Some of the more recent EVs to land in Australia from Chinese car makers have received the top score of 5 stars from ANCAP safety ratings, under the more stringent 2026 standard. 

The Xpeng X9 people mover and the GAC Aion UT have both received the top scores due to the various safety features and technologies offered in these EVs.

The Xpeng achieved maximum scores for adult and child occupants in the side impact test. It also got maximum scores for seatbelt buckle unlatching, exterior door opening, and tailgate opening after a crash.

The Xpeng X9 safety rating applies to both variants of the X9. The FWD Standard Range variant starts at $89,900 before on-road costs, while the top-spec AWD Performance Flagship variant starts at $109,900 before on-road costs.

The Xpeng X9 was first introduced to Australia in the second half of this year at a Melbourne event as part of the brand’s relaunch as a factory-backed operation, which now has over 50 dealers nationwide.

GAC Aion UT electric hatch was the other model to get full 5-star scores as part of ANCAP’s latest testing.

It performed quite well in the crash avoidance part of the test when the car was simulated to be turning across the path of another vehicle or motorcycle, and when approaching pedestrians and cyclists from behind.

It also received maximum scores for side impact and oblique pole tests, and side impact performance was also improved with the centre airbag fitted between the front seats, reducing passenger-to-passenger interaction in a side crash.

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