Zeekr 8X and 9X 'could easily' spawn EVs, says chief engineer

The man who led the engineering of Zeekr's new SUVs says both could "easily" support EV drivetrains – though there are no current plans to do so.

1 hour ago

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James Wong

Marketplace Editor

James Wong

Marketplace Editor

Zeekr's new 8X and 9X SUVs will launch with extended-range hybrid drivetrains, but their chief engineer says all-electric versions are possible.

Speaking with CarExpert at the Auto China 2026 show in Beijing, chief engineer for mechanical architecture for Zeekr Europe, Kennet Pettersson, said while there are no plans yet to make EV versions of the 8X and 9X internally, both could "easily come out with BEV".

"I think we could do it quite quickly, because it's a BEV [platform] – rip out the engine and take out the fuel tank, [then add] a bigger battery," Mr Pettersson said.

"9X and 8X from [the] beginning are BEVs, so we started from BEV and then we put the engine in it."

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The Zeekr 8X and 9X have both been locked in for the Australian market, scheduled to arrive in local showrooms either very late in 2026 or sometime in 2027.

Measuring 5100mm long, 1998mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 3069mm wheelbase, the two-row Zeekr 8X is almost as long as a BMW X7; while the larger and more slab-sided 9X bumps those measurements to 5239/2029/1819/3169mm.

Both SUVs offer extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) drivetrains, which mate a 205kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with either two or three electric motors, as well as either 55.1kWh or 70kWh battery packs.

Dual-motor versions quote system power outputs of 660kW/935Nm, while the most powerful tri-motor variants boast a whopping 1030kW/1410Nm. EV driving range, meanwhile, is around 350-400km on China's CLTC cycle depending on variant, with total combined range well over 1000km.

Further, the 8X and 9X feature Zeekr's latest 900V electrical architecture, meaning ultra-fast 6C charging allows for a 20-80 per cent charge in just nine minutes.

Both models will sit above the existing X and 7X electric SUVs in the Australian lineup, and debut Zeekr's EREV drivetrains locally.

Pricing and specifications haven't been confirmed for the Australian market as yet, though Chinese pricing for the 8X starts at 376,800 yuan (A$77,142) in China, slotting it below the cheapest 009 at 439,000 yuan (A$89,876). Here, the 009 lineup opens at $115,900 before on-roads.

Further, Zeekr Australia managing director, Frank Li, told CarExpert earlier this month the 9X will be subject to Luxury Car Tax, meaning it will be priced above the current $91,387 threshold for ‘fuel efficient’ vehicles.

With that in mind, expect the cheapest 8X to start around the $85,000-$100,000 mark and the 9X to kick off in the $100,000-$120,000 bracket – not cheap, but given the performance and electrification on offer, strong value against similarly sized competitors from premium European marques.

The premium Chinese brand has also confirmed the 007 GT EV shooting brake wagon (likely to be known as the 7GT here) for an Australian introduction – set to arrive within the next 12 months.