2026 Zeekr 8X Review: The 1,381 hp Li Auto L9 Rival We’ve Been Waiting For

Sledgehammer power meets genuinely usable EREV range in a seriously polished luxury SUV.

2026 Zeekr 8X EREV front three-quarter exterior

The 2026 Zeekr 8X is Geely’s most ambitious plug-in luxury SUV to date. It pairs genuine supercar straight-line punch with a cabin that wouldn’t embarrass a European flagship, and it does so at a price that makes the Li Auto L9 sweat. If Zeekr can deliver on its 900V charging and EREV range promises in right-hand-drive markets, this could be the most compelling Chinese luxury SUV on sale. —

Introduction

Chinese luxury SUVs have carried an unspoken caveat for years: impressive on paper, but can they actually take the fight to the establishment? With the 2026 Zeekr 8X, the answer has moved from "maybe" to "they already have." Here’s a range-extended electric SUV that produces up to 1,381 hp, claims a combined range of roughly 1,400 km, and charges from 10 to 80 per cent in around ten minutes — all from a starting price of approximately US$54,800. The hardware is beginning to make BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Porsche nervously check their mirrors.

The 8X arrives as the flagship from Zeekr, Geely’s premium electric sub-brand and a sibling to Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and Lynk & Co. Its primary target is clear: Li Auto, and specifically the Li Auto L9, which has dominated China’s full-size plug-in luxury SUV segment for nearly three years. The 8X enters that contest with a newer platform, considerably more power, a full 900V electrical architecture and pricing that undercuts the L9 at almost every trim level.

During our extended look at the 8X in a Zeekr showroom, we found a vehicle that backs up its specification sheet with real substance. The cabin is genuinely premium — Nappa leather, Alcantara, Nordic open-pore wood and a 29-speaker Naim surround system with Dolby Atmos. The tech stack runs on dual Snapdragon 8295 chipsets and features a 16-inch 3.5K OLED central display alongside a 44-inch augmented-reality head-up display. On paper and in the metal, this belongs in the conversation with the best from anywhere.

No vehicle is without trade-offs, though. The 8X is five-seat-only at launch, with six- and seven-seat configurations still to come. The combined-range headline figure needs some context around testing cycles. And for Australian and right-hand-drive markets, availability and timing remain unanswered. But make no mistake: the 8X marks the moment Geely’s luxury arm gets genuinely serious about plug-in flagship SUVs.

—

At a Glance: Specs and Pricing

The 8X arrives in China across four trim levels, from the dual-motor Max through to the tri-motor Yaoying — a name that translates roughly to "shining eagle." Every variant uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine acting purely as a range extender, paired with either two or three electric motors and a choice of two CATL Freevoy battery packs. Here’s the full specification breakdown: 2026 Zeekr 8X (Yaoying / Ultra) — EREV — 2.0T petrol range extender + dual/tri electric motors **Range Extender** Dual-motor (front + rear) or tri-motor (front + dual rear) **Total Power (max)** 1,410 Nm (tri-motor Yaoying) **0–100 km/h** 230 km/h **Battery Options** ~256 km (55.1 kWh) / ~328 km (70 kWh) **Combined Range** Full 900V **10–80% DC Charge Time** 5,100 mm **Wheelbase** 22-inch, Michelin 275/40 R22 **Cargo (5-seat / seats folded)** 5-seat (6- and 7-seat planned) **Price Range (China pre-sale)** ### How the 8X Compares to Key Rivals Price (USD est.) Power Combined Range ——— ~$54,800–$74,900 1,030 kW ~1,049–1,400 km **Li Auto L9 (2026)** 1.5T EREV, dual-motor ~215 km ~$55,000–$70,000 ~500 kW ~1,000 km **AITO M9** 1.5T EREV, dual-motor ~240 km ~$56,500 ~405 kW N/A | —

Design and Exterior

At 5,100 mm long, 1,998 mm wide and 1,780 mm tall, the 8X occupies the same footprint as a BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS. It’s a substantial machine, and from every angle it carries that bulk with a confident, muscular proportioning that Chinese flagships are increasingly nailing. Our walkaround started at the rear, where a full-width LED tail light signature spans the tailgate. Flanking it, a beam light element gives the 8X an immediately recognisable night-time presence. Below, dual exhaust outlets — a detail that makes visual sense given the combustion engine up front — frame a lower diffuser section neatly. The 360-degree camera array and dense spread of parking sensors hint at the driver-assistance technology baked into the bodywork.

