Zeekr vehicles are set to appear more frequently on roads around the world. This premium brand, under the Geely Auto Group, is officially preparing for a global launch. CEO Gan Jiayue announced that the company is ready to introduce its most popular models to drivers worldwide, marking a significant milestone for a brand that has previously focused primarily on the domestic market. The year 2026 is poised to be pivotal in the company’s brief history.
The flagship Zeekr 9X SUV will be the first model to venture overseas. This robust vehicle is engineered for extensive travel, making its international debut in June 2026 in the Middle East. Following that, it will be available in Central Asia by the third quarter of 2026, with its European rollout scheduled for later in the year.
The 9X is equipped with impressive power, utilizing three electric motors in conjunction with a turbocharged gasoline engine, yielding a staggering 1,030 kilowatts of power—an exceptional feat for a luxury SUV. As a plug-in hybrid, it boasts an impressive range of approximately 1,250 km before requiring refueling or recharging, appealing to consumers who prefer electric vehicles yet are apprehensive about charging station availability on lengthy journeys.
Since its launch in September 2025, the Zeekr 9X has achieved considerable success in China, with 22,000 units delivered within the first three months of 2026 alone. Cumulatively, over 50,000 units have been sold, highlighting strong demand. The average consumer invests around €62,300 in a 9X, and while prices in its home market generally exceed RMB 500,000 (around €58,900), the vehicle continues to attract a significant customer base.
If the 9X appears too large or expensive, the Zeekr 8X is closely following. This model emphasizes performance and speed, featuring a tri-motor hybrid system that generates 1,381 horsepower. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.96 seconds, outpacing many supercars that come with a much higher price tag. The 8X will begin its global expansion at the end of 2026, with deliveries to new markets anticipated in early 2027.
Targeted at a broader audience than its larger counterpart, the 8X is priced between €44,386 and €53,100. During its launch phase, a promotional offering dropped the starting price to just over €41,000, providing exceptional value given its performance capabilities.
Australia is also in the pipeline for these innovative electric vehicles, with the 9X projected to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027. This rollout is part of Geely's comprehensive strategy to sell 640,000 vehicles outside of China by the end of 2026, with Zeekr positioned as the premium offering targeting tech-savvy consumers seeking robust performance. So far, this approach appears to be effective.
Sales performance underscores the brand's positive trajectory, revealing that Zeekr sold nearly 60,000 cars in its home market in the first quarter of 2026—a substantial increase of over 48% relative to the same period the previous year. Despite a slight dip in sales compared to late 2025, the brand has captured a larger share of the market, with its market representation growing from 0.8% to 1.4% in just one year. Although this increase might seem modest, it is significant in the world’s largest automotive market.
Traditionally producing battery-powered vehicles, Zeekr is now demonstrating its capability to manufacture highly competitive hybrids with the 9X and 8X models. These vehicles offer consumers the tranquility and smoothness of electric driving while retaining the gasoline engine as a reliable backup. This strategic decision caters to markets still lacking in charging infrastructure.
As the global automotive market becomes increasingly competitive, Zeekr is prepared to make its mark. With formidable power ratings and rapid acceleration, these SUVs are sure to stand out. As they launch in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, established luxury brands will face greater challenges in retaining their customer base.
Via
