toyota concentrated on making the Camry its star performer for Western markets, Aussie production changed over. The second-generation Camry took off for Toyota Australia, but New Zealand continued Corona assembly until 1996.
Nissan Skyline
Right before the Nissan Skyline’s legend status cemented itself with the Bathurst-conquering GT-R, the previous generation R31 called Australia home. At least, sedan and wagon versions did, built at Nissan’s Clayton factory.
The Skyline had a brief local-build run from 1986 until 1990, before Nissan focused its attention on the Aussie-made Pintata and Pulsar, which wrapped local production in late 1992. Nissan still manufactures diecast aluminium components in Dandenong, Victoria, for models like the Leaf and Qashqai.
Volvo 240
Volvo’s 200-series sedans and wagons often draw unfavourable comparisons to the common housebrick, but the roomy interiors, robust build quality, and large car dimensions also made them a versatile addition to Australia’s new car market.
Production started with the Volvo 140 in 1972, the new-generation 244 sedan and 245 wagon followed in 1975, joined by the more powerful 264 six-cylinder sedan. Their acceptance led to Volvo adding the 242 coupe to its built roster, all assembled at Clayton, Victoria.
As the 200-series made way for the newer 760 range, Australian production followed, but was short-lived. In 1988 local assembly was halted, and Volvo switched to a fully imported line-up
Willys Jeep
Jeep production stretched to just about every corner of the globe, and Australia was one of a long list of countries that built the civilian-ready Jeep CJ. Local production started in 1958 in Rocklea, Queensland, overseen by Willy Australia, but other low-volume assembly took place around the same time..
In the 1960s, the Jeep CJ5 and CJ6 took on a distinctly Australian flavour, fitted with the inline six-cylinder engine from the Ford Falcon. Over 600 Jeeps were built with Ford engines, with 2.4-litre (144ci), 28.-litre (170ci), and 3.1-litre (188ci) versions offered in a run of just over 600 vehicles.
Range Rover
A brief run of first-generation Range Rovers was assembled at Enfield, in Sydney’s west, starting in 1979 but finishing by 1983.
Rather than ramping up to a high level of local componentry, Jaguar-Rover-Australia opted to import CKD kits for local assembly. Production joined the existing Land Rover Defender production, which started with the Series II Land Rover in the 1960s.
Citroën ID 19
While it might look like the iconic DS, Citroën’s simpler ID line-up was chosen for Australian production. The cheaper ID 19 dialled back the DS’s chrome embellishments, did without power steering, and fitted a traditional manual transmission in place of the hydraulically-assisted semi-automatic.
Assembly took place in Heidelberg, Victoria, on a production line used to assemble Peugeot, Renault, and Studebaker cars, among others. Production ran for six years from 1961, but regulations that favoured increased local content saw the largely CKD-sourced ID 19 revert to import-only status.
You don’t need us to tell you about spiking cost-of-living pressures. Your accountant will do that if they haven’t already. Throw in the jump in fuel prices thanks to the Iran war and there’s a heavy incentive for anyone who’s looking for a new car to go down the budget path and find the cheapest option that’s easy on the wallet by either taking small sips at the bowser or avoiding the servo completely.
With that in mind, WhichCar by Wheels has compiled a guide to the 10 cheapest new cars currently available down under. We’ve pulled it together using listed base prices rather than the driveaway cost, which introduces too many variables due to the differences in on-road costs between states and territories.
1. Kia Picanto Sport Manual $19,190
You’ll struggle to find a vehicle with better value for money than the current cheapest car title holder. The Picanto’s 66kW, 122Nm motor only has to pull a gross weight of 1410kg and it is very frugal with a fuel economy of 5.4L/100km. Standard equipment is generous, with automatic headlights, aircon, auto-folding mirrors and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, plus it has a composed ride and a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
2. MG 3 Vibe Auto $20,990
It might not be as tight on petrol as the Picanto, with a 6.0L/100km combined fuel efficiency, but the latest MG 3 is bigger and packs far better equipment that its predecessors. The 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 81kW and 142Nm and is paired to a CVT tranny, and you get a seven-year, unlimited-km warranty that can be extended to 10 years/250,000km with dealer servicing. The hybrid version cuts fuel expenses but will set you back almost $29,000 for the cheaper variant.
