Zeekr 7GT News

Zeekr is warning of potentially long wait lists for its upcoming range of much-hyped cars, telling CarsGuide expressions of interest were building “faster than expected.” Speaking at the Everything Electric show in Sydney, Zeekr Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Frank Li said he was expecting there to be extended delivery times for the 7GT electric station wagon as well as the 8X and 9X large plug-in hybrid SUVs set to arrive in 2027 as the order banks grow in Australia and across the world. “We anticipate that 7GT might actually have a longer wait list than 7X did,” he said, adding “9X and 8X really have this huge interest. Every time I attend an event - even things not related to cars at all, I will have people try and place an order with me.” “The order bank is growing fast. Faster than we expected. There’s huge hype amongst our customers. We’re even seeing some families flying 8X across from China.” Li said the overwhelming reception to these new models in the markets they have already launched in, like the UAE and even the Chinese domestic market, was creating bottlenecks for the company. “It’s not just production capacity, but the whole supply chain. Shipping, logistics, even delivery centres can hold things up.” Li said that while the 8X and 9X “will bring Zeekr to the next level in Australia” in terms of volume, he warned availability would be severely limited. “I strongly recommend that buyers place a deposit if they want one. They need to make sure they are in that line so once the car is launched they can get into it as soon as possible.” The 7X mid-size SUV, which launched at an unprecedented price-point for a premium electric mid-sizer of $57,900, before on-road costs, rapidly became one of the fastest-selling EVs in Australia. By the end of August this year, it was the ninth best selling car in the country overall. However, some customers were left waiting some time for delivery as the brand struggled to keep up with demand. Li’s warning about potentially even worse wait times bodes well for the brand long-term, which is even more ambitious than it was when it arrived in Australia just two years ago. When asked if Zeekr could be the number one luxury brand in the country, leapfrogging once-favourites like Audi BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Li said recent developments make that a possibility, but sales targets aren’t his primary concern. “When we launched the brand, not just in Australia but globally, we were always hoping to become the best-selling premium EV brand, but with PHEV coming with 8X and 9X I think we can have some bigger ambitions of trying to become the best-selling premium brand,” he said. “But, apart from sales volume, it’s more important for us actually to have that customer satisfaction and the attitude toward the Zeekr brand. “If you were to ask me about what the brand looks like in three years I wouldn’t have a volume target to share with you, but after three years if we’re surveying customers when we ask about premium brands, Zeekr needs to be one of their top considerations. So this is more important than volume. That’s my target.” To that end, Li said the brand’s dealers would be asked to build a more premium experience in order to set Zeekr apart from its myriad of rivals and soon-to-arrive competitors like Avatr from Changan or Wey from GWM. “We’re not aiming for this big number of dealers, and for them to just change their logo and start selling cars. That’s not what we want, we want to build the customer experience properly.” He said the brand’s big investments in track events, dining and experiences were part of keeping its buyers engaged for longer “after we’ve handed over the keys”. It may even result in the Australian market scoring its own option packs, as the brand welcomes buyer feedback on track days and modifications. “Actually, we’ve already got customers showing us modifications they’ve done themselves,” Li said. “We’re developing some OEM-backed modifications for the Australian market. These are the kinds of lifestyle things we’ll be working on in the future.” Next for Zeekr is the launch of the 7GT which is expected to arrive before the end of 2026 with customer deliveries more likely for early 2027. The 9X three-row large plug-in will follow shortly afterwards, with the 8X due in the second half of 2027.