Working around to the side profile, the 8X sits on striking 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin 275/40 R22 rubber. That tyre specification prioritises on-road grip and refinement over off-road pretence, which tells you plenty about Zeekr’s intended positioning. The wheelbase stretches to 3,069 mm — generous even by full-size SUV standards — and translates directly into the kind of rear-seat legroom that executive-limo buyers expect. The roofline tapers gently toward the rear without robbing too much headroom, and the overall surfacing is clean and restrained. No unnecessary creases or vents, just a disciplined modern shape.

Up front, the 8X wears a functional grille that feeds air to the range-extender engine and the cooling system, bookended by slim headlamp clusters integrating the 360 camera and yet more parking sensors. The Zeekr roundel sits proudly on the nose. The front doors are electrically operated — a small but tangible luxury touch that becomes apparent the moment you step into the showroom. Across the body, panel gaps appeared tight and paint quality in the single showroom colour we inspected was consistent and well-applied.

On the whole, the 8X doesn’t try to shout about its capability. It’s a quietly handsome, imposing SUV that lets the size, proportions and lighting signature do the talking. If Zeekr’s design brief was to build something that wouldn’t look out of place next to a Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport in a shopping-centre car park, they’ve nailed it.

—

Interior, Tech and Materials

Slide open the electric front door — a feature standard on the models we inspected — and the 8X cabin makes an immediate impression. The dashboard is dominated by a 16-inch 3.5K OLED central display running Zeekr’s proprietary infotainment system on dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipsets. During our time interacting with the system, the interface was responsive, logically laid out and, critically, running an official English-language interface. That’s a significant detail for export markets. Many Chinese vehicles ship with half-translated or awkwardly localised software, but the 8X felt properly prepared for international buyers. Zeekr has indicated the system will continue to receive over-the-air updates.

Above the steering wheel, a 44-inch augmented-reality head-up display projects navigation prompts, speed and driver-assistance information directly onto the windscreen in a format that overlays real-world objects. It’s one of the largest AR-HUD implementations available at this price point, and from what we could see during the static demonstration, projection clarity was impressive. Families will appreciate the optional 17-inch 3K OLED rear screen mounted behind the front headrests — a feature that turns the second row into a genuine entertainment zone for long drives.

Material quality is where the 8X really sets out its stall against European rivals. The cabin we examined was finished in a combination of Nappa leather, Alcantara, Nordic open-pore wood trim and a suede headliner. The tactile impression was genuinely premium — not "premium for a Chinese car," but premium full stop. Seats were supportive and well-contoured, and during our time in the rear bench, legroom and headroom were both generous. We noted a clever folding tray integrated into the rear centre armrest and a built-in refrigerator between the front seats — a feature that’s become something of a signature in Chinese luxury SUVs and one families will actually use on road trips.

The audio system deserves its own mention. Zeekr has partnered with British hi-fi brand Naim to install a 29-speaker, 3,868-watt surround system with Dolby Atmos 7.1.4.8 processing. On paper, that’s among the most powerful and immersive factory-fitted audio systems available in any SUV, regardless of price. Tri-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a panoramic glass roof with a motorised sunshade and an electrically operated centre armrest box round out a specification that leaves virtually no technology or convenience box unticked. The glove box, wireless charger and cupholders are all neatly integrated. Put simply, the 8X interior isn’t merely competitive — it’s one of the strongest cabins in the segment.

—

Powertrain, Range and EREV Logic

To understand the 8X, you need to understand what an EREV — an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle — actually is. Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which uses both an engine and electric motors to drive the wheels, an EREV operates as a pure electric vehicle most of the time. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the 8X (producing 205 kW) doesn’t directly power the wheels under normal driving. Instead, it functions as a generator, spinning up to produce electricity that feeds the battery pack and the drive motors when the charge drops below a certain threshold or at sustained higher speeds where the generator’s efficiency advantage kicks in.

This distinction matters enormously for how the 8X drives day-to-day. Around town and on shorter commutes, you’re running entirely on stored battery power — silent, smooth and emission-free. The 55.1 kWh CATL Freevoy battery claims roughly 256 km of WLTC-rated EV-only range; the larger 70 kWh pack extends that to around 328 km. Both figures are more than adequate for the vast majority of daily driving in Australia, where the average commute sits well under 50 km per day.

