Zeekr's new mid-sized SUV to arrive in Australia
Tesla's hold on Australia's electric vehicle market is set to face a fresh challenge with the arrival of Zeekr's medium-sized electric SUV.
The Chinese manufacturer will launch its new Zeekr 7X model in coming weeks, positioning the car as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and other popular mid-size electric SUVs already available in the country.
Zeekr launched in Australia with the smaller X, a compact SUV that doesn't match the space of Tesla's best-selling Model Y.
But the new model is ready to take on the top EVs in the market today.
Building on the momentum from its recent launch in Hong Kong, the Zeekr 7X has strong potential in Australia.
2025 Zeekr 7X. (Picture: Supplied)
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The company believes the 7X will carve out its niche with its focus on spaciousness and premium features.
There will be three distinct models heading to Australia's shores: the Rear-Wheel Drive (standard range), the Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range, and the Performance All-Wheel Drive variants.
The standard RWD model has a 71 kWh battery paired with a powerful 310kW/440 Nm rear motor, delivering a claimed range of 480km.
If you're looking for more than that, the RWD Long Range model retains the robust 310kW motor while introducing a 94kWh battery, which boosts the WLTP range to 615km – a substantial 28 per cent increase.
Finally, the Performance AWD trim keeps the 94 kWh battery while adding an additional front electric motor, which increases the total output to 475kW and 710 Nm of torque.
This allows for impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
However, this performance is accompanied by a slight reduction in driving range, now 543 km, based on WLTP standards.
The 7X promises a higher level of luxury compared to the Tesla, featuring amenities such as 'polar bear' air suspension with variable height adjustment (only available in the All-Wheel-Drive variant), Nappa leather interiors, and advanced cabin technology.
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2025 Zeekr 7X. (Picture: Supplied)
2025 Zeekr 7X. (Picture: Supplied)
We tested the model in a sneak preview earlier this year, when Matt Campbell found that the car has 'all the ingredients to get it right' – as long as Zeekr can price the car competitively.
Though pricing has not been officially announced, speculation suggests the 7X Rear-Wheel Drive model could start at approximately $65,000 to $70,000 before on-road costs. The Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range version is expected to be priced around $75,000, while the All-Wheel Drive variant is likely to fall between $80,000 and $85,000.
If these figures are accurate, it would place the 7X $6,000 to $10,000 higher than that of a comparable Tesla Model Y.
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2025 Zeekr 7X electric car. Picture: Supplied
The Zeekr brand aims to express its innovative discoveries through groundbreaking technology, and the 7X exemplifies this with its impressive charging capabilities.
The vehicle features an 800V architecture that enables it to charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 10 minutes. It supports both 22kW AC charging and 450kW DC fast charging, allowing for an addition of 241 km of range in only 5 minutes.
Luggage capacity is a generous 616 litres, and all models include a 'frunk' – a front trunk – offering 62L of space in rear-wheel drive models and 44L in dual-motor versions.
2025 Zeekr 7X electric car. Picture: Supplied
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Inside, the 7X features a large 16-inch 3.5K MiniLED screen, a head-up display with augmented reality capabilities, and power-adjustable front seats packed with advanced features.
The most interesting element is a featured deemed off-limits to Australia – an innovative cable-operated device that can smash the driver's window in case of emergency.
Pitched as an extreme measure to help people survive cars submerged underwater, the escape mechanism is triggered by a lever under the steering wheel that uses a spring-loaded metal punch to shatter the driver's window.
The feature is only available in left-hand-drive models for now.
Zeekr 7X Specs
PRICE: $85,000 plus on-road costs
RANGE: 615km
MOTOR: 475kW/710Nm
BATTERY: 100kWh NMC
LUGGAGE: 616 litres
SPARE: Repair kit
Originally published as Confirmed: Zeekr 7X coming to Australia
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