Xpeng brought the P7 electric vehicle to Melbourne for its first public showing in Australia. The company has not confirmed whether this sleek liftback, positioned against the Tesla Model 3, Mazda 6e and BYD Seal, will enter the local range.

The updated E29 version of the P7 debuted in China during 2025 and appeared among the cars at the firm's factory-supported relaunch event this week.

Unlike the other production vehicles shown, the P7 lacks a firm commitment for Australian sales. Four SUVs plus a people mover are scheduled to reach showrooms within six months.

The flagship GX SUV from Xpeng is expected no earlier than 2027, with timing still under review.

Xpeng vice chairman and president Brian Gu told attending media that the firm is assessing the market. He noted a shift where sedans are losing ground and said the team is carefully weighing whether additional sedans should be offered locally.

The P7 stretches 5017mm in length, 1970mm wide and 1427mm tall. Entry models feature a rear-mounted 270kW/465Nm motor paired with a 74.9kWh LFP battery.

Range reaches 702km on the CLTC cycle for base versions and up to 820km in higher trims equipped with a 92.2kWh ternary battery.

The top Ultra grade uses the larger battery and dual motors producing 437kW/695Nm, delivering a 3.7-second 0-100km/h sprint and 750km CLTC range.

Given Xpeng's positioning against Tesla, the P7 would challenge the smaller Model 3, which opens at $54,900 before on-road costs. Pricing in China sits close between the two.

Tesla sales have risen in 2026 both worldwide and locally, driven mainly by the Model Y SUV that became the first EV to lead Australian charts in May.

Model 3 deliveries fell 14.1 per cent to 3192 units in the first half, while Model Y reached 20,396 units and placed third overall behind the Ranger and HiLux.

The BYD Seal posted a 64.9 per cent gain with 2654 sales, closing in on the Model 3 despite its decline.

The P7 would enter a modest-volume segment that has seen slight growth. Xpeng will monitor the new Mazda 6e liftback, which begins customer deliveries this month, along with the Kia EV4 that has added 277 units so far.

In China, Xpeng also sells the smaller M03 sedan aimed at younger buyers at lower prices, plus the more conservatively styled P7+ liftback.

SUVs have overtaken passenger cars in Australian popularity. Utes have led annual sales since 2016.

The last sedan or wagon to top yearly charts was the Holden Commodore in 2010, followed by the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla in subsequent years before utes took over.