For longer trips — and this is where the EREV logic becomes particularly compelling for Australian buyers — the petrol engine steps in as a generator, extending total range dramatically. The official MIIT combined-range figure sits at approximately 1,049 km, while Zeekr’s own marketing headline claims up to around 1,400 km. The gap between those two numbers is worth understanding: the MIIT cycle is more conservative and likely closer to what most owners will see in mixed real-world driving. The 1,400 km figure probably reflects an optimistic combined scenario with careful driving and favourable conditions. Either way, the point stands — the 8X can cover enormous distances without ever requiring you to find a charging station. That makes it an ideal solution for Australian owners who regularly tackle long regional drives between sparse fast-charging infrastructure.

Power delivery is absurd. The base dual-motor configuration produces 660 kW and 935 Nm — already far more than any family SUV needs. Step up to the tri-motor Yaoying specification and you’re looking at 1,030 kW (1,381 hp) and 1,410 Nm of torque. That’s Bugatti Chiron territory of output, channelled through all four wheels of a five-metre-long family SUV. The claimed 0–100 km/h time of 3.1 seconds would embarrass a Porsche Taycan Turbo S.

—

On-Road Feel and Performance

We should be upfront: our time with the 8X was a static walkaround and cabin inspection in a Zeekr showroom, not a full road test. We didn’t drive the vehicle, so our impressions of on-road dynamics are necessarily based on published manufacturer data, the hands-on walkaround experience and reporting from independent outlets including CarExpert and ArenaEV. We’re looking forward to a full drive review as soon as the 8X becomes available in a right-hand-drive market.

What the numbers tell us, though, is deeply promising. The tri-motor Yaoying’s 1,030 kW output, 1,410 Nm of torque and 3.1-second 0–100 km/h sprint make it comfortably the most powerful EREV SUV on the market and one of the quickest production SUVs of any kind. The 230 km/h top speed suggests Zeekr has calibrated the drivetrain for high-speed stability rather than merely straight-line punch. For those who don’t need the full Yaoying treatment, the dual-motor variants at 660 kW are still tremendously fast by any conventional standard.

The full 900V electrical architecture is also a key performance differentiator. Running at 900V rather than the more common 400V means lower current for a given power level, which reduces heat generation, improves efficiency and enables the kind of ultra-rapid charging speeds discussed below. At this price point, a full 900V platform is unusual — typically reserved for premium models like the Zeekr 001, Porsche Taycan or Xiaomi SU7. Its inclusion on the 8X underscores Zeekr’s engineering ambition.

Ride quality and handling impressions will have to wait for a proper drive, but the combination of a long wheelbase (3,069 mm), air suspension (expected on higher trims) and a kerb weight distribution aided by the low-mounted battery pack suggests the 8X should deliver a comfortable, composed ride. We’ll update this section extensively once we’ve had seat time.

—

Charging and Real-World Living

If the EREV powertrain eliminates long-distance range anxiety, the 8X’s 900V charging architecture ensures you’re never waiting around when you do plug in. The full 900V system — a genuinely unusual specification at this price point — enables DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 10.3 minutes, according to CarExpert and Chinese automotive reporting. Zeekr’s own showroom marketing goes further, citing figures as quick as "5 to 7 minutes to 80 per cent." In practice, that headline claim likely applies to the 55.1 kWh battery under ideal temperature and state-of-charge conditions with a compatible high-power charger; the larger 70 kWh pack and real-world variables will push the time closer to the 10-minute mark. Either way, these are among the fastest charging speeds available in any SUV at any price.

Dual charging ports add flexibility — you can plug in from either side of the vehicle, which is a small but genuinely useful convenience in crowded public charging bays. The 900V architecture also means the 8X is future-proofed for the next generation of ultra-rapid chargers now being deployed across China and, increasingly, in Australia and Europe.

The EREV-plus-900V combination creates what is arguably the most compelling ownership proposition in the segment: for daily driving, you run on battery power alone, charging at home overnight; for longer trips, the petrol range extender kicks in and you never think about range at all; and when you do need a top-up on the road, you’re back to 80 per cent before you’ve finished your coffee. For many buyers, it’s the best of both worlds — the EV experience without the EV compromise.

—

2026 Zeekr 8X vs Li Auto L9: Which Is Better?

This is the comparison that matters. The Li Auto L9 has been the undisputed king of China’s full-size EREV flagship SUV segment since its launch, and its 2026 refresh — repositioned as an "embodied intelligence flagship" — shows no sign of relinquishing that crown easily. The 8X, however, is the most credible challenger to have arrived from outside the Li Auto stable, and the two vehicles are locked in a fascinating head-to-head.

