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.
It’s not the first hatch to receive five stars this year, with the Leapmotor B05 electric catch getting the top score too.
The GAC Aion UT was launched in our market earlier this year with the Premium variant starting at $31,990 driveaway as part of a promotion.
For that, you get a large 60 kWh battery pack with range of up to 430 km on the WLTP cycle and is by far one of our key value hatchback picks that can deliver over 400 km of WLTP range.
Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP CEO, said: “Our 2026 safety rating requirements are comprehensive and ambitious, encouraging manufacturers to deliver a broader range of safety features and higher levels of protection,”.
“We want to see carmakers bring back buttons for the functions drivers use every day. Adjusting your windscreen wipers, switching on your headlights or clearing a fogged-up windscreen should be simple, intuitive and achievable without taking your attention off the road.”
For both brands in the local market, this will be a well-received ANCAP safety result, as it follows ANCAP’s strictest new standard and gives them a big tick for the safety these vehicles offer Australian drivers looking to buy a safe EV in 2026.
ANCAP Results for these two electric Vehicles:
Xpeng X9
Crash Avoidance – 82%
Crash Protection – 91%
Post Crash – 91%
Safe Driving – 56%
GAC Aion UT
Crash Avoidance – 74%
Crash Protection – 90%
Post Crash – 88%
Safe Driving – 68%
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