3. Hyundai Venue Manual $23,750
The nation’s cheapest SUV has been filling the gap left by the discontinued Accent since it came down under in 2019. It placed well in WhichCar by Wheels’ list of this year’s best-value small SUVs thanks to its practical tall body, great ride and handling balance. The Venue features manual aircon, 15-inch alloy wheels and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but the 1.6L, four-cylinder petrol engine is thirsty and slow, and its warranty can’t match those of the Picanto and MG 3.
4. BYD Atto 1 Essential $23,990
Australia’s cheapest EV came first in our list of the year’s best-value small cars. A game-changer for BEVs down under, it’s surprisingly gutsy with outputs of 65kW and 175Nm, and it’s a bit like Dr Who’s Tardis in that it’s surprisingly spacious for a tiny car. Effortless urban driving and parking are highlights, as is its WLTP-rated 220km range. Five years of servicing costs just $1391, too.
5. Suzuki Swift Hybrid $24,990
The Swift tradition of attracting Aussies with reliability and a great equipment list for the price shows no signs of petering out. The claimed fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km is absolutely outstanding, especially considering it only runs a mild hybrid system. The entry-level variant gets a 9.0-inch touchscreen, satnav, active safety tech and automatic LED headlights. While it’s badged as a hybrid, the system only contributes 2kW and 60Nm to the 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine.
6. GAC Emzoom Luxury $25,590
Yes, GAC is one of the newest brands in Australia and therefore there will be question marks hanging over the range’s head, but you can’t deny the value on offer with the Emzoom Luxury. You get a 1.5-litre turbo four-pot making 125kW and 250Nm, coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption isn’t stellar at 6.2L/100km, but the interior is a strength with a premium feel that seems like it should be above this price range.
7. Geely EX2 Complete $26,490
The compact electric hatch was China’s most popular car in 2025, and with good reason. The standard equipment list is very impressive at this price, with synthetic leather upholstery, climate control, 14.6-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration and the full range of Geely’s driver assist and safety tech. WLTP-tested range is a claimed 252km, body control is good, the single 60kW/150Nm motor has adequate zip, and interior space is surprisingly good.
8. Mazda 2 Evolve $27,290
WhichCar by Wheels loved the 2 Evolve’s peppy drivetrain and equipment when we reviewed it earlier this month. Standard features include (deep breath) 16-inch alloys, automatic climate control, a heads-up display and safety tech like autonomous emergency braking and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. Mazda claims 5.0L/100km on the combined cycle and the 1.5-litre mill loves being revved, which brings fun into the equation despite it making 81kW and 142Nm.
9. Kia Stonic S $28,180
The extensive facelift the model received late last year has added a significant amount to the price, but it now packs a new mild hybrid drivetrain, new dash, and an uplift in standard equipment. Put together, they justify the hike. The 1.0L turbo three-cylinder engine with that mild hybrid is more refined and quicker than the outgoing model’s set-up, plus it gets 5.0L/100km. There’s a unique suspension and steering tune for Australian roads, too.
10. Suzuki FRONX Hybrid $28,990
Suzuki’s first new nameplate for Australia in more than a decade has the price to make its mark in the compact SUV market. Seating five in comfort, it’s claimed to be the manufacturer’s most comprehensively equipped model ever offered locally. The FRONX runs Suzuki’s latest smart hybrid system featuring the 1.5-litre DualJet engine, which is paired to a six-speed auto.
The head of one of the world’s most recognisable luxury carmakers has doubled down on the need for authenticity and pledged to avoid the use of computer-generated fake engine sounds. Bentley CEO Frank Walliser also railed against infotainment screens as he stressed quality as a defining pillar for the brand.
