2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 beats R round the 'Ring
Dubbed "the most powerful production GTI to date", the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June.
This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW
"For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13," Volkswagen says in its media release.
"The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted.
"The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap."
While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car."
The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time.
VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK.
Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package.
Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia.
Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup.
"[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market."
"As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past].
"Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail."
The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well.
No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20
MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Dubbed "the most powerful production GTI to date", the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June.
This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW
"For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13," Volkswagen says in its media release.
"The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted.
"The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap."
While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car."
The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time.
VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK.
Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package.
Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia.
Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup.
"[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market."
"As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past].
"Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail."
The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well.
No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20
MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Dubbed "the most powerful production GTI to date", the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June.
This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW
"For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13," Volkswagen says in its media release.
"The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted.
"The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap."
While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car."
The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time.
VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK.
Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package.
Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia.
Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup.
"[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market."
"As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past].
"Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail."
The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well.
No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20
MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 next year, and to celebrate the German auto giant has created its fastest-ever production model around the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.
Dubbed "the most powerful production GTI to date", the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 celebrates half a century of the iconic hot hatch nameplate, and will officially debut at the Nurburgring 24-hour race on 20 June.
This week, company race driver Benny Leuchter set a 7 minute 46.13 second lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, making the GTI Edition 50 the fastest Volkswagen production model on the iconic 20.8km German circuit.
It beat the 2022 Golf R 20 Years by over a second, the previous VW record holder with a 7 minute 47.31 second time – again with Mr Leuchter at the wheel.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
WATCH: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 sets the fastest Nurburgring lap time by a VW
"For both of the aforementioned records, the timed lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife started flying in front of grandstand T13," Volkswagen says in its media release.
"The start and finish for the measurement were at the beginning and end of the grandstand, respectively; the approximately 200 meters in between were not counted.
"The official lap time of 07:46:13 for the Golf GTI Edition 50 includes this distance. For better comparability, a look at the on-board camera installed during the record run provides a time of 07:41:27 for the comparable lap."
While full details of the GTI Edition 50 are still to be revealed – i.e. power figures and performance claims – VW says the production model due to launch in 2026 will be available with a Performance package, which brings a "performance chassis and particularly lightweight 19-inch semi-slick Potenza Race tyres from Bridgestone… which have been specially developed for the car."
The forged alloy wheels are said to "noticeably reduce the unsprung and rotating masses", which according to Mr Leuchter were "a decisive factor" in setting the record lap time.
VW's claim that the Edition 50 is "the most powerful production GTI to date" indicates the commemorative edition will eclipse the power and performance of even the GTI Clubsport, which isn't available in Australia but on sale in overseas markets like Europe and the UK.
Equipped with a 221kW/400Nm 'evo4' iteration of Volkswagen's venerable 'EA888' 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport can dash from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 267km/h when optioned with the Race Package.
Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sound familiar? A version of the same drivetrain powers the flagship Cupra Leon VZx in Australia.
Speaking with CarExpert at the recent local launch of the new Mk8.5 Golf range, general manager for product at Volkswagen Australia, Arjun Nidigallu, said the German brand's local arm is actively looking into how the GTI Clubsport could fit into the local lineup.
"[There's] a bit more work to do, but it's certainly something we will look into later in the lifecycle as an opportunity," Mr Nidigallu told CarExpert. "There are some technical things with the GTI Clubsport – engine and suspension variations that we need to make sure we have clearances for the Australian market."
"As we continue through the lifecycle, there are always opportunities for us to look at, special editions in particular, but typically they tend to be performance editions as well – GTI special edition or a Golf R special edition that [we have done in the past].
"Along those lines there might be an opportunity [for the Clubsport], but we need to investigate it in more detail."
The GTI Clubsport would give Volkswagen a more direct competitor to track-focused competition like the Honda Civic Type R, as well as the now-defunct Renault Megane R.S. Naturally, you can throw the aforementioned Cupra Leon in there as well.
No doubt part of the brand's initial hesitation to bring the GTI Clubsport to Australia is the presence and popularity of the all-wheel drive Golf R. Given the new GTI is priced from $58,990 and the R from $70,990 (both before on-road costs), it's a fairly narrow window for what is a niche product to sit in.