Australia is about to receive a wave of new EVs before the end of 2026. EV sales are surging in Australia as brands beef-up their line-ups to provide further choice. Here is a look at some of the best models still to arrive this year. GAC will launch an ultra-affordable variant of its Aion UT electric hatchback before the end of 2026. This Standard Range variant is priced similar to the popular Geely EX2 that starts from $26,490 (before on-road costs). It should start at less than $30,000 drive-away when it gets here, given the current variant on sale starts from $31,990 (drive-away). It’s equipped with a 44kWh battery instead of a 60kWh unit, offering a driving range of 320km, compared to 430km, according to WLTP standards. GAC hasn’t confirmed performance output yet, but in China its front-mounted electric motor produces 100kW and 145Nm, which is less than the 150kW/210Nm available now. Kia will introduce its first fully-electric people mover, the PV5 Passenger, to the Australian market in 2026. The PV5 Passenger is the people mover variant of the PV5 Cargo already on sale Down Under.  Its performance matches the PV5 Cargo, with a single electric motor making 120kW/250Nm and its 71.2kWh battery expected to offer around 416km of range (WLTP). Kia hasn’t provided a more specific launch date than Q4 2026, but it’s likely to be closer to December. The Korean brand hasn’t revealed pricing yet either, but Cargo starts from $55,990 (before on-road costs), so buyers can expect the more expensive Passenger variant to sit between $60,000 to $70,000. The much-anticipated Zeekr 7GT wagon is due to land in Australian showrooms in Q4 2026. The fully-electric Euro-styled wagon will target a similar reception to its 7X mid-size SUV sibling that has taken the Aussie market by storm so far.  The 7GT is available in a rear-wheel drive configuration, making 310kW/440Nm, as well as an all-wheel drive variant, with 475kW/710Nm.  We still don’t know how much it will cost, but it could sit around the $55,000 mark, coming in cheaper than the 7X SUV. XPeng is looking to make the most of its new factory-backed operation Down Under. The brand will launch its L03 electric mid-size SUV in December 2026, priced from $41,900 (before on-road costs).  This means it’s cheaper than the Tesla Model Y ($58,900) and the Zeekr 7X ($57,900), while matching the Geely EX5’s starting price ($41,900).  The L03 comes as standard with a single electric motor, producing 163kW/280Nm, and a 445km driving range from its 58kWh battery.  There will also be a hybrid range-extender variant of the car that uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to charge the battery and a single electric motor, making 178kW/280Nm. An updated Chery E5 small SUV will hit Aussie showrooms in late 2026. The E5’s budget-friendly status pits it against the BYD Atto 3 ($41,990) and Jaecoo J5 ($36,990, drive-away).  It offers the same performance as its outgoing model, with 155kW and 288Nm, while its 59kWh battery offers 430km of WLTP driving range.  It now has a larger 15.6-inch central touchscreen display and an auto-dimming mirror. The EX60 is the fully-electric counterpart to the XC60 - Volvo’s best-selling car of all time. The mid-size SUV will start from $86,900, and will tackle the BMW iX3 ($89,990) in the increasingly competitive electric SUV segments.  The RWD variant produces 275kW/480Nm, while the AWD makes 375kW/710Nm.  Performance increases up to 500kW and 680Nm on the more expensive P12 variant due in 2027.  Its initial variants will be equipped with either an 83kWh battery offering 610km or a 95kWh unit offering 660km of range, according to WLTP standards. GWM is about to launch a new hatchback variant of its Ora 5 EV in Australia.  The Ora 5 hatch will rival the BYD Dolphin and MG4 Urban in the affordable EV space.  It’s expected to have the same single motor found in the SUV variant, making 150kW/260Nm.  GWM has confirmed it has a 58kWh battery with a 435km driving range (WLTP). 

