Key Points
- Zeekr has confirmed the 9X plug-in hybrid SUV for Australia, arriving in late 2026 or early 2027.
- The six-seat flagship measures 5.2 metres long and offers up to 1030kW and 1410Nm in tri-motor form.
- Zeekr claims up to 380km of electric-only range and a combined range exceeding 1250km.
Zeekr has confirmed its flagship 9X plug-in hybrid SUV for Australia. The upper-large luxury model is almost certain to arrive locally in late 2026 as part of the brand's rapid local expansion. However, the car has already accumulated 50,000 orders since launching in China in late 2025, which may push its arrival into early 2027.
The Zeekr 9X will headline the luxury Chinese brand's continuing expansion in Australia, leading a three-model rollout scheduled across roughly 18 months.
Positioned as the brand's flagship, the Zeekr 9X is a six-seat luxury SUV riding on Zeekr's new SEA-S architecture. This is best described as a hybrid platform built on pure-electric foundations.
The cut-price Rolls-Royce Cullinan has been a massive success in its domestic market. Zeekr confirmed via a Weibo post that it has officially reached 50,000 units.
With close ties to sister brand Volvo, the new Zeekr 9X is big. It measures 5.2 metres long, placing it firmly in the upper-large SUV segment. Styling leans heavily into ultra-premium territory.
A tall, upright grille, squared-off proportions and 22-inch alloy wheels give it a visual presence more akin to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga than a traditional mainstream rival.
Inside, the focus is on six-seat luxury, targeting buyers who would typically shop established European marques at significantly higher price points.
Powertrain and performance
Powertrain options are ambitious. Two versions of the 9X offer dual- and tri-e-motor configurations, paired with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
Outputs climb as high as 1030kW and 1410Nm in the tri-motor variant. Zeekr claims a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.1 seconds.
The platform is underpinned by a 900-volt electrical architecture, a step beyond the 400-volt and even 800-volt systems common in hybrids.
Specification | Value |
Length | 5.2 metres |
Seats | 6 |
Max power | 1030kW |
Max torque | 1410Nm |
0-100km/h | 3.1 seconds (claimed) |
Electrical architecture | 900-volt |
Battery, charging and range
Buyers can choose between 55kWh and 70kWh battery packs. These are similar in size to some EVs, let alone plug-in hybrids.
Zeekr quotes up to 380 kilometres of electric-only driving range on the Chinese CLTC cycle. That will be around 300km using the WLTP measurements favoured in Australia.
Total combined range is claimed to exceed 1250 kilometres.
Fast-charging capability allows a 10-80 per cent recharge in around 10 minutes, thanks to its 900-volt electrical architecture.
Australian rollout and pricing
The 9X will be joined by two additional models in Australia: the 7GT electric wagon, due in the first half of 2027, and the 8X plug-in hybrid SUV, expected later that year.
Zeekr's aggressive rollout underscores its ambitions in Australia. This follows strong early demand for the 7X SUV, of which 70 per cent of buyers are choosing the top-spec circa-$80,000 Performance AWD version.
The arrival of the 9X signals a shift in positioning for the Geely-backed brand, moving beyond value-focused EV offerings into the upper echelons of the luxury market.
Final Australian specifications and pricing are yet to be confirmed. The Zeekr 9X is expected to sit above the Luxury Car Tax threshold and compete directly with established European luxury SUVs. Expect starting prices of around $120,000 or more.
The Zeekr 9X represents a bold step for the brand in Australia. With enormous power, genuine electric-only range and a six-seat luxury cabin, it targets buyers who might otherwise consider a Bentley or Rolls-Royce. If Zeekr can deliver on its claims at the expected price point, the 9X could shake up the ultra-luxury SUV segment.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