For reference, the GTI Edition 50's 7:46:13 Nordschleife record is within striking distance of the 2023 Type R's 7:44:881 and 2019 Megane R.S. Trophy R's 7:45:39 times. The record holder for compact vehicles, however, is the Golf's cousin the Audi RS3 – which holds a 7:33:123 best time.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the GTI Edition 50's reveal on June 20
MORE: Volkswagen mulling hardcore Golf GTI for Australia
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Golf
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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The performance of the current versions will give us the confidence to deliver the Grand version, because the Grand is positioned much higher than current versions, which means the price will be much higher. "Just look at the price in China, it's around double the normal versions. Converting to right-hand drive the price will be much higher, how many customers will choose this one? And given the volume assumptions, what will be the business case?" Based on pricing in the Chinese market and the costs involved in readying a vehicle for sale in Australia, it would be reasonable to expect that the 009 Grand could retail for north of $250,000 locally, making it the most expensive people mover on sale. The 009 is one of two Zeekr models currently available in Australia, alongside the compact X electric SUV. Both will be joined by the larger 7X SUV later this year, with a further SUV offering to come in 2026. Mr Zhou says that the brand wants to avoid overcrowding its Australian showrooms at this early stage. "We need to consider the product lineup here, because we have two versions already, the X, and the 7X coming, we're going to have a new model next year, it's about whether the showrooms can contain so many variants," said Mr Zhou. Zeekr markets the 009 as a luxury people mover, but the Grand elevates that premium positioning to another level. For starters, the third row of seats has been deleted to maximise second row passenger legroom. Instead, the rear section houses a pair of airplane-style individual seats with 24-way electric adjustment, 12 zones of support, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. There's also a huge divider between the front and rear compartments, like the Lexus LM. The cabin is now trimmed in hand-polished stainless-steel elements and natural Himalayan marble, while entertainment is delivered through a 43-inch mini-LED screen and 31-speaker Yamaha sound system. VIP passengers can also enjoy full privacy courtesy of light curtain glass technology that offers adjustable window tinting, and ice-cold refreshments thanks to an 18-litre mini fridge. Like the base 009, the Grand features a dual-motor electric powertrain that can propel the people mover from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds in this application. Zeekr quotes 702km of driving range on the more optimistic CLTC testing cycle. MORE: Explore the Zeekr 009 showroom Content originally sourced from: Zeekr Australia wants to spice up the local people mover market by launching the ultra-luxurious 009 Grand Down Under, although its arrival is contingent on as-yet unconfirmed right-hand drive production. The standard 009 went on sale in Australia late last year, offered in either seven-seat or six-seat configurations, priced at $135,900 and $139,900 before on-road costs, respectively. Sales have gradually increased since launch – 66 have been sold this year to the end of June – although the Lexus LM (163 deliveries) and Mercedes-Benz V-Class (141) remain the preferred options in the premium people mover space. That hasn't stopped Zeekr's local team from enquiring about the Grand, which hit the Chinese market a few months ago at roughly double the price of the standard 009 variants. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We are exploring ways to launch it in Australia officially at the moment," Zeekr Australia marketing boss, Andrew Haurissa told local media in Sydney. "With the 009 present in the local market, that makes a compelling argument to have the Grand here." While the Grand would be welcomed to Australian showrooms, there's no guarantee it will be produced in right-hand drive at this stage. Zeekr is in the process of investigating the viability of a conversion for the Grand, which will be informed by the sales performance of other 009 variants across the globe. "The right-hand drive is here but only as a six- or seven-seater, we are investigating the possibility of the Grand, not only for Australia but for all right-hand drive market depending on customer needs and the business case," said Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou. "The Grand version is a new variant that only launched in China a few months ago in left-hand drive. To convert from left- to right-hand drive takes time, including the product development, engineering and homologation. "We need a positive business case, which we are investigating now. The performance of the current versions will give us the confidence to deliver the Grand version, because the Grand is positioned much higher than current versions, which means the price will be much higher. "Just look at the price in China, it's around double the normal versions. Converting to right-hand drive the price will be much higher, how many customers will choose this one? And given the volume assumptions, what will be the business case?" Based on pricing in the Chinese market and the costs involved in readying a vehicle for sale in Australia, it would be reasonable to expect that the 009 Grand could retail for north of $250,000 locally, making it the most expensive people mover on sale. The 009 is one of two Zeekr models currently available in Australia, alongside the compact X electric SUV. Both will be joined by the larger 7X SUV later this year, with a further SUV offering to come in 2026. Mr Zhou