Chery is preparing to enter Australia’s luxury car market with Exlantix, with the brand’s first vehicles expected to arrive in the first half of 2027.

The Exlantix ES GT shooting brake and new Exlantix ET SUV will lead the Australian rollout, with right-hand drive examples of both models shown to CarExpert in Shanghai. Chery will handle the brand’s Australian rollout directly.

Speaking with CarExpert at the event, Exeed International CEO Lilian Xiong confirmed the premium Chinese brand’s Australian plans, including its intention to use the Exlantix name locally.

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While the business operates under the Exeed name in other markets, Ms Xiong said trademark restrictions mean Australian and New Zealand buyers will get to know it as Exlantix.

“It is one brand,” Ms Xiong told CarExpert when asked whether Exeed and Exlantix would arrive as separate brands.

She explained the company couldn’t register the Exeed name in certain markets, including Australia, and would instead use the Exlantix identity already associated with its electrified vehicle lineup overseas.

The Exeed name is similar to Kia’s XCeed model name, used in Europe, while Mitsubishi uses Exceed as a grade designation in Australia. Ms Xiong didn’t identify the trademark conflict behind the naming decision.

Exlantix therefore isn’t a name created specifically for Australia. It’s an existing part of Chery’s premium business, which is being used as the brand identity in markets where Exeed isn’t available.

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CarExpert reported in March 2024 that Chery Australia’s managing director Lucas Harris would personally like to see Exeed vehicles sold locally.

The Australian introduction will take Chery further upmarket, with Ms Xiong indicating Exlantix would occupy broadly similar territory to other premium Chinese brands.

Asked whether Zeekr and Denza were representative of its intended competitors, she broadly agreed, while cautioning the precise positioning would depend on pricing.

Australian prices and detailed variant lineups weren’t disclosed during the interview.

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Exlantix will offer both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in Australia, with the exact powertrain choices for each model still to be confirmed.

The existing overseas ET range includes both electric and range-extender versions. The latter uses a petrol engine to generate electricity, reducing reliance on external charging.

The ES GT, meanwhile, gives Exlantix a distinctive model with which to introduce itself.

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A shooting brake, or sporty wagon, it combines a low roofline with an extended rear body, offering a different shape from the SUVs that dominate many new brands’ Australian launch plans.

During the Shanghai presentation, the design team described the ES GT as close to production and used footage of a near-final prototype to explain its styling.

Its design centres on flowing surfaces, a broad stance, and a continuous rear light bar extending across the tailgate. The designers described moving water as their inspiration, aiming to convey movement even when the vehicle is stationary.

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Inside, it has a wraparound cabin layout, layered surfaces, and integrated ambient lighting. Exeed’s official preview of the ES GT also describes a large, forward-positioned display spanning the dashboard.

That sporty approach represents one side of the brand’s future design direction. For its more formal luxury models, the company is pursuing upright proportions and cleaner, more imposing surfaces inspired by icebergs.

Beyond the design language, Ms Xiong said the brand’s opportunity lay in attracting customers willing to try something different.

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Asked whether Exlantix intended to win buyers from established luxury brands or appeal to those upgrading from more mainstream Chinese vehicles, she indicated there was room for both.

“I think nobody can meet everyone,” Ms Xiong said.

Instead, she pointed to customers seeking “new design or technology”, alongside existing owners of electrified vehicles looking for an upgrade in cabin presentation and overall design.

The company is also keen to emphasise its existing international presence ahead of entering another new market.

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Ms Xiong said the broader Exeed business had 560,000 customers across more than 40 countries.

The Shanghai event also previewed further potential additions to the brand’s luxury range, but their appearance at the presentation doesn’t amount to confirmation for Australia.

Asked about right-hand drive production for those future vehicles, Ms Xiong said their development and suitability for individual markets were still being considered.

For Australia, the focus is on the ES GT and new ET, with right-hand drive vehicles already on display and an expected arrival in the first half of 2027.

Supplied Credit: CarExpert

Local pricing, specifications, and a detailed launch schedule remain to be announced.

Exlantix will join a growing stable of Chery brands in Australia. Chery returned to the Australian market in 2023, and was followed by Omoda Jaecoo in 2025, with Lepas orders now open ahead of first customer deliveries in November 2026 and iCaur, Freelander and Jetour all due in 2027. Freelander is a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover.