Luxeed confirmed for Australia in Q2 2027, led by LLounge people mover

Luxeed will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2027, Chery has confirmed, with the LLounge people mover as its first model and the Stormax electric SUV to follow.

Shawn Xu, CEO of Omoda & Jaecoo International, confirmed the plans to local media at Luxeed's global launch in Wuhu, China, on October 21.

What Luxeed will bring to Australia

The LLounge is the export version of China's Luxeed V9. In Chinese specification it measures 5359mm long and 2009mm wide with a 3250mm wheelbase, making it 204mm longer than a Kia Carnival and with 160mm more between its axles.

Chinese V9s have seven seats in a 2+2+3 layout and a range-extended electric (EREV) powertrain, in which a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine acts as a generator for a 53.4kWh battery while electric motors drive the wheels. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions are offered there.

Luxeed claims up to 305km of electric-only range and 1320km with a full battery and fuel tank for the rear-drive model, falling to 285km and 1230km for all-wheel drive versions. Those are Chinese CLTC test-cycle figures, not Australian-certified ranges, and cannot be directly compared with WLTP figures quoted for many local EVs.

Equipment and positioning

The people mover features dual-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering with up to seven degrees of movement. Rear-seat comfort is a priority, with second-row reclining captain's chairs with massage, powered leg rests and separate electric footrests, plus Nappa leather upholstery and a 33-speaker sound system.

Australian pricing and final specifications for Luxeed remain unannounced. The vehicles shown overseas put the brand into territory already occupied by Chinese luxury newcomers Denza and Zeekr.

Stormax SUV timing and the wider Chery expansion

A local arrival date for the Stormax electric SUV has yet to be announced.

Luxeed's confirmation comes just days after Chery confirmed another premium brand, Exlantix, for a local launch. Luxeed and Exlantix join Freelander, iCaur and Jetour on the list of Chery Group brands preparing to enter Australia, with Lepas due before the end of the year, alongside the existing Chery and Omoda Jaecoo brands.

What buyers still need to know

Two questions matter most for anyone considering a Luxeed: how much it will cost and when the SUV will reach Australia. Neither has been answered.

The LLounge's EREV powertrain would give it a different proposition from the pure-electric SUVs and people movers already on sale locally, because the petrol generator removes the need to plan around charging stops on long trips. That could appeal to buyers who want electric running for daily use without the range anxiety of a battery-only vehicle. But the CLTC range figures quoted for China cannot be read as Australian range, and the final local specifications and pricing will determine whether the brand genuinely competes with Denza and Zeekr or simply undercuts them.

Honda has given the Japan-market Vezel a round of model-year updates for 2027, adding a dealer-installed Black Sport Style package and more equipment for rear passengers while leaving the exterior design largely as it was after the 2024 facelift.

The subcompact crossover, which shares its platform with the Honda Fit and is sold as the HR-V in global markets, keeps its existing 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid powertrains, and Japanese pricing runs from ¥2,777,500 to ¥3,885,200.

What changes on the outside

Every Vezel in the 2027 lineup now gets darkened inner headlight housings, a small change that gives the front end a sharper look. The e:HEV Z and Play Package grades also swap the black plastic cladding on the bumpers and around the wheel arches for a body-coloured finish.

Buyers wanting something more distinctive can add the Black Sport Style package, which replaces the previous Urban, Sports, Casual and Active Styles. The kit brings a blacked-out grille with a new pattern, front and rear bumper extensions with black chrome inserts, black mirrors and a black rear spoiler, plus a set of 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

More kit for the back seats

The cabin keeps its 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch infotainment screen, but rear climate vents and dual USB-C charging ports are now standard across the range. The e:HEV X trim picks up heated front seats.

The flagship Play Package can be specified with a dual-pane panoramic roof, a multi-view camera system and a 10-speaker audio setup.

Powertrains and grades

Honda has not announced power or torque figures for either engine in this update, and the mechanical package carries over unchanged from the previous model year. The range comprises the petrol Vezel G, the e:HEV X, the e:HEV Z and the Play Package.

The petrol version is offered only with all-wheel drive and a CVT gearbox, while the e:HEV hybrid can also be ordered with front-wheel drive.

The Vezel RS, the trim with a sharper suspension setup and sportier styling, is expected to rejoin the lineup later this year. Until it does, the four grades above are the only choices for Japanese buyers.

Pricing holds steady

The entry-level petrol Vezel G with all-wheel drive starts at ¥2,777,500, which Carscoops converts to about $17,700. At the other end, the Vezel e:HEV Z Play Package with all-wheel drive reaches ¥3,885,200, or roughly $24,700.

Holding the starting price where it was matters in a segment where added equipment usually brings a higher sticker. Honda has bundled extra standard features, notably the rear vents and charging ports, without moving the entry point, which keeps the Vezel competitive against newer subcompact rivals in its home market.

What is still open

Whether Honda will apply similar updates to the global HR-V sold in European and Asian markets has not been confirmed. For North America, where the Civic-based HR-V sits at the bottom of the Honda SUV range, no smaller model is expected soon.