GAC Aion UT and XPeng X9 Rated Five Stars by ANCAP Under the 2026 Rules

Images: GAC Australia (left), XPENG Australia (right)

If a safety rating is on your shortlist test, two more electric cars now have one. ANCAP published five-star ratings for the GAC Aion UT hatch and the XPeng X9 people mover on 12 October 2026. They sit at opposite ends of the price list, and the scores show they got there differently.

Both were tested in 2026 under ANCAP's 2026 to 2028 criteria, and both ratings cover every variant sold here. They expire in December 2034.

The Scores

These four groups replace the adult, child, vulnerable road user and safety assist scores you'll see on older ratings, so don't line them up against a 2024 or 2025 result.

Where the Aion UT Did Well, and Where It Didn't

Side impact was the Aion UT's strongest area, with maximum scores for the driver in the side and oblique pole tests and in the far-side test, helped by a centre airbag between the front seats. Its AEB did well when turning across another car or motorcycle and when coming up behind pedestrians and cyclists. ANCAP noted marginal chest protection for the small female driver in the full-width frontal test, and a deduction for how hard its structure would be on an oncoming car.

The weaker spots: AEB was less effective when another car or motorcycle crossed its path at an intersection, it does not stop unintended forward acceleration towards a pedestrian from a pedal mix-up, and its ability to avoid a pedestrian when reversing was limited. Exterior door and tailgate opening after a crash scored low.

Where the X9 Did Well, and Where It Didn't

The X9 recorded maximum scores for the driver, passengers and child occupants in both frontal tests, and for adults and children in the side impact test. Adaptive cruise scored the maximum for adapting to roundabouts and crossings. Its low Safe Driving score comes partly from a speed assistance system that did not meet ANCAP's general requirements for scoring, and a driver monitor that couldn't detect phone use.

Two details matter if you're buying it for a family. One of the forward-facing convertible child seats ANCAP tried could not be fitted correctly in the second-row outboard seats, and the third-row centre seat has no top tether, so a child restraint shouldn't go there. After a crash, the X9 scored no points for interior door opening because the rear door's emergency release wasn't easy to reach.

What Both Have in Common

ANCAP marked both cars down for putting too many everyday controls on the touchscreen, and used the release to push carmakers back towards physical buttons for wipers, lights and demisters. Both scored well for battery safety after a crash, which now includes a test that pierces a battery cell to see whether it sets off a chain reaction. And both have the hardware for eCall, which automatically calls for help after a crash, but neither has it switched on yet. GAC and XPeng have committed to have it working by October 2027.

What This Means for Buyers

For the Aion UT, a five-star rating takes away one of the open questions about a new brand's small EV. GAC Australia lists it from $31,990 drive-away for Q4 2026 orders. If you're cross-shopping it against an MG4, our Aion UT vs MG4 Urban comparison lines up the specs.

For the X9, from $89,900 before on-roads for the Standard Range and listed at $109,900 for the AWD Performance, the headline is five stars, but read the child-seat notes before you plan around seven seats with children in the second and third rows. Fit your own restraints in the showroom before you sign.

Both ratings now show on the car pages, and the full ranges are on our GAC and XPeng pages.