Buyers are about to get their first look at the next wave of EVs coming to Australia.  The 2026 Everything Electric Sydney event will showcase many of the latest EVs headed Down Under, and will have a record number of new examples on show. Many affordable Chinese plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars will be available to look at, as well as some of the most anticipated new cars on their way to Australia.  There will be plenty of new models put on show for the first time by Chery.  Chery’s European-styled sub-brand Lepas will have two of its new models about to hit Aussie showrooms on display.  The Lepas L6 electric mid-size SUV will be the brand’s first car put on sale in Australia, due in October 2026.  Lepas will also show off its smaller L4 electric SUV that is expected to arrive Down Under in 2027.  Chery’s adventure-focused sub-brand iCaur will introduce its V25 rugged SUV for the first time. The V25 is scheduled to arrive in early 2027 with a range-extender hybrid set-up to rival the plug-in hybrid Denza B5.  Chery and Omoda Jaecoo will debut new models at the show as well, with more details to be revealed closer to the event.  Zeekr will unveil its hugely-anticipated 7GT electric wagon publicly for the first time.  The 7GT takes aim at Europe’s elite luxury models the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  Earmarked for a late 2026 or early 2027 arrival, the 7GT will be the popular Chinese brand’s fourth model on sale Down Under.  Geely will continue its new model surge in Australia, with the introduction of two SUVs to its line-up.  The brand has not revealed any more specific details about what the models are.  They will join the mid-sized fully-electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i that have both experienced a positive sales return so far.  Geely is on the up in Australia, with its methodical approach to introducing models seeing it claim solid sales results. GWM is another brand to have a strong presence at Everything Electric.  The brand’s new-generation Haval H7 mid-size SUV will be on show, scheduled to launch Down Under later in 2026.  It is expected to be available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, giving it a wider family appeal.  GWM will also have a more affordable PHEV ute on display.  The GWM Cannon PHEV is pitched as a cheaper and smaller sibling to the Cannon Alpha PHEV, and could undercut the confidently-selling BYD Shark 6.  The Cannon PHEV is expected to officially launch in Australia in October 2026.  MG’s U9 electric ute will be on display for the first time in New South Wales at the show.  The U9 is one of few electric utes targeting the Australian market, along with the low-volume Toyota HiLux BEV.  MG’s luxury sub-brand IM will put its LS9 large SUV on display.  The LS9 is a six-seater SUV that provides competition for the popular Zeekr 9X.  It could launch in Australia in later 2026 or early 2027.  Hyundai will present its Staria Load Electric van for the first time in Australia.  The Staria Load EV will join diesel- and hybrid-powered variants of the car already on sale.  It will battle in an increasingly competitive electric van segment against the Kia PV5 and affordable Chinese rivals, including the LDV eDeliver 7.  Forthing will show off an electric people mover that will launch in 2027.  Forthing currently only sells its Taikon 5 mid-size SUV in Australia, available as a range-extender hybrid or fully-electric.  Cadillac’s new Lyriq V performance SUV will be on show.  It is the brand’s first of its V-Series, boasting as the fastest Cadillac ever.  It will join the standard Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq SUVs Down Under in early 2027.  Cadillac Lyriq-V Chery and Omoda Jaecoo new models  Forthing electric people mover Two Geely SUVs GWM Haval H7 and Cannon PHEV Hyundai Staria Load Electric iCaur V25 IM LS9 Lepas L6 and L4 MG U9 EV Zeekr 7GT

Zeekr has heard your feedback and more of its cars will get tactile buttons and dials as it moves away from exclusively touchscreen-based controls. Speaking to CarsGuide at a 7GT pre-launch event, the head of the company’s design studio in Shanghai, Javier Garcia-Gallardo said more buttons were “definitely” something that will be put into its cars going forward. “For the 7GT’s predecessor, the 007 sedan, we didn’t have physical controls in the centre console. We got some feedback from the Chinese market back then, so when it came time to adjust it for the 7GT we knew it was something we had to change,” he explained. “They add more functionality for the driver, but also a richer interior feeling at the same time. When we move up the line-up to the bigger cars like the 8X and 9X you can see more physical buttons are coming - so we are taking that feedback on.” “Especially those more material customers who are looking at 8X and 9X, they appreciate those switches and buttons and not having to navigate through the touchscreen to adjust their seat or turn on message functions.” “So for those kinds of features you’re going to be using very often, we’ve made sure they have a switch.” Buttons or not, one thing that sets Zeekr apart from its parent brand, Geely, is its unique and decidedly flashier software suite. Something Garcia-Gallardo said has been a huge benefit for the design team to integrate better into the