Zeekr 8X PHEV SUV confirmed for Australia in 2027

Chinese premium EV brand Zeekr is preparing to introduce its first plug-in hybrid model in Australia, with the large Zeekr 8X SUV expected to arrive locally in 2027.

The upcoming model will expand the brand’s local lineup beyond pure electric vehicles, sitting above the mid-size 7X electric SUV currently sold in Australia.

A spokesperson for Zeekr Australia confirmed the company intends to bring the model here, though additional vehicles in its global portfolio remain under evaluation.

The 8X will join a growing range that already includes the X small electric SUV, the luxury 009 electric people mover, and the 7X mid-size SUV launched in 2025.

While full Australian specifications have yet to be confirmed, the 8X promises impressive performance and range figures, positioning it as a high-end electrified SUV alternative.

Performance, range and hybrid tech

Unlike Zeekr’s existing Australian models, which are fully electric, the 8X uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining petrol and electric power.

At its core is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW, paired with either two or three electric motors depending on variant.

Key performance highlights include:

• Up to three electric motors
• System output up to 1030kW in high-performance “Dawn” variant
• 0–100km/h in as little as 2.96 seconds
• Dual-motor version producing up to 660kW

The SUV is offered with large battery options for extended electric driving.

• 55.1kWh battery
• 70kWh battery

With the larger pack, Zeekr claims a combined driving range of up to 1416km (CLTC), while electric-only range is reported at up to 410km.

The vehicle also features a 900-volt electrical architecture, supporting ultra-fast charging technology.

▶️MORE: 2026 Zeekr 7X Black Special Edition: Price and Specs

Luxury cabin and flagship SUV size

The Zeekr 8X is positioned as a large premium SUV, measuring over five metres long and sitting above the brand’s 7X model.

Despite its size, the vehicle features two rows of seating, emphasising passenger comfort rather than maximum capacity.

Interior highlights

• 16-inch 3.5K OLED central display
• 13.02-inch digital instrument cluster
• 44-inch augmented-reality head-up display
• 29-speaker Naim Palace audio system
• 17-inch OLED rear entertainment screen
• Heated, ventilated and massaging Nappa leather seats
• 9.5L refrigerated/heated storage compartment
• Up to 50 storage compartments

The high-performance Dawn version also adds Brembo six-piston front brakes, advanced air suspension and performance tyres.

▶️MORE: Zeekr 001 Tipped For Australian Launch

Zeekr 8X preliminary specifications

▶️MORE: 2025 Zeekr X Price and Specs: Compact Luxury SUV To Start From $56,900

Pricing

In Australia, the Zeekr 8X currently starts from 376,800 yuan (about A$78,600) in China, though Australian pricing has yet to be confirmed.

For context, the Zeekr 8X sits below the larger Zeekr 009 luxury people mover in the brand’s global lineup. In China, the 009 starts at 439,000 yuan (around A$91,600), while the Australian version is priced from $115,900 before on-road costs.

Given that positioning, the Zeekr 8X is expected to land somewhere below the 009 locally, though final pricing will likely be adjusted for the Australian market when the SUV launches, currently expected in 2027.

Zeekr 8X dimensions

What this means for Australia’s EV and hybrid market

The planned arrival of the Zeekr 8X reflects a broader shift in Australia’s electrified vehicle market.

While battery electric vehicles are expanding rapidly, plug-in hybrids are gaining renewed attention as buyers look for longer range and flexibility during the transition away from petrol vehicles.

For emerging brands like Zeekr, introducing a PHEV could help attract customers who are not yet ready to fully commit to electric cars.

The model may also intensify competition in the premium electrified SUV segment, where it is likely to rival models such as:

• BMW X5 xDrive50e
• Lexus RX450h+

With extreme performance figures and a luxury-focused interior, the 8X could further highlight how Chinese manufacturers are pushing innovation in the electrified SUV market.

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