News

Chinese start-up Zeekr to undercut price of Volvo twin in Australia

New Chinese automaker Zeekr – which is part of the giant Geely automotive group – will launch its first car in Australia next month, adding to the current wave of electric vehicles from emerging brands. 

The Zeekr X – a small SUV similar in size to a Toyota Corolla Cross, though said to be taking aim at the top-selling Tesla Model Y – will launch in Australia ahead of an electric people mover due later this year or early next year. 

While the Zeekr X was unveiled in China earlier this year, the company is starting to showcase the model in Australia in special previews and has now given an indication on price. 

Executives for Zeekr in Australia told a media briefing in Sydney last week the Zeekr X will undercut the price of the Volvo EX30 on which it is based. 

While exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, executives for Zeekr Australia said the base model will be priced below $60,000 before on-road costs, and the luxury all-wheel-drive model will be priced below $70,000 before on-road costs. 

First Australian test drives of the Zeekr X are due to start next month ahead of showroom deliveries by the end of the year. 

Zeekr is a relatively new brand created as a Chinese offshoot of Volvo. 

Volvo was acquired by Geely in 2010 after Ford sold the Swedish brand to the Chinese auto giant. (Ford owned Volvo from 1999 to 2010 but was not able to make it profitable).

The acquisition of Volvo fast-tracked Geely’s vehicle development and design to global standards, with styling and engineering facilities in Sweden as well as China. 

The Zeekr X is the first co-developed ‘twin’ to a Volvo vehicle, in this case, the Volvo EX30.

Following the struggle of some rival car brands in Australia who have tried to sell electric cars at non-negotiable prices (and paying dealers a flat fee to handle the vehicle handover to the customer), Zeekr says it will establish a traditional dealer network here.

This means customers will be able to negotiate on price, and it could pay to shop around. However, Zeekr Australia is yet to announce its dealer network.

Here is what we know so far about the upcoming Zeekr X. 

  • Base model Zeekr X
  • 200kW / 343Nm output
  • Rear wheel drive
  • 66kWh Lithium-ion NMC battery pack
  • 150kW charging maximum
  • Vehicle to load charging
  • 540km range (claimed ADR 81/02)
  • Claimed (untested) 0 to 100kmh time of 5.6 seconds
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • 7 airbags
  • Vehicle warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
  • Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km
  • Top of the range Zeekr X
  • 315kW / 543Nm output
  • All wheel drive
  • 66kWh Lithium-ion NMC battery pack
  • 150kW charging maximum
  • Vehicle to load charging
  • 470km range (claimed ADR 81/02)
  • Claimed (untested) 0 to 100kmh time of 3.8 seconds
  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • 7 airbags
  • Vehicle warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
  • Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km

Recent Posts

  • Motoring

The stunning new BMW iX3 is a vision for the future realised as Neue Klasse comes to market

BMW has revealed the first new model to be designed and engineered under their 2025…

1 hour ago
  • Tech

Best in Smart Home – The SwannBuddy 4K Video Doorbell with AI wins at the IFA Innovation Awards

The SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell with SwannShield™AI Voice Assistant has been given an Honouree accolade for…

9 hours ago
  • Tech

360 degree security camera coverage and smart AI capabilities come to Reolink security lineup at IFA 2025

Reolink is a bit of an upstart when it comes to home security but having…

11 hours ago
  • Lifestyle

LG unveil its AI plans for your home appliances at IFA 2025

LG has announced its vision for AI-powered living at IFA 2025 under the moniker “LG…

18 hours ago
  • Tech

NBA 2K26 review: a hugely popular game just got even better

To say that NBA 2K is an institution is an understatement of significant proportions.  Even…

21 hours ago
  • Tech

Samsung unveils new Bespoke AI Washer with A-65% Energy Efficiency and Second Generation Bespoke AI Laundry Combo at IFA 2025

The appliance news keeps coming from Europes largest consumer electronics show, with Samsung showing off…

1 day ago