overall feel of its cars. “We have our own operating system exclusive for us and built from zero,” he said. “It’s taken a couple of years to get it where it is now, but we feel it’s at a point where it’s pretty good in the market. For sure, the design team has been one of the major stakeholders developing that. “Being a platform product, the operating system has over the air updates extremely often, so it takes us a lot of manpower to curate and maintain its constant evolution.” Garcia-Gallardo said Zeekr has evolved past its infancy as a spin-off from sister brand Lynk & Co, and it was set for some bigger changes as it aligns to a more global audience. He said it was a challenge to design for the huge Chinese audience, while catering for global tastes. “We need to design cars which appeal to all markets and balance those considerations and requirements.” “China is a big market for Zeekr, and one of the biggest overall markets in the world, so the demands of that market are extremely important, so we need to appeal to the Chinese market to keep growing and be financially stable.” “As we mature as a company though it’s very important we bring global demands and requirements into the design program at the beginning.” “This was happening less at the start because we didn’t have the same global footprint that we have today, but now that we have a stronger customer base we have a wider set of requirements.” He added customer and media feedback, as well as quirks of local market requirements like Australian Design Rules (ADRs) were “certainly part of my day-to-day design briefings”. ADRs saw the animated LED bar across the front of the car deleted from the 7X and 7GT for the Australian market. When asked how much freedom Zeekr’s designers have when it comes to its new models, Garcia-Gallardo said it was an essential pillar of the brand. “The company trusts a lot in design, especially when it comes to defining proportions of the car, and its architecture. I think that’s what makes a car feel special at first glance. It’s those proportions which makes it feel like it doesn’t simply land in mainstream territory.” He added Zeekr’s future updates and new-generation products would see its range more rationalised into its two main design languages, ‘Hidden Energy’ as worn by the 7X and 7GT, and ‘Powerful Elegance’ as worn by the 8X and 9X hybrid large SUVs. Design elements inherited from Lynk & Co, like the dual-DRLs still seen on the X small SUV and 009 people mover are set to be phased out over time. Zeekr leaps up the charts in Australia, almost entirely thanks to its smash-hit 7X mid-size SUV. It has brought the brand some much needed momentum, which it hopes will be realised with the arrival of the fully electric 7GT sporty station wagon before the end of the year, and the introduction of the 8X and 9X hybrid large SUVs in 2027.

Zeekr is storming up the charts in Australia, targeting luxury and mainstream rivals, proving Chinese brands can be more than just budget-oriented. While rival premium brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes have such distinctive designs tied to their identities though, you might have noticed Zeekrs all look a bit different. Explaining this quirk of the brand, the head of Zeekr’s design studio in Shanghai Javier Garcia-Gallardo explained why the company had such diverse designs in its portfolio, and how things were going to evolve going forward. “It’s to do with the evolution of Zeekr and how the brand was born,” he said. “You could say we’ve been through three main chapters - the first chapter is the vehicles with heritage from Lynk & Co like the 001, 009 and the X. They are vehicles which transparently were designed to be part of the Lynk & Co brand and transitioned across to the Zeekr brand. “But they weren’t fully there yet, the Zeekr X, for example, still has the dual DRLs from Lynk & Co.” Lynk & Co is Zeekr’s sister company, both premium marques under parent company Geely’s umbrella. Lynk & Co existed first, dating back to 2016, but it has now been re-organised to sit under Zeekr ownership. Zeekr’s first vehicle, the 001, was originally revealed as the Lynk & Co Zero concept in 2020, before Zeekr’s formation in 2021. “The second chapter is where we introduced the ‘Hidden Energy’ language.” Garcia-Gallardo continued, “This is for the 7GT, the 7X and the Zeekr Mix.” This design language originally debuted in 2023 on the 007 sedan on which the 7GT wagon is based. “It was the first exclusively Zeekr design.” Garcia-Gallardo said. “For this, we wanted a shift of mindset for the customer. We wanted it to be very progressive, targeting Generation Z. They are digital natives and perceive technology in the car in a different way from previous generations. “Chapter three is ‘Powerful Elegance’ - our first cars represented by this are the 8X and 9X. These vehicles are targeted at a more material customer and have more traditional automotive design cues, but you can also see some cues from the 009 as well. The grille is very dominant and gives a kind of architectural design to the cars.” Going forward, things are set to line up to the brand’s main two designs, with smaller vehicles to stick to the ‘Hidden Energy’ and larger ones to sport the ‘Powerful Elegance’ look. This is particularly because Zeekr intends to have a more distinctive and instantly-identifiable