Zeekr is launching its second plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, and it could come to Australia.
The new 8X slots between the 7X mid-size electric SUV launched here late in 2025, and the 9X PHEV flagship SUV that debuted in China last year.
Car News China reports the 8X will launch in China during the first half of 2026, offering both five- and six-seat configurations.
Zeekr Australia has previously indicated it’s considering offering PHEVs locally, thereby opening the door to either the 8X or 9X.
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“While we’re excited to see the positive reception these vehicles have received in China, we don’t have confirmed plans or timing to share regarding their potential introduction to the Australian market at this stage,” said a Zeekr Australia spokesperson when asked for comment today.
While the 8X has only been teased by Zeekr so far, exterior images have been published in a Chinese government filing and shared by Car News China.
Per technical specifications in the filing, the 8X will be offered with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with either 55.1kWh or 70kWh ternary lithium batteries sourced from the CATL-Geely joint venture.
This results in WLTC electric-only range figures of 256km and 328km, respectively.
In the 9X, Zeekr says the 70kWh battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes.
Specifications for the electric motors aren’t yet available.
Car News China reports the flagship 8X variant will use three electric motors for a total system output of up to 1030kW – matching the 9X, where this powertrain rockets the flagship SUV to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds.
The 8X is set to follow the 9X in using Geely’s SEA-S platform with a 900V electrical system, and will offer technology like the Haohan AI Digital Chassis that scans the road surface and adjusts the suspension accordingly.
A suite of active safety and driver assist technology is set to be offered, with the 8X expected to feature not only cameras and radar but also LiDAR.
While its styling is sleeker than the 9X – which bears at least a passing resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan – it still features a distinctive chrome grille in the style of the flagship SUV, as well as the 009 electric people mover.
The 8X 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 an Audi Q7.
The electric 7X measures 4787mm long, 1930mm wide and 1650mm tall on a 2900mm wheelbase, while the 9X PHEV measures 5239mm long, 2029mm wide and 1819mm tall on a 3169mm wheelbase.
Zeekr will offer the 8X with a choice of 20-, 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels, and total kerb weight is between 2660kg and 2820kg, depending on the variant.
Zeekr launched here in 2024, and got off to a sluggish start with the electric 009 people mover and the X small SUV. The launch of the 7X later in 2025 gave the brand a jolt, however.
The brand, owned by Volvo and Lotus parent company Geely, was only established in 2021. However, it has been busily expanding its global presence, and Geely has even teased its potential entry into the US market.