Mixing it up! China’s ambitious Zeekr plans zany people-mover, Tesla Model 3 fighter and first PHEV as Aussie ambitions expand

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024 Toby Hagon 647 Views 0 Comments 001, 007, Mix, Zeekr

Zeekr is set to turbocharge its Aussie model line-up with a Tesla-rivalling sedan and uber-cool tech-laden people mover.

The just-landed EV newcomer – that is part of the Geely Group that is also in charge of Volvo and Polestar – is also readying its first plug-in hybrid that plans to take the luxury SUV fight to Range Rover.

Australian plans for these models are yet to be confirmed, but the company says all three can potentially make it Down Under as they’ve been engineered to be manufactured in right-hand drive.

Zeekr has just started deliveries of the X compact SUV in Australia and will soon begin delivering the 009 large luxury people mover. Its third model confirmed for Australia is the 7X Tesla Model Y fighter that will arrive in 2025.

Speaking at a global media drive of new models, Zeekr’s head of product Allan Li told EV Central the brand that only built its first car in 2021 would evaluate right-hand drive demand and look to bolster the local range.

Zeekr product range at Ningbo race track in China Front row: Zeekr X, Zeekr 7X, Zeekr 001 Back row: Zeekr 007, Zeekr Mix, Zeekr 009, Zeekr 001 FR — Zeekr product range: Zeekr X, Zeekr 7X, Zeekr 001, Zeekr 007, Zeekr Mix, Zeekr 009, Zeekr 001 FR.

“I think it is a very high opportunity to introduce another new model (to Australia),” he said.

“All our products can be enabled for left- and right-hand drive.”

Li added that the electric medium sedan market currently led by the Tesla Model 3 – which even outsells the Toyota Camry – and BYD Seal is an obvious target.

There are two possibilities: the wagon-style 001 or sleek 007 sedan, the latter fresher and more affordable.

“I think we also study the feasibility for 007 or 001 because the Model 3 and BYD Seal also sell very well in the global market,” said Li.

The Zeekr 007 looks like it will be sold in Australia, but don’t expect it to be called 007.

“I prefer 007 because the size and price will be more affordable and very convenient.”

As well as shifting the steering system from one side to the other, the 007 would also likely undergo a name change due to its correlation with fictional spy James Bond.

Zeekr already refers to it as the Luxury Performance Sedan, opening the door to it being badged LPS.

Another interesting option for Australia is the Zeekr Mix. It was previewed as the CM1e prototype that was part of the driverless car program for Waymo.

The five-seat mid-sized Mix has just gone on sale in China and has been compared with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz that is playing in a similar market segment.

While the ID.Buzz leans on the heritage of the iconic Volkswagen Kombi, the Mix is more about tech and modern design.

Li says the company will evaluate whether to manufacture it in right-hand drive.

“We will continue to research the market opportunity,” he said, hinting it could make for an interesting alternative to the SUVs that dominate in the family car space.

“Australia is a very mature market. I think it (Mix) has an opportunity for family customers.”

Converting the Mix from left- to right-hand drive would be more than just redesigning and swapping the dash, instruments, pedals and steering wheel. The Mix would also need to change its front doors. The driver’s door is a traditional door but the front passenger door slides out and forward, similar to the rear swing-out doors that create easy entry to the deceptively spacious cabin.

That cabin is also super-easy to access because there is no pillar (B-pillar) between the front and rear doors, allowing a vast space with a flat floor.

As the concept hinted at, the Mix is also planned to make an appearance in North America as a driverless option for Waymo.

And Zeekr will soon expand beyond battery electric vehicles with a plug-in hybrid large SUV to take on Range Rover.

Expected to be called 8X or 9X – 9X seems most logical – the three-row SUV will be unveiled in the second half of 2025 as a flagship for the brand.

It will feature an advanced new plug-in hybrid system and is expected to include some respectable off-road capability.

The big question is whether that car will make it to Australia.

“It’s not a decided yes or no,” said Li of the large SUV he describes as “very, very high-end”.

He says the decision on right-hand drive production will come down to potential demand, something that may be low given the potential for a high price-tag.

The Zeekr 7X mid-sized electric SUV arrives in Australia in 2025.

And it would mean branching out from battery electric vehicles that have set the foundation for a brand that Zeekr says is a “premium electric vehicle brand”.

Now that fledgling youth-focused brand Lynk & Co is also part of the Zeekr stables – Zeekr being pitched as more of a luxury brand – the company can split product strategies.

And while Zeekr is gearing up to launch its first plug-in hybrid, Li says it will focus more on BEVs.

“Zeekr will be a little bit higher [in price and luxury] and mostly focus on the EV solution,” he says.

“Lynk & Co will be more plug-in [hybrids].”

In Australia Zeekr has just started deliveries of the X compact SUV and will soon begin delivering the 009 large luxury people mover.