look going forward as it builds its recognition globally. “The market is flexible, but a consistent design language is important for brand awareness," Garcia-Gallardo said, “we’ve spent the last couple of years evolving and exploring these different languages for different customer bases. What you can expect to see is the design languages will get closer together. “They won’t be ultra-dogmatic between them though - you’ll see some features from the 9X for example being interpreted in a different way on the 7 series vehicles and vice versa. “One example is the detail line which follows the ambient light through the digital instrument panel across the dash from door to door. It’s not as clear on the exteriors yet, but you’ll start to see a bit of horizontality introduced across our model range going forward.” Garcia-Gallardo hinted at other changes and tweaks to the model range going forward, too, which would be based on global feedback as Zeekr becomes more of an international brand. As for the Lynk & Co and Zeekr split, the two could be thought of as the Chinese side of the Volvo/Polestar equation (two similar brands with different purposes), although Lynk & Co and its sportier and largely hybrid offerings remains squarely aimed at Europe where it is headquartered for the time being rather than right-hand drive markets like Australia. Instead, we’ll be an important export focus for the Zeekr brand, which is headquartered in China. A plan to re-badge certain Lynk & Co models as Zeekrs for markets like Australia has been reportedly cancelled, as each brand establishes its own identity. The pair continue to diverge in their design, with Lynk & Co models continuing ownership of the split-DRL design on the new 08 PHEV mid-sizer and 900 large PHEV SUV. Meanwhile Zeekr will power ahead with its more high-end offerings in Australia into 2027, with the 8X and 9X hybrids due here over the next year, adding to its current range which consists of the X small SUV, 7X mid-sizer, 009 people mover, and incoming 7GT station wagon, all for now as electric cars.

Geely has announced it plans to double exports as part of a recent earnings call as it seeks aggressive global growth to escape the perils of an extremely competitive Chinese domestic market Li Shufu, the chairman of Geely Group, which also controls Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co and Zeekr, said the company would achieve these goals not through increased Chinese domestic production, but by increased global production. He said this was because “the world is undergoing a historic shift toward de-globalisation”, in reference to an increase in tariffs across the world that are restricting global trade. Geely Group plans to export 920,000 vehicles for the next financial year, which is more than double the amount of units it shipped last year, as reported by Nikkei Asia. To combat the rise of global tariffs, the company plans to build more cars in Europe, including at a Ford plant in Spain, and at existing Volvo factories, rather than expand production capacity at home. In addition, the company has expanded closer to Australia, including knockdown assembly in Indonesia, a plan to build Zeekrs at Proton facilities in Malaysia, and is said to be in talks to follow its rivals GWM and Chery in setting up manufacturing in Thailand. “De-globalisation” is a major problem for Chinese automakers, which are increasingly seeking higher profits in global markets to escape razor thin margins and shrinking sales in the hyper-competitive Chinese domestic market. Zeekr in particular has been an overperformer for Geely, significantly raising the average sale price of their vehicles. The company said in its most recent financial results that the 9X had become the best-selling car above the equivalent of $100,000 in China, and the brand had nearly doubled volume year-on-year. Australia is perhaps the ideal model for the Chinese giant’s growth aspirations, with both Geely and Zeekr experiencing explosive growth over the past year. Despite a slowly-but-surely new model approach compared to rivals like BYD and Chery, Geely is up over 500 per cent year-on-year and has already surpassed Volkswagen and Honda to become nearly on-par with once-favourites like Subaru and Nissan. Its model range thus far only consists of the EX5 and the related Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid mid-sizers, as well as the new EX2 hatchback. The company will launch the Camry-rivalling Emgrand sedan and a larger SUV in 2027. Zeekr will also expand on its model range, adding the much-hyped 8X large SUV and 9X flagship, both with plug-in hybrid power over the course of 2027. The 7GT electric wagon will be added before the end of 2026. All are expected to add significant volume for the brand. Geely will need to double its volume to challenge its best-selling Chinese rivals in Australia. Chery and MG that have each sold nearly 30,000 vehicles so far in 2026, as well as GWM that has sold over 30,000 units and BYD has crested the 60,000 unit mark, but it is tracking ahead of other new rivals like GAC, XPeng and Omaoda Jaecoo. One thing is clear though. With relatively high margins, success in challenging established players, and a solid array of new products due over the next year, we’ll be seeing a lot more Geelys and Zeekrs on Australian roads.