**Pricing:** The Li Auto L9 starts at around ¥459,800 (~US$66,000), which positions it above the 8X Max (~US$54,600) and roughly in line with the 8X Ultra (~US$57,500). Step up to the 8X Ultra+ or Yaoying and pricing exceeds the L9, but so does the power and equipment. On a like-for-like basis, the 8X generally offers more hardware for less money.

**Performance:** This is where the comparison becomes almost unfair. The L9’s 1.5-litre turbo range extender and dual-motor system produce a combined output of approximately 330 kW — respectable, but utterly outgunned by the 8X’s 660 kW dual-motor or 1,030 kW tri-motor configurations. The 8X Yaoying’s 3.1-second 0–100 km/h makes the L9 feel almost leisurely.

**Charging and Efficiency:** The 8X’s full 900V architecture gives it a significant edge in charging speed — roughly 10 minutes 10–80 per cent versus a substantially longer wait for the L9’s 400V system. For owners who regularly rely on public DC charging, that’s a meaningful practical advantage.

**EV-Only Range:** The L9 offers approximately 215 km of WLTC-rated EV range, while the 8X claims up to 328 km with its 70 kWh battery. That’s a gap of over 100 km — enough to mean the difference between running on pure electricity for a full day’s driving or needing to invoke the range extender.

**Interior and Technology:** Both vehicles offer exceptional cabin quality, but the 8X edges ahead on raw specification: a 16-inch 3.5K OLED display versus the L9’s still-excellent but slightly smaller screens, a 44-inch AR-HUD, the Naim 29-speaker audio system and the optional 17-inch rear screen. The L9 counters with its own excellent cabin materials and arguably more polished software refinement, but on hardware the 8X wins on points.

**Family-SUV Practicality:** Here, the L9 fights back hard. Its standard six-seat configuration — with individual second-row captain’s chairs — is a significant family-friendly advantage that the 8X can’t yet match. The L9’s rear-cabin experience is more lounge-like, and second-row comfort is genuinely best-in-class. The 8X is five-seat-only at launch, with six- and seven-seat versions planned but not yet confirmed. For families who need that third row immediately, the L9 remains the obvious choice.

**Ride and Refinement:** The L9 has earned its reputation on the strength of its ride quality — soft, composed and tuned specifically for family comfort. The 8X, with its sportier power outputs and 22-inch wheels, may deliver a firmer, more dynamic character. Whether that’s a positive or negative depends entirely on what you want from your flagship SUV.

Buy the Zeekr 8X if… you prioritise outright performance, modern 900V charging and maximum EV-only range, and you can live with five seats for now.

Buy the Li Auto L9 if… you need a six-seat layout today, value a proven and refined family-luxury experience, and prefer an established ownership ecosystem.

**Our pick:** For technology enthusiasts and performance-minded buyers, the Zeekr 8X — particularly in Ultra or Yaoying trim — is the more exciting and forward-looking proposition. For families who need every seat filled, the L9 remains the pragmatic champion. This is genuinely one of the closest head-to-head comparisons in the segment.

—

Rivals and Where the 8X Sits

The full-size Chinese luxury SUV market is no longer a two-horse race. Beyond the Li Auto L9, the 8X faces competition from the BYD Tang 9, a PHEV large SUV offering strong value and BYD’s dominant brand recognition; the AITO M9, developed in partnership with Huawei, which brings a tech-forward approach with its own EREV architecture and Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered cabin; and the Xpeng G9X, a smaller, sub-US$60,000 alternative that appeals to buyers who don’t need the 8X’s full-size footprint. The NIO ES8 represents the pure-BEV alternative for buyers who want to skip the combustion engine entirely.

Within Zeekr’s own stable, the larger 9X sits above the 8X as a more opulent flagship, while the Zeekr 001 remains the brand’s performance-luxury GT. The IM LS9 from IM Motors is another emerging contender in the segment. For buyers cross-shopping, the 8X’s combination of power, charging speed and aggressive pricing positions it as perhaps the best all-rounder in the group — provided the seating configuration works for your needs.

—

Safety and Warranty

The 8X is comprehensively equipped with active and passive safety technology. The 360-degree camera system and dense array of parking sensors we noted during the walkaround are complemented by a full suite of expected advanced driver-assistance systems: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking are all anticipated as standard equipment at this price level. These are features Chinese buyers expect as baseline, and Zeekr has consistently delivered on that expectation across its range.

