2024 Zicle X
Australia is one of the most competitive new car markets in the world, and a new entrant has joined the fray.
Zeekr is the latest brand looking to establish itself locally, officially launching in Sydney this week. Part of a portfolio of brands controlled by Chinese giant Geely, Zeekr is a premium all-electric brand that competes with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Geely’s fellow brand Volvo.
Zeekr will operate entirely separately from Geely’s fellow Volvo and Polestar in Australia, but is positioning itself to take advantage of its place within the multinational group, utilising its European design studios in Volvo’s hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden, while also highlighting Chinese electric vehicle technology.
Zeekr will initially launch its Australian operations with two models, the X compact SUV and the 009 people mover, both of which will hit local roads in October, with the first official deliveries taking place at the South by Southwest event in Sydney.
2024 Zicle X
Zeekr Australia has confirmed the specifications for the X, which uses the same ‘SAE’ platform as the similarly sized Volvo EX30. Two versions will be available – the X RWD with a 200kW/343Nm motor, and a dual-motor AWD boasting 315kW/543Nm of power. The X AWD can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, which is extremely quick for a sports car, let alone a compact SUV.
Zeekr hasn’t officially confirmed pricing for the X, but it promises that the RWD will be “under $60,000” at launch, and the X AWD will be “under $70,000.” For reference, Volvo EX30 pricing starts at $59,990 for the single-motor model and $69,990 for the dual-motor performance Ultra.
G-Car is a new brand in Australia but has hired some big names to help fuel its global success: former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen is the brand’s “chief performance advisor” and current Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu is the company’s “chief motorist”.
