Chinese brand Zeekr eyes hybrids in Australian expansion
Just two models are currently offered Down Under – the 009 people mover and X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for 2026.
The global lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese carmaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
The Zeekr 9X features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with a 290kW front electric motor and a 370kW rear electric motor.
Zeekr is also set to merge with fellow carmaker Lynk & Co, which specialises in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Vehicles from the latter could come to Australia as soon as 2026, possibly wearing Zeekr badging as a means of expanding the reach of the challenger brand.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Under the new NVES we need to look at whether we'll be two entities or a single entity, what's better for us," said Zeekr Australia head of product Melvyn Low.
"That's yet to be determined, whether it's another brand or a rebrand. It'll probably be a rebrand."
Cooling EV growth is one of the key drivers behind Zeekr's powertrain expansion, with the majority of Australian new car buyers still opting for internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid models.
Zeekr's mid- to long-term strategy will also be informed by the impacts of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) – legislation designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market.
"At the moment we have all BEVs. We know there may be customers that need a middle ground to transition (from ICE to EV) and our global brand offers a lot of powertrains, so I'm interested to see what other products we can bring with other powertrains in the future, " said Mr Low.
"At the moment, we're understanding the market and where it's heading. Government incentives and what will happen in the future will influence our decisions as well."
While Zeekr has only just started to diversify its powertrain portfolio, the Australian arm will soon have more models to choose from.
A second plug-in hybrid SUV is expected to launch alongside the 9X, with a global reveal set for late 2025.
"When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert.
"We have a compact SUV, C/D segment SUV, and MPV, what will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket."
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Zeekr wants to offer more than just electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, with hybrid models firmly on the cards for a local launch.
Just two models are currently offered Down Under – the 009 people mover and X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for 2026.
The global lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese carmaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
The Zeekr 9X features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with a 290kW front electric motor and a 370kW rear electric motor.
Zeekr is also set to merge with fellow carmaker Lynk & Co, which specialises in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Vehicles from the latter could come to Australia as soon as 2026, possibly wearing Zeekr badging as a means of expanding the reach of the challenger brand.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Under the new NVES we need to look at whether we'll be two entities or a single entity, what's better for us," said Zeekr Australia head of product Melvyn Low.
"That's yet to be determined, whether it's another brand or a rebrand. It'll probably be a rebrand."
Cooling EV growth is one of the key drivers behind Zeekr's powertrain expansion, with the majority of Australian new car buyers still opting for internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid models.
Zeekr's mid- to long-term strategy will also be informed by the impacts of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) – legislation designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market.
"At the moment we have all BEVs. We know there may be customers that need a middle ground to transition (from ICE to EV) and our global brand offers a lot of powertrains, so I'm interested to see what other products we can bring with other powertrains in the future, " said Mr Low.
"At the moment, we're understanding the market and where it's heading. Government incentives and what will happen in the future will influence our decisions as well."
While Zeekr has only just started to diversify its powertrain portfolio, the Australian arm will soon have more models to choose from.
A second plug-in hybrid SUV is expected to launch alongside the 9X, with a global reveal set for late 2025.
"When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert.
"We have a compact SUV, C/D segment SUV, and MPV, what will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket."
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Zeekr wants to offer more than just electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, with hybrid models firmly on the cards for a local launch.
Just two models are currently offered Down Under – the 009 people mover and X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for 2026.
The global lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese carmaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
The Zeekr 9X features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with a 290kW front electric motor and a 370kW rear electric motor.
Zeekr is also set to merge with fellow carmaker Lynk & Co, which specialises in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Vehicles from the latter could come to Australia as soon as 2026, possibly wearing Zeekr badging as a means of expanding the reach of the challenger brand.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Under the new NVES we need to look at whether we'll be two entities or a single entity, what's better for us," said Zeekr Australia head of product Melvyn Low.
"That's yet to be determined, whether it's another brand or a rebrand. It'll probably be a rebrand."
Cooling EV growth is one of the key drivers behind Zeekr's powertrain expansion, with the majority of Australian new car buyers still opting for internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid models.
Zeekr's mid- to long-term strategy will also be informed by the impacts of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) – legislation designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market.
"At the moment we have all BEVs. We know there may be customers that need a middle ground to transition (from ICE to EV) and our global brand offers a lot of powertrains, so I'm interested to see what other products we can bring with other powertrains in the future, " said Mr Low.
"At the moment, we're understanding the market and where it's heading. Government incentives and what will happen in the future will influence our decisions as well."
While Zeekr has only just started to diversify its powertrain portfolio, the Australian arm will soon have more models to choose from.
A second plug-in hybrid SUV is expected to launch alongside the 9X, with a global reveal set for late 2025.
"When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert.
"We have a compact SUV, C/D segment SUV, and MPV, what will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket."
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Zeekr wants to offer more than just electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, with hybrid models firmly on the cards for a local launch.
Just two models are currently offered Down Under – the 009 people mover and X compact SUV, both of which are EVs. The larger 7X electric SUV is due to arrive later this year, while a third SUV has been confirmed for 2026.
The global lineup is also EV-heavy, although the Geely-owned Chinese carmaker is now venturing into the plug-in hybrid market with its new 9X large SUV.
The Zeekr 9X features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with a 290kW front electric motor and a 370kW rear electric motor.
Zeekr is also set to merge with fellow carmaker Lynk & Co, which specialises in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Vehicles from the latter could come to Australia as soon as 2026, possibly wearing Zeekr badging as a means of expanding the reach of the challenger brand.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"Under the new NVES we need to look at whether we'll be two entities or a single entity, what's better for us," said Zeekr Australia head of product Melvyn Low.
"That's yet to be determined, whether it's another brand or a rebrand. It'll probably be a rebrand."
Cooling EV growth is one of the key drivers behind Zeekr's powertrain expansion, with the majority of Australian new car buyers still opting for internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid models.
Zeekr's mid- to long-term strategy will also be informed by the impacts of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) – legislation designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market.
"At the moment we have all BEVs. We know there may be customers that need a middle ground to transition (from ICE to EV) and our global brand offers a lot of powertrains, so I'm interested to see what other products we can bring with other powertrains in the future, " said Mr Low.
"At the moment, we're understanding the market and where it's heading. Government incentives and what will happen in the future will influence our decisions as well."
While Zeekr has only just started to diversify its powertrain portfolio, the Australian arm will soon have more models to choose from.
A second plug-in hybrid SUV is expected to launch alongside the 9X, with a global reveal set for late 2025.
"When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert.
"We have a compact SUV, C/D segment SUV, and MPV, what will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket."
MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. 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We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. 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