Asked about the role sound design plays in the development of electric cars, Walliser told the Figuring Out with Raj Shamani podcast: “If you were to just skip that in electric cars, silence is very nice … Now that we have that in electric cars, we say, ‘Oh, something is missing.’”
Bentley has already revealed its solution to the problem in the teaser campaign for the brand’s first electric vehicle, the Torcal SUV, as it focusses on an orchestral arrangement that imitates the beat and pacing of the brand’s V8 engines.
“We made a decision to say, Bentley is in V8, but just to record a V8 and bring it into the car, it felt wrong. So we had another idea,” Walliser said.
His focus on Bentley’s traditional craftsmanship also touched on everything from design to interior materials. Brands like Ford, GM and even Bentley’s parent company, Volkswagen, have all begun to integrate AI tools into their design phase, which Walliser is not keen on.
“If you ask AI to draw a car, it will use a lot of images of existing cars and generate something new, but where is the creativity? … You cannot replace the imagination and skill of people,” he said.
Walliser also voiced his disapproval of technology-led features like passenger display screens, a trend that’s fast emerging across newer Chinese brands and making its way to prestige cars from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
“If you have a luxury product, do you really need more screen time?” he asked. “I’ve seen a lot of passengers for sure with a passenger display. No one uses it. We made a conscious decision and [we] say a passenger display does not fit to Bentley. We have wonderful veneer. Why a passenger display?”
Walliser described the marque’s interior quality as its defining characteristic when he was asked what makes Bentley unique. “I think the interior quality we offer, it’s unmatched,” he said. “There’s no car in the world that shows this level of detailing.”
Walliser’s defensive stance comes as more brands look to the luxury end of the market in search of higher profit margins. In 2024, Cadillac launched the built-to-order Celestiq, an electric rival to cars like the Bentley Flying Spur.
In 2025, Toyota announced plans to turn its largely Japan-focused Century vehicles into a stand-alone brand positioned above Lexus and targeted at the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
Cheaper Chinese competitors have also moved beyond the entry-level prestige market, with bigger and more opulent models from brands like Zeekr, Denza and Maextro. Other marques such as Hongqi, which builds China’s state limousines, are also looking to expand into international markets.
Australian buyers of the KGM Musso EV have been warned that the electric dual-cab ute is missing two airbags that were previously advertised as standard equipment.
Independent vehicle safety authority ANCAP says all Australian-delivered Musso EVs sold since the model arrived in November 2025 lack both a front centre airbag and driver knee airbag.
KGM had advertised the Musso EV as being fitted with eight airbags, with the centre and knee airbags appearing in the model’s consumer brochure and on its Australian website.
However, ANCAP identified that neither is fitted to locally supplied vehicles.
A centre airbag is typically installed on the inner side of the driver’s seat and deploys between the front occupants. It is intended to reduce injuries caused by occupants moving across the cabin or colliding with each other during certain side impacts.
A driver knee airbag, normally positioned below the steering column, is designed to help control the driver’s movement during a crash and reduce loads on the lower body.
ANCAP said the absence of the two airbags “may have an effect on occupant safety in front and side impact crashes”.
KGM Australia has been notified of the discrepancy and advised ANCAP that its marketing material has since been changed to show the vehicle’s actual specification. The affected advertising was amended by July 31, 2026.
ANCAP is also encouraging KGM to make a production change that would add the centre and driver knee airbags to future Australian-market vehicles.
Around 306 Musso EVs had been sold in Australia by the end of July 2026, according to VFACTS figures cited by ANCAP.
Existing owners concerned about their vehicle are being advised to contact KGM Australia or their local KGM dealer. Prospective buyers of new or used Musso EVs are also being urged to check the vehicle’s actual safety equipment rather than relying on earlier specifications.
The warning applies only to the battery-electric Musso EV and not the diesel-powered KGM Musso, which has been sold locally since 2019.
Neither the Musso EV nor the diesel Musso currently carries an ANCAP safety rating.