No formal crash-test rating exists for the 8X specifically — either under China’s C-NCAP protocol or through Euro NCAP — as the vehicle hasn’t yet been independently tested. However, the Zeekr 7X, a smaller sibling, scored an impressive 91 per cent for adult occupant protection and 90 per cent for child occupant protection in Euro NCAP testing, earning a full five-star rating. That serves as a strong brand baseline and suggests the 8X, built on a newer and more advanced platform, should perform at least as well when eventually tested.

For Australian buyers, the regional reference point is Zeekr Australia’s warranty programme: five years with unlimited kilometres for private buyers, or three years and 120,000 kilometres for fleet purchasers. That coverage is competitive with warranty offerings from established European and Japanese luxury brands, and underscores Zeekr’s intent to build long-term ownership confidence in markets outside China.

—

Who Should Buy It

—

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the 2026 Zeekr 8X cost?

In China, the 2026 Zeekr 8X starts from approximately ¥376,800 (~US$54,600) for the dual-motor Max and extends to approximately ¥516,800 (~US$74,900) for the tri-motor Yaoying specification. Pricing for export markets, including any future Australian release, hasn’t been confirmed. When Zeekr launches internationally, expect adjusted pricing to account for import duties, local compliance costs and market positioning — but even with markups, the 8X is expected to undercut European rivals significantly.

What is the real-world range of the Zeekr 8X EREV?

The 8X offers two battery options: a 55.1 kWh pack with approximately 256 km of WLTC-rated EV-only range and a 70 kWh pack with roughly 328 km. In real-world driving, expect these figures to be 10–15 per cent lower depending on driving style, climate and terrain. The combined petrol-plus-electric range, when the 2.0-litre turbo range extender is engaged, sits at approximately 1,049 km under the MIIT testing cycle. Zeekr’s headline claim of up to around 1,400 km likely reflects an optimistic best-case scenario. For most owners, the practical reality falls somewhere between those two figures.

Zeekr 8X vs Li Auto L9 — which should I buy?

The 8X is the better choice if you prioritise performance (1,030 kW vs ~330 kW), faster 900V charging, longer EV-only range and a more aggressive price point. The Li Auto L9 is the better choice if you need a proven six-seat layout, prefer a softer family-luxury ride and value Li Auto’s established ownership experience. Both are exceptional vehicles; the decision comes down to whether you want modern performance and technology or a more refined, family-focused package.

Is the Zeekr 8X coming to Australia?

Zeekr has established an Australian presence, with the Zeekr 7X already available locally and a five-year unlimited-kilometre private warranty programme in place. However, a specific launch date for the 8X in Australia hasn’t been confirmed. Right-hand-drive development and local compliance testing typically take 12–18 months after a Chinese-market launch. We expect further announcements as Zeekr expands its Australian model range.

How fast does the Zeekr 8X charge?

The 8X runs a full 900V charging architecture, which enables DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 10.3 minutes under favourable conditions. Zeekr’s own showroom marketing cites figures as quick as 5–7 minutes, which likely applies to the smaller 55.1 kWh battery under ideal circumstances. In practice, most owners with the 70 kWh battery and a compatible high-power charger should see 10–80 per cent times in the 10–12 minute range. That’s among the fastest charging available in any SUV at any price.

What is an EREV and why does the Zeekr 8X use one?

EREV stands for Extended-Range Electric Vehicle. Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, the petrol engine in an EREV doesn’t directly drive the wheels under normal conditions. Instead, the 2.0-litre turbo engine in the 8X acts purely as a generator, producing electricity to charge the battery and power the electric motors when the battery is depleted. This architecture means the 8X drives like a pure EV most of the time — smooth, quiet and emission-free — while the petrol generator eliminates the range anxiety that can affect pure electric vehicles on long drives, particularly in regions with sparse charging infrastructure.

Who makes the Zeekr 8X?

The Zeekr 8X is manufactured by Zeekr, which is the premium electric vehicle sub-brand of Geely, one of China’s largest and most globally connected automotive groups. Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and Lynk & Co, and holds a major stake in Aston Martin. Zeekr was established as Geely’s flagship electric brand and has rapidly become one of the most technically advanced EV manufacturers in the world, with models like the Zeekr 001 and 7X earning strong international recognition.