XPeng's high-riding model in Australia, the G9L, is expected to become the brand's first seven-seat SUV when it enters showrooms by the end of next year, subject to potential delays.

The G9L is an upgrade of the G9 currently sold by XPeng overseas - a five-seat SUV comparable in size to the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe, with a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 585 km.

The 'L' designation indicates a larger vehicle, providing space for a third row of seating to compete with the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and the limited range of seven-seat electric SUVs available in Australia.

"It appears to be a larger vehicle than the existing G9 that has been evaluated in Australia," stated Jason Clarke, CEO of XPeng's local distributor TrueEV. "It is similar, but the 'L' may suggest a longer wheelbase."

When asked whether it will be a seven-seater, Clarke replied: "It is not confirmed, but the expectation is five-plus-two."

A 'five-plus-two' configuration refers to a seven-seat SUV with a compact third row, intended primarily for children or shorter adults rather than occupants of all heights.

The upgrade from G9 to G9L is also likely to include revised styling consistent with other XPeng models, updated technology, and an upgraded platform better suited to right-hand drive. Clarke confirmed that "all of those elements are under consideration" when questioned about styling, technology, and underpinnings, adding: "It is not certain, but that is the current guidance."

The new platform may provide an extended driving range, potentially exceeding the Hyundai Ioniq 9's 600 km rating.

Entry-level versions of the current standard-length G9 are equipped with a 258 kW/465 Nm rear electric motor paired with either a 78.2 kWh or 92.2 kWh battery, offering WLTP ranges of 502 km and 585 km, respectively.

Selecting all-wheel drive with the larger battery reduces the WLTP range to 540 km but increases outputs to 423 kW/695 Nm from dual motors, resulting in a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.2 seconds.

XPeng reports a 12-minute DC fast charge from 10 to 80% at up to 445 kW with the smaller battery and 525 kW with the larger pack, provided suitable charging infrastructure is available.

In Germany, the current G9 is priced from EUR 59,600 to EUR 72,600 (US$ 69,870-88,630).

Using the smaller G6 Long Range RWD as a reference - priced from EUR 47,600 in its facelifted form in Germany, or AUD 59,800 (US$ 39,515) in its pre-update form in Australia - the standard G9 could be expected to start locally at around AUD 75,000 to AUD 90,000.

An additional AUD 5,000 for the G9L's enhancements would position the model below the entry-level Kia EV9, which starts at AUD 97,000 plus on-road costs.