As reported earlier by WhichCar by Wheels, Zeekr has now confirmed its 9x large SUV will head Down Under, followed by the slightly smaller 8X large SUV.

Targeted to go on sale in late 2026 (9X) and then early 2027 (8X), Zeekr will launch the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of its flagship 8X and 9X SUVs, taking its Australian showroom offering to five models. With X, 7X and 009 fully electric, the 8X and 9X will be the first toe in the water of non-electric for the Chinese manufacturer, with the 9X being the manufacturer’s first plug-in hybrid offering.

Confirming both models were headed to Australia at the Beijing Motor Show, the Geely-owned subsidiary also detailed the fact both models sit on a platform originally designed for electrification, offering the possibly that fully-electric versions of both could follow the PHEV models. Geely Auto Group CEO Gan Jiayue told International media at the Beijing Motor Show that, ‘Zeekr would begin exporting its flagship 9X SUV to overseas markets starting in June 2026.

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Headlining both models are the huge power and torque outputs, despite the focus being on hybrid efficiency and driving range. On the specification sheet, then, both 8X and 9X will blow the existing
competition out of the water in regard to power and performance.

Both 8X and 9X are built on a BEV-focused 900-volt ‘SEA-S’ platform, but will arrive in Australia first with PHEV technology. The drivetrain is underpinned by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine, and backed by a multi-motor electric drivetrain. The power and torque figures make for headline reading.

The 9X models with three motors produce a prodigious combined 1030kW and 1410Nm, with 0-100km/h times of just 3.1 seconds. In its domestic market, Zeekr offers both 55kWh and 70kWh battery packs, and up to 300km of electric running based on WLTP testing. Total combined range, is a claimed 1250km, with the rapid 900-volt charging capability meaning owners can access a charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as ten minutes.

With the 9X, the technological and luxury flagship of the range, think of it as a competitor to the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Audi Q7. The power and torque figures are undoubtedly eye-catching, but so is the capacity of both battery packs. With 100-120km currently considered excellent electric-only range in PHEV terms, the possibility of covering three times that distance, makes the Zeekr PHEV system genuinely appealing to those wanting a taste of electric vehicle ownership, but not yet ready to make the leap to full-EV.

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Sitting beneath the 9X on the model walk, the 8X (above) is a still luxurious offering, but slightly smaller, competing with the likes of BMW X5 or Audi Q8. Three-motor versions of the 8X generate the same 1030kW as the 9X, and run from 0-100km/h even faster, taking only 2.9 seconds. A more affordable, dual-motor variant is also available, generating 660kW and scooting from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Geely has been on an global sales drive for some time now, increasing shipments into new markets, as part of a broader expansion strategy. In the first quarter of 2026, Zeekr delivered 22,000 9X models, and surpassed 50,000 total sales since its launch in September 2025.

According to the manufacturer, Australia is an important part of that sales expansion.

Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, but estimations for the 8X look likely to start around the
$135,000 mark, with the 9X to sit above that. WhichCar by Wheels will detail pricing as soon as it is available.