China’s Zeekr X SUV takes another step towards competing with BYD and Volvo in Australia
The Volvo EX30 is about to get some internal competition as the small electric SUV segment continues to heat up in Australia.
by Zeekr little X The SUV has been approved for sale in Australia, with deliveries expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
The Geely-owned electric vehicle (EV) brand confirmed earlier this year that it would introduce the X here, and some early examples are discovered in Sydney last month.
Australian Government documents now confirm the Zeekr X has been approved for sale in both rear- and four-wheel drive versions.
It will work against it Volvo EX30 platform-mate and popular BYD Atto 3 in the Australian small electric SUV market.
The X will likely be Zeekr’s second model to hit the market Down Under, following the planned launch of the 009 electric passenger car sometime in the second half of this year.
The Zeekr X is based on the same Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) as a range of Geely models, including not only Volvo EX30 but also Smart crossover models #01 and #03 expected to be available this year.
Full Australian specifications for the X have yet to be revealed, although approval documents detail a RWD version with a single motor producing 200kW.
Models equipped with that powertrain have a net weight of 1855kg and a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 2410kg.
The AWD models also get the 200kW rear motor but add a 115kW front motor, giving a total power output of 315kW. They have a curb weight of 1960kg and a GVM of 2510kg.
Both models have a braked towing capacity of 1600kg. The X is also similar in size to the BYD Atto 3, measuring 4432mm long, 1836mm wide and 1572mm high, with a wheelbase of 2750mm and a ground clearance of 190mm.
European Zeekr X versions are offered with a choice of single-motor 200kW/343Nm rear-wheel drive or dual-motor 315kW/543Nm all-wheel drive, with WLTP ranges claimed at 446km and 425km respectively.
They draw power from a 69kWh lithium-ion battery, which can charge at up to 150kW on a DC fast charger.
Inside the cabin there’s an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 24.3-inch augmented reality display.
The Zeekr X starts at €44,990 (AU$73,680) in Germany, identical to the Tesla Model Y.
In Australia, the Model Y starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX30 starts from $59,990 before on-road costs and the Atto 3 starts from $44,499 before on-road costs. It’s not yet clear how much the Zeekr will cost.
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