Zeekr Expands Australian Lineup with Flagship PHEV and Performance Wagon
MELBOURNE, 2026-04-15 – Premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr has officially confirmed a significant expansion of its Australian model range, with the flagship 9X plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV and the sleek 7GT all-electric performance wagon set to arrive in local showrooms. The announcement, made at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show, signals an aggressive new phase for the Geely-owned brand as it diversifies beyond pure EVs to capture a wider share of the premium market.
Zeekr Australia’s managing director, Frank Li, confirmed the new models are slated for arrival either late this year or early in 2027, with the imposing 9X SUV expected to be the first to land. This move will see Zeekr’s local lineup triple, adding to the already popular 7X electric SUV which has seen strong sales since its launch.
The Zeekr 9X: A New Contender in Luxury PHEVs
The Zeekr 9X is a large, six-seat luxury SUV designed to make a statement. With a bold, upright grille and a body stretching over 5.2 metres, it’s positioned as a challenger to established premium brands. As Zeekr’s first plug-in hybrid offering in Australia, it combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two or even three electric motors.
International specifications reveal staggering performance figures, with dual-motor variants producing around 660kW and a tri-motor setup boasting up to 1030kW. Paired with a 900V electrical system and battery options up to 70kWh, the 9X offers a substantial electric-only driving range of up to 380km (on the CLTC cycle) and a total combined range of over 1250km.
While local pricing is yet to be finalised, Mr. Li confirmed the 9X will be subject to the Luxury Car Tax, placing its starting price above the current $91,387 threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.
This strategy positions the 9X against premium European PHEV SUVs, offering a unique blend of performance, electric range, and luxury. For buyers considering a move to electric but concerned about range anxiety, the 9X presents a compelling transitional option. However, it’s worth noting that as of April 1, 2025, Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) are no longer eligible for the federal FBT exemption unless under a pre-existing lease. Prospective buyers should investigate available state-based incentives through guides like the Electric Vehicle Rebates and Incentives by State in Australia 2026.
The Zeekr 7GT: A Niche-Busting Electric Wagon
For those seeking pure electric performance without the SUV footprint, the Zeekr 7GT electric wagon offers a rare and exciting proposition for the Australian market. Electric wagons are a rarity locally, and the 7GT is set to carve out a new niche. Based on European pricing, the 7GT could potentially start at a lower price point than the 7X SUV, which currently begins at $57,990 before on-road costs.
The 7GT is built on an advanced 800V architecture, enabling incredibly fast DC charging speeds of up to 480kW, which can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 13 minutes. European models offer various configurations, including a flagship all-wheel-drive model with 475kW, capable of a blistering 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.3 seconds and offering a WLTP range of up to 558km from its 100kWh battery.
How Zeekr’s Newcomers Stack Up
The arrival of the 9X and 7GT will intensify competition in Australia’s rapidly growing EV market, where battery-electric vehicles captured a record 14.6% market share in March 2026. While the new Zeekr models target the premium end, they enter a landscape dominated by key players like the Tesla Model Y and the budget-friendly BYD Atto 3.
| Model | Powertrain | Base Price (est. AUD) | Range (WLTP) | 0-100km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeekr 9X PHEV | PHEV | >$91,387 | ~300km+ (EV only) | ~3.1s (tri-motor) |
| Zeekr 7GT AWD | BEV | ~$66,000+ | ~558km | 3.3s |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | BEV | $58,900 + ORC | 466km | 5.9s |
| Tesla Model Y LR AWD | BEV | $68,900 + ORC | 600km | 4.8s |
| BYD Atto 3 Premium | BEV | $44,990 + ORC | 420km | 7.3s |
As Australia’s EV transition accelerates, driven by fluctuating fuel prices and a wider array of models, financing is a key consideration for many first-time buyers. Resources like the EV Loans Australia 2026 guide can help navigate this process. For those looking at the broader market, our guide to the Best Electric Cars in Australia in 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the top options available.