Zeekr 8X plug-in hybrid SUV locked in for Australia

Zeekr will introduce its first plug-in hybrid model in Australia, a large SUV to sit above the hot-selling 7X mid-size electric SUV.

“At this stage, we intend to bring the Zeekr 8X to Australia next year, and we are continuing to assess the Zeekr 9X and 007 GT within our broader product strategy,” a Zeekr Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.

“As always, our line‑up will evolve with market demand, and we will confirm further model launches in due course.”

That indicates a 2027 launch for the 8X, though it leaves the larger 9X plug-in hybrid SUV and the 007 GT electric wagon on the unconfirmed list for now.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.

The Zeekr brand was launched here late in 2024 with the X small electric SUV and large 009 people mover, with the 7X following late in 2025.

In China, it has a wider range including the Mix electric people mover and the 8X and 9X, two of its most recent models and its first plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

The 8X is the smaller of the two and wears sportier styling, albeit still with a traditional chrome waterfall grille like the 9X and 009. In Dawn guise, this is blacked out for a meaner, more monochromatic look.

It measures 5100mm long, 1998mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 3069mm wheelbase, which makes it closer in size to the flagship 9X than the 7X sold here; it’s also therefore slightly larger than the Audi Q7, though it has only two rows of seating.

The electric 7X measures 4787mm long, 1930mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 3069mm wheelbase, while the 9X PHEV measures 5239mm long, 2029mm wide and 1819mm tall on a 3169mm wheelbase.

The 8X features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with up to three electric motors and either a 55.1kWh or 70kWh battery.

In Dawn guise, the 8X features three electric motors for a total system output of 1030kW and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 2.96 seconds; even in dual-motor guise it pumps out up to 660kW and does the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 3.7 seconds.

With a 70kWh battery, combined range is a claimed 1416km on the CLTC cycle, dropping to 1210km in the Dawn. Car News China reports an electric-only range of up to 410km on the CLTC cycle, with a full list of specifications not yet available on Zeekr’s Chinese website.

A 900V electrical system supports 6C ultra-fast DC charging.

The 8X features dual-chamber air suspension with dual-valve continuously controlled damping. The Dawn also features Brembo six-piston front brakes and Pirelli tyres.

Inside, the 8X has a huge 16-inch 3.5K OLED screen assembly, along with a 13.02-inch digital instrument cluster and a 44-inch augmented reality head-up display.

Luxury features include a 29-speaker Naim Palace sound system, a 17-inch 3K OLED ceiling-mounted rear screen, a 9.5L refrigerated compartment that can also be heated to up to 50°C, and heated, ventilated and massaging seats upholstered in Nappa leather.

Like fellow Geely-owned brand Geely Auto, Zeekr also puts a lot of emphasis on storage compartments, with the 8X claimed to have 50 in its cabin.

It’s unclear how much the 8X will cost when it arrives in Australia. Pricing starts at 376,800 yuan (A$78,600) in China, slotting it below the cheapest 009 at 439,000 yuan (A$91,600). Here, the 009 lineup opens at $115,900 before on-roads.

In terms of competitors, the 8X will likely face off against rivals ranging from the Lexus RX450h+ and BMW X5 xDrive50e.

MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom