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Electric
2025 Zeekr X preview: price, specs, release date in Australia
RACV
September 26, 2024
The emergence in Australia of electric-focused Chinese brands shows no signs of slowing down. Volvo and Polestar sister brand Zeekr has announced its entrance into the local market with a pair of family-friendly EV offerings, the first of which is the sharp Zeekr X medium SUV.
According to Zeekr, the brand’s new SUV promises “design, technology, driving dynamics, performance and safety, together with an enviable range and fast charging”.
The Zeekr X enters a crowded mid-size SUV segment dominated by premium offerings in hybrid, PHEV and full electric guise.
One of the star cars at the recent 2024 EV SUV Expo in Melbourne, here's what you need to know about the Zeekr X before it launches in dealerships, and how it compares to segment rivals.
The Zeekr X will be the Chinese brand's first vehicle to arrive in Australia.
What is the price of the Zeekr X in Australia?
While formal pricing for the Zeekr X in Australia has yet to be announced, expect it to go on sale for less than $60,000, with pricing similar to the smart #1 and smart #3 which share the same EV underpinnings. This would also place it in the same range as a Tesla Model Y – currently the best-selling electric car in Australia and competitive with the Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid, which sits at the top of the popular RAV4 model line-up.
With anticipated pricing well under the luxury car tax threshold, the Zeekr X will be eligible for the Federal Government's Electric Car Discount policy, providing a fringe benefits tax exemption for EVs financed under a novated lease.
The Zeekr X will be available for pre-order in Australia in September 2024. Interested buyers can register their interest on the brand’s Australian website.
The Zeekr X features a modern, streamlined cabin.
What is the range and performance of the Zeekr X?
The Zeekr X is expected to arrive as a rear-wheel drive model powered by a 200kW electric motor, and a more powerful 315kW dual motor, all-wheel drive model which has a claimed acceleration time to 100km/h of 3.8 seconds. Each Zeekr X model will take power from a 66kWh battery to deliver range on the WLTP testing protocol of up to 445km.
The Zeekr battery can charge up to 150kW DC with a claimed charge time of 30 minutes to charge from 10 - 80 per cent. It is supported by an eight-year/160,000 km warranty, and Zeekr says it will have end-of-life recycling options for batteries once they have reached their end of use in a vehicle.
What is the interior of the Zeekr X like?
The Zeekr X is a neat looking EV, combining an uncluttered design with all the technology expected in a premium mid-size SUV. Each Zeekr X comes with a panoramic sunroof, large colour touchscreen for infotainment, wireless phone charging and powered driver’s seat.
An optional Convenience pack adds a memory function for the driver’s seat, a powered front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system.
What technology and safety features does the Zeekr X come with?
The Zeekr X is currently untested by ANCAP, however it has already achieved a five star rating with Euro NCAP in May where it scored 91 per cent for adult occupants and 90 per cent for children. According to Euro NCAP, the Zeekr X has an eCall system which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash. To avoid secondary collisions, the car will also apply the brakes after an impact.
Assuming the Zeekr X mirrors the features offered in Europe, we can expect to see ISOFIX child seat points in the rear seat along with a child presence detection system.
In addition to seven airbags, the Zeekr X features ZEEKR AD, an AI Driving Assistance System and 24.3 inch augmented reality head-up display, as well as a full suite of driver assistance technologies.
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What are the Zeekr X’s main competitors?
Obvious fully-electric competitors for the Zeekr X in Australia include the Tesla Model Y andBYD Atto 3, while traditional premium mid-size SUV favourites such as the 2024 BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and the upcoming 2025 BMW X3may also be cross-shopped by car buyers looking for the right mix of technology, premium finishes, driving comfort and sharp dynamics.
Plug-in hybrid SUVs such as the BYD Sealion 6 are also growing in favour with shoppers in this segment looking for a fuel efficient option in this popular size.
Dimensionally, the Zeekr X is smaller than the Tesla Model Y and comparable to the BYD Atto 3, which straddles small and medium SUV size.
Zeekr X dimensions: 4,432mm L x 1836 mm W 1,566mm H
Tesla Model Y dimensions: 4,750mm L x 1,921mm W x 1,624mm H
BYD Atto 3 dimensions: 4,455mm L x 1,875mm W x 1,615mm H
BYD Sealion 6 dimensions: 4,775 mm L x 1,890 mm W x 1,670 mm H
The Zeekr X has sporty styling and is available in five exterior paint colours
Where is Zeekr from?
A newcomer to the Australian new car market, Zeekr is the electric vehicle brand from Chinese conglomerate Geely Holding Group that has a luxury and technological focus. Notable brands already under the expansive Geely umbrella include safety-focused Volvo, performance-inspired Polestar (borrowing much of its technology from Volvo), and legacy sportscar specialist Lotus, which is now branching into more mainstream segments including SUVs.
Geely is also a co-investor in Smart with Mercedes-Benz, with Smart recently announcing its return to the Australian new car market with theSmart #5 medium SUV.
What are the next electric cars from Zeekr?
Set to quickly follow the Zeekr X in Australia by the end of the year is the Zeekr 009, a fully electric luxury people mover. The Zeekr 009 enters a new car segment which has suffered from the rise in popularity of medium and large SUVs with seven seats. While there are no direct fully-electric offerings yet in the people mover segment, large SUVs such as the acclaimed Kia EV9 will prove stiff competition for the Zeekr 009.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
