16 hours ago
10
Chinese luxury brand Zeekr will spin fully electric variants off the 8X and 9X, which are currently plug-in hybrid. But those who want a hybrid 7X will be disappointed.
Zeekr is developing fully electric variants of the 8X and 9X large SUVs, which will carry the same styling as their plug-in hybrid stablemates.
Speaking to Australian media at a recent group interview, Vice President of Zeekr Mars Chen said both the 8X and 9X would get their own fully electric powertrain.
While exact timing and specification for these EV models are yet to be confirmed, Chen told Australian motoring media this continued model and powertrain rollout mixed between electric and plug-in hybrid is part of the brand’s global strategy.
Zeekr has recently confirmed the 8X and 9X plug-in hybrid SUVs for the Australian market, which pack new-generation plug-in hybrid powertrains. This news also comes alongside the confirmation of the 7 GT fully electric wagon.
For the plug-in hybrid variants of the Zeekr 8X and 9X, there is a combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a large LFP battery, 900V electric architecture and up to three electric motors.
In the case of the Zeekr 8X, there is a combined output of 1031kW, electric-only driving range rating of over 300km (CLTC) and over 1200km of combined driving range.
The Zeekr 9X has a similar powertrain, but offers three rows of seating for a total capacity of six occupants. And despite the monumental weight of up to 3150kg, the Zeekr 9X is claimed to be able to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in a little as 3.1 seconds.
“We have a clear strategy: we only put super hybrids into big cars”. Chen told Australian motoring media.
“Will we put it into the 7X? No way. Even the 001, we have no plan.”
But for large SUVs, Chen indicated that Zeekr plans to offer electric and hybrid variants alongside each other.
“This is also in the plan… I am very happy to share with you that it is coming.”
In terms of timing, Chen said “at least one” would arrive within the next 12 months, and would be ready for the next Auto China motor show in 2027.
Sam Purcell has been writing about cars, four-wheel driving and camping since 2013, and obsessed with anything that goes brum-brum longer than he can remember. Sam joined the team at CarAdvice/Drive as the off-road Editor in 2018, after cutting his teeth at Unsealed 4X4 and Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures. Off-road writer of the Year, Winner - Sam Purcell