Zeekr has shared details of its upcoming 7GT wagon ahead of its Australian arrival. Due before the end of 2026, the 7GT will be the brand’s next model following on from the success of the 7X mid-size SUV, and the brand has now confirmed it will bring the same three core trim levels available in China across to our market. This means the 7GT will be available in both standard and long-range versions, as well as a top-spec Performance all-wheel drive. The brand also hinted at an as-yet unknown fourth variant, which was said to be some kind of special edition. The 7GT has already been specified in Europe, where it is available in a base 75kWh Core RWD version with 310kW/440Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and travel 519km according to WLTP measuring standards.  Next is a mid-spec 100kWh Long Range RWD version with the same power outputs and 0-100km/h sprint time despite its larger battery. Its range is boosted to 655km (WLTP). The top-spec Privilege AWD adds a second motor on the front axle, producing a combined output of 475kW/710Nm. It reduces the 0-100km/h sprint time to just 3.3 seconds, but also reduces driving range to 558km (WLTP). If the 7GT’s local price-tags remain relative to the cost of the 7X SUV in China, it will be a keenly-priced option locally. In China, the 7GT is priced lower than the 7X, with a conversion suggesting a starting figure of around $55,000, especially since the entry-level rear-wheel drive version is now confirmed. Expect the top-spec all-wheel drive version to top-out closer to $70,000. While specifications for right-hand drive Australian market cars are yet to be revealed, over in Europe the base car comes with the large 15.0-inch multimedia touchscreen and 13.0-inch digital dash, as well as built-in navigation and even panoramic sunroof. The mid-grade Long Range adds things like a 35.5-inch head-up display, while the top-spec Privilege AWD grade also adds active air suspension with adaptive dampers. Overseas, all three core 7GT variants are also available optionally with a range of interior packages, ranging from suede sports seats through to up-sized performance brakes designed to extend performance usage beyond what would otherwise be possible in cars with such heavy batteries. All versions of the 7GT are also equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing a 10-80 per cent charge time between 13 and 16 minutes. All cars are also equipped with 3.3kW vehicle-to-load discharging and 22kW AC charging according to Euro specs. Inside, Euro spec cars get a choice of textile black, or Nappa leather interior trim in either charcoal or white. Chinese cars meanwhile are available with a wider array of interior trims including synthetic suede. The 7GT’s wagon body allows it a 456-litre boot capacity, while the frunk is 65-litres in rear-wheel drive variants or 32 litres in all-wheel drive variants. In Europe, the wagon is permitted to tow 1600kg, although whether this will carry over into the Australian market where regulations tend to be slightly different, remains to be seen. The 7GT was also recently awarded a maximum five-star EuroNCAP safety rating (which is expected to form the basis of a maximum five-star ANCAP rating). The sporty wagon will be Zeekr’s next launch in Australia, with the highly-anticipated 8X large SUV and 9X flagship due over the course of 2027, both of which will introduce plug-in hybrid power to the Chinese premium automaker’s line-up.

