Chinese automotive brands Li Auto and Chery's Luxeed marque are preparing to enter the Australian market around the middle of 2027.

Li Auto is considering the fully electric Li 6 SUV as its first model in Australia, while Luxeed has confirmed plans to launch the LLounge people-mover, followed by the Stormax SUV.

Li Auto considers Australian launch

Founded in 2015, Li Auto manufactures electric vehicles (EVs) and range-extender hybrid vehicles. A company representative speaking at the 2026 Paris Motor Show indicated that the fully electric Li 6 large SUV, sold in China as the Li i6, could be the brand's first model in Australia.

Li Auto is preparing to enter right-hand-drive markets, including the UK and Thailand. The Li 6 is also scheduled to launch in Europe, where vehicle safety requirements are similar to those in Australia. The company could establish a factory-owned national sales company in Australia rather than appointing a third-party distributor.

The Li 6 measures 4,950mm in length, 1,935mm in width and 1,655mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000mm. It is similar in size to the Tesla Model Y L and has five seats arranged across two rows, compared with the Tesla's six-seat, three-row configuration. Its exterior features an LED light strip across the base of the windscreen, inspired by the Li Mega.

The SUV is claimed to produce up to 500 kW and support DC charging at rates of up to 500 kW. Equipment includes active noise cancellation, air suspension, a 20-speaker audio system, dual 15.7-inch touchscreens and a 21.4-inch rear television screen. The front and outer rear seats feature heating and ventilation, while the rear centre seat is heated. The front seats also have massage functions.

Following the Li 6, the company could introduce larger electric and range-extender hybrid SUVs, including the Li i9/L9 and i8/L8, as well as the Li Mega people-mover. Founded by chief executive Xiang Li, the company launched its first vehicle, the Li One range-extender SUV, in 2019.

In China, Li Auto competes with manufacturers such as XPeng and Nio. Its potential entry into Australia would bring it into competition with Chinese brands including Zeekr, Denza, Avatr, Exlantix, Freelander and potentially Hongqi.

Chery's Luxeed confirms Australian entry

Luxeed has confirmed plans to enter Australia around the middle of 2027. Luxeed International chief executive Shawn Xu said Australia would be part of the second phase of the brand's right-hand-drive expansion. The rollout is scheduled to begin in Thailand in early 2027, followed by Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, before expanding to Australia. The first Australian model could arrive towards the end of the second quarter of 2027.

The LLounge, pronounced 'El-lounge', was developed in right-hand-drive configuration from the outset and will undergo local compliance testing before going on sale.

International models will differ from their Chinese-market counterparts by excluding Huawei technology. In China, Luxeed is part of the Huawei-backed Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), which also includes AITO. Luxeed vehicles in the Chinese market use Huawei's driver-assistance technology, HarmonyOS cockpit and drive systems.

Xu said overseas versions would not use Huawei hardware or software. Reports indicate that export models will instead use Chery's electrical architecture, its Falcon driver-assistance system and a Lingxi cockpit developed by its central research and development institute. The exact driver-assistance software has not been confirmed. Bosch technology is reportedly being considered for overseas AITO models as Huawei reduces its involvement, while Chery's Falcon system is another possible option.

Luxeed LLounge: people-mover

The LLounge is a large people-mover available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with a wheelbase of 3,250mm. It uses Chery's E0X-L platform, an extended derivative of the E0X architecture found in the Exlantix ES sedan and ET SUV. The Exlantix ES GT wagon has also been confirmed for Australia.

Based on the Chinese-market Chery V9, the export version of the LLounge features a redesigned front end with a more vertical grille, separate headlights and extensive chrome detailing. The Stormax is expected to retain styling broadly similar to that of the Chinese-market RX. Xu said the export design was developed for international customers, as Chinese-market models are styled primarily for domestic preferences. The changes may also distinguish Luxeed vehicles from other HIMA brands, which share similar styling cues and logos.

In China, the LLounge uses a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) powertrain with a 53.4 kWh battery and a claimed combined range of 1,320km under the CLTC testing cycle. Its range in Australia is expected to be lower under the WLTP testing procedure. Luxeed has not confirmed powertrain specifications for export markets, particularly following the removal of Huawei's drive systems.

Features include second-row zero-gravity seats that rotate through 180 degrees and recline to 123 degrees, privacy glass that changes state in one second, a Privacy Acoustic Shield mode and a 33-speaker sound system.

In Australia, the Kia Carnival and LDV MIFA 9 occupy lower price positions in the people-mover segment. The Zeekr 009, priced from AUD 115,900 (US$ 81,560), excluding on-road costs (ORCs), is an electric alternative in the higher-priced segment.

Luxeed stormax: 460 kW SUV

The Stormax will follow the LLounge as the second model in Luxeed's initial international line-up. Its 800-volt electrical architecture supports dual electric motors producing a combined output of 460 kW and 775 Nm of torque.

Luxeed claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than 3.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250km/h and a 100-0km/h stopping distance of less than 34 metres. The braking system features six-piston front brake callipers.

Both the Stormax and LLounge feature dual-chamber air suspension, dual-valve continuous damping control (CDC) adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering with a steering angle of up to seven degrees in either direction. Export powertrain specifications for both models remain unconfirmed.

Luxeed's Australian sales strategy

Xu said Luxeed would focus on establishing its brand during its first year in Australia rather than targeting high initial sales volumes. The company plans to use conventional dealerships, beginning with outlets in major cities. Xu said Australia remained a dealership-based market and that outlets in major metropolitan areas would be needed to establish sales and service coverage.

Luxeed is considering existing dealers within its network as well as new investors. The company has approached potential dealers, with progress reported in some markets. Luxeed is the latest Chery Group brand to confirm plans for Australia, joining Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, iCaur, Lepas, Jetour and Freelander. The Exlantix brand is also expected to arrive around the middle of 2027. Chery Group's strategy involves introducing multiple brands into Australia, potentially placing it in competition with the country's five largest automotive players.