Zeekr 8X, 9X to launch in Australia this summer
Zeekr’s X5 and X7-sized super-hybrid SUVs are locked in for Australia, but they won’t launch as a double actThe News
Zeekr will launch its new 8X and 9X plug-in hybrid SUVs in Australia in about nine months’ time, but the Chinese brand is unlikely to release both luxury models at the same time.
The Key Details
- Zeekr hasn’t decided whether the 8X or 9X will launch first
- Instead, the 7GT electric wagon is likely to jump the queue for a local release
- 8X expected to launch with multiple variants in Aus, including 1030kW flagship
- Nicher 9X will cost more than $100K and may have a more limited lineup
The Finer Details
“Both of them will come ... one will arrive probably at the end of this year [and] the other will be at the beginning of next year,” Zeekr International CEO Mars Chen said.
Neither model will be offered in fully electric guise.
Instead, the 8X and 9X combine 55kWh or 77kWh batteries with three electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to blend big power and big driving range.
With production of right-hand drive versions not yet commenced, Zeekr is now understood to be considering a local launch of the 7GT electric wagon first, as RHD versions of that model are about to start rolling down the line for the UK.
When it does land in Australia, the 8X will be the more attainable of the two super-hybrids, with pricing expected to be south of $100,000, at least for the ‘regular’ dual-motor 660kW versions.
The Australian lineup may include the Max, Ultra and Ultra+ grades seen in China with two electric motors and a choice of 55kWh or 70kWh battery packs. The tri-motor, 1030kW Dawn flagship that launches from 0-100km/h in 2.96sec is also a contender.
Using Zeekr’s local 7X pricing as a guide, pricing for the 8X could land between $85,000 and $130,000 depending on the grade and other factors.
The likely entry point would put the 8X closer to the BMW X3 or Audi Q5 despite its 5100mm length pushing it much closer in size to an X5 or Q7.
Meanwhile, despite only being around 139mm longer, the 9X will be positioned as the true SUV flagship and is not expected to be offered for anything less than six figures in Australia.
It will target the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
Unlike the 7X EV, neither the 8X or 9X will qualify for Australia’s Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for novated leases seeing as they are plug-in hybrids.
Still, Zeekr has openly stated it is considering electric versions of the 8X and 9X down the track.
For now, Chen says range-extender hybrid power suits the kinds of buyers shopping in the BMW X5 and X7 segments.
“For the 8X and 9X, the idea to make those cars hybrid is to make those cars fit all scenarios,” he said.
The Road Ahead
With both models now on sale in China, the 8X and 9X will first be exported to left-hand drive markets, including the Middle East and Europe, from the middle of 2026.
When they arrive locally, the 8X and 9X will represent important marginal sales opportunities for Zeekr, though the electric 7X is expected to continue bringing in the lion’s share of buyers.
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