Zeekr’s incoming 7GT electric station wagon has secured a maximum five star EuroNCAP score ahead of its expected imminent arrival in Australia. The 7GT has been tested to the latest EuroNCAP standards, which sync up with ANCAP’s toughest-ever new rating regime that was just introduced to Australia. The sporty electric wagon is one of the first cars tested under the new system, and it scored highly across all four new testing pillars. These include Safe Driving (79 per cent), Crash Avoidance (89 per cent), Crash Protection (93 per cent) and Post-Crash Safety (95 per cent). While the maximum EuroNCAP score is a strong indicator for how the wagon will perform under the ANCAP system (as the destructive testing in Europe often forms the basis for ANCAP’s assessment), it is no guarantee. ANCAP’s assessment takes into account local specifications and can also involve local validation for active safety equipment, which is more intensely scrutinised under the new rules. The 7GT was partially marked down in the Safe Driving category for placing some core controls in the multimedia touchscreen. Overall the 7GT scored higher than the BMW iX3, which was the first car rated five stars to the new rating system. The 7GT is due in Australia imminently, being one of three new Zeekr models earmarked for Australia in the short-term. It is likely our market will receive the 9X large luxury hybrid SUV first, with the 7GT to be next. Both will arrive before the brand’s most hyped new car, the 8X large five-seat SUV, which is a smash-hit in China. The plug-in hybrid 8X will be aiming squarely at premium rivals with pricing likely to start close to, if not more than, $100,000. The 7GT should be priced in the region of $55,000 to $70,000 by the time it arrives in Australia, and is available in either rear-wheel drive form (370kW/545Nm) or Performance all-wheel drive form (585kW/812Nm), according to Chinese specifications. It is also offered with either a 75kWh battery pack (702km range, CLTC) or a 103kWh battery pack (880km range, CLTC). It also has a 900-volt electrical architecture, allowing it to charge in less than 20 minutes on a compatible DC charger. Expect to learn more about the 7GT as we approach its launch window, which is expected to be either late 2026 or early 2027. The brand told CarsGuide official pre-orders for the wagon will become available to buyers imminently.

Vice President of Zeekr Group Mars Chen explained what the Chinese luxury brand’s ultimate objective is. Some of its Chinese rivals frequently cite the huge and lucrative US market as the ultimate aspiration, Zeekr’s goal is somehow both more subtle and loftier at the same time. “We are not a ‘real’ luxury brand yet, right?” Chen said. “We’re still only five years old.” “I think it’s to be the top premium choice, with or without a battery,” he said. “In the end, it’s if people don’t mention whether it’s an EV or it’s a hybrid. You need a nice, expensive, fancy car? Zeekr is a brand you absolutely must check. It’s one you cannot avoid.” Chen wasn’t so keen on factoring the US into Zeekr’s immediate plans for the future. "With the US market, if you take out pick-ups, then the passenger car market is not that big. It is a big cake, but still, without that cake we’d like to make a very nice meal,” said Chen. Chen said the brand was discussing the potential of a ute or pick-up truck to add to Zeekr’s expanding range of headline-grabbing models. Interestingly one factor which the brand was considering is how tightly contested the segment was becoming, with seemingly every Chinese automaker scrabbling to release a “box-style” hybrid off-roader. Chen said a potential for a ute or US-style pick-up truck is just a discussion for now. “We want to re-define every single segment. Once we identify the segment, Zeekr will check how disruptive we can be if we enter. We have the curiosity to do it, but it’s not a concrete thing.” “If we cannot create enough differentiation, of course we won’t just follow or replicate ,” he said. Chen said Zeekr’s strategy is to focus on just a few consolidated models, rather than cars that are “customised just for one country. Even just China”. “If we want to be in that segment, we have to be a global brand.” Zeekr’s model range as it stands is limited to the X small SUV, 009 People Mover, 7X mid-size SUV, 007 and 7GT sedan and wagon pair, as well as the incoming 8X large SUV and 9X flagship. For the Australian market, the brand has shot from relative obscurity in its first year on the market to a front runner in the EV space, thanks to the arrival of its extremely competitive 7X mid-sizer. The model has gone on to become the fourth-best-selling electric vehicle in the country, racking up 973 units to the end of April, trailing only the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Geely EX5 in that order. The 9X and 8X large SUVs which are set to follow in the next 12 months will shift the brand to plug-in hybrid territory and have already created quite some hype in the market, despite asking prices looking like they’ll start well and truly in premium territory.