says that the brand wants to avoid overcrowding its Australian showrooms at this early stage. "We need to consider the product lineup here, because we have two versions already, the X, and the 7X coming, we're going to have a new model next year, it's about whether the showrooms can contain so many variants," said Mr Zhou. Zeekr markets the 009 as a luxury people mover, but the Grand elevates that premium positioning to another level. For starters, the third row of seats has been deleted to maximise second row passenger legroom. Instead, the rear section houses a pair of airplane-style individual seats with 24-way electric adjustment, 12 zones of support, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. There's also a huge divider between the front and rear compartments, like the Lexus LM. The cabin is now trimmed in hand-polished stainless-steel elements and natural Himalayan marble, while entertainment is delivered through a 43-inch mini-LED screen and 31-speaker Yamaha sound system. VIP passengers can also enjoy full privacy courtesy of light curtain glass technology that offers adjustable window tinting, and ice-cold refreshments thanks to an 18-litre mini fridge. Like the base 009, the Grand features a dual-motor electric powertrain that can propel the people mover from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds in this application. Zeekr quotes 702km of driving range on the more optimistic CLTC testing cycle. MORE: Explore the Zeekr 009 showroom Content originally sourced from: Zeekr Australia wants to spice up the local people mover market by launching the ultra-luxurious 009 Grand Down Under, although its arrival is contingent on as-yet unconfirmed right-hand drive production. The standard 009 went on sale in Australia late last year, offered in either seven-seat or six-seat configurations, priced at $135,900 and $139,900 before on-road costs, respectively. Sales have gradually increased since launch – 66 have been sold this year to the end of June – although the Lexus LM (163 deliveries) and Mercedes-Benz V-Class (141) remain the preferred options in the premium people mover space. That hasn't stopped Zeekr's local team from enquiring about the Grand, which hit the Chinese market a few months ago at roughly double the price of the standard 009 variants. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We are exploring ways to launch it in Australia officially at the moment," Zeekr Australia marketing boss, Andrew Haurissa told local media in Sydney. "With the 009 present in the local market, that makes a compelling argument to have the Grand here." While the Grand would be welcomed to Australian showrooms, there's no guarantee it will be produced in right-hand drive at this stage. Zeekr is in the process of investigating the viability of a conversion for the Grand, which will be informed by the sales performance of other 009 variants across the globe. "The right-hand drive is here but only as a six- or seven-seater, we are investigating the possibility of the Grand, not only for Australia but for all right-hand drive market depending on customer needs and the business case," said Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou. "The Grand version is a new variant that only launched in China a few months ago in left-hand drive. To convert from left- to right-hand drive takes time, including the product development, engineering and homologation. "We need a positive business case, which we are investigating now. The performance of the current versions will give us the confidence to deliver the Grand version, because the Grand is positioned much higher than current versions, which means the price will be much higher. "Just look at the price in China, it's around double the normal versions. Converting to right-hand drive the price will be much higher, how many customers will choose this one? And given the volume assumptions, what will be the business case?" Based on pricing in the Chinese market and the costs involved in readying a vehicle for sale in Australia, it would be reasonable to expect that the 009 Grand could retail for north of $250,000 locally, making it the most expensive people mover on sale. The 009 is one of two Zeekr models currently available in Australia, alongside the compact X electric SUV. Both will be joined by the larger 7X SUV later this year, with a further SUV offering to come in 2026. Mr Zhou says that the brand wants to avoid overcrowding its Australian showrooms at this early stage. "We need to consider the product lineup here, because we have two versions already, the X, and the 7X coming, we're going to have a new model next year, it's about whether the showrooms can contain so many variants," said Mr Zhou. Zeekr markets the 009 as a luxury people mover, but the Grand elevates that premium positioning to another level. For starters, the third row of seats has been deleted to maximise second row passenger legroom. Instead, the rear section houses a pair of airplane-style individual seats with 24-way electric adjustment, 12 zones of support, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. There's also a huge divider between the front and rear compartments, like the Lexus LM. The cabin is now trimmed in hand-polished stainless-steel elements and natural Himalayan marble, while entertainment is delivered through a 43-inch mini-LED screen and 31-speaker Yamaha sound system. VIP passengers can also enjoy full privacy courtesy of light curtain glass technology that offers adjustable window tinting, and ice-cold refreshments thanks to an 18-litre mini fridge. Like the base 009, the Grand features a dual-motor electric powertrain that can propel the people mover from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds in this application. Zeekr quotes 702km of driving range on the more optimistic CLTC testing cycle. MORE: Explore the Zeekr 009 showroom Content originally sourced from:
