Zeekr, a five-year-old Geely brand, is expanding aggressively beyond China. Its latest luxury SUVs, the 8X and 9X, aim to challenge established players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
We recently tested several Zeekr models on snow and ice, including the 9X and the smaller 7GT.
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The focus was on the upcoming 8X and 9X, which will arrive in Australia next year.
Zeekr 8X: A Luxurious Rival to the BMW X5
The 8X measures 5,100 mm long with a 3,069 mm wheelbase, making it about 170 mm longer than an X5.
It offers two or three rows of seats and a cabin that feels more luxurious than any X5.
Inside, you'll find premium leather, metallic touches, a suede headliner, and dual screens. Rear passengers get plush seats, folding tables, and Mercedes-style seat adjustments.
In China, the 8X uses a 2.0-liter turbo engine with either two or three electric motors.
The tri-motor version delivers 1,030 kW and 1,410 Nm of torque.
Zeekr 9X: The 'Hangzhou Bay Cullinan'
The 9X is even larger, at 5,239 mm long with a 3,169 mm wheelbase.
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It's been nicknamed the 'Hangzhou Bay Cullinan' and has sold over 62,000 units in China since late 2025.
We drove the tri-motor version, which produces 1,030 kW and 1,410 Nm.
Despite its size, it feels dynamic and is easy to hold powerslides with on snow.
The interior is more special than an X7, akin to a Mercedes-Maybach GLS.
The second row features massive captain's chairs with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, and they can spin 180 degrees.
Zeekr has also ensured physical buttons remain, learning from the 007 sedan's button-less cabin.
The 9X offers a digital cluster and central screen, with an optional passenger display in China.
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While our drive time was limited, first impressions are positive. We're eager to test it properly when it arrives locally.
