Zeekr 8X opens pre-sales on March 16 with 1,030 kW tri-motor PHEV system
Zeekr announced that its second plug-in hybrid model, the Zeekr 8X, will hold a technical launch and commence pre-sales on March 16, 2026. The flagship SUV is built on the SEA-S architecture and is scheduled to enter the market in the second quarter of this year, according to IT-home.
Powertrain & Architecture
The 8X utilises a plug-in hybrid system anchored by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (model DHE20-PFZ) produced by Aurobay Technologies, delivering a peak net power of 205 kW (275 hp). High-trim configurations feature a tri-motor megawatt drive system with a combined output of 1,030 kW (1,381 hp), enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in the 2-second range.
The chassis incorporates the Haohan AI Digital Chassis strategy, featuring a 48V active anti-roll bar, dual-chamber air suspension, and continuous damping control (CDC). This technical suite is shared with the larger Zeekr 9X flagship, which debuted the SEA-S modular architecture last year.
Battery
The battery supply is secured through the CATL-Geely joint venture. MIIT filings confirm two ternary lithium (NMC) Freevoy cell capacities:
- 55.1 kWh: 256–257 km electric range (CLTC)
- 70.0 kWh: 328 km electric range (CLTC)
The 70.0 kWh pack supports a 6C charging rate, enabling rapid energy replenishment via 800V/900V high-voltage architecture. Recent interior reveals confirm the cabin will feature a Naim audio system and a dual-screen cockpit layout.
Autonomous Hardware & Interior Specs
The 8X debuts the G-ASD (Geely Afari Smart Driving) system. Developed with Afari Technology, it utilises a World Action Model (WAM) for environmental processing. Hardware includes a roof-mounted LiDAR and the Nvidia Drive Thor-U chip, providing 700 TOPS of computing power.
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb Weight |
| Zeekr 8X | 5,100 mm | 1,998 mm | 1,780 mm | 3,069 mm | 2,660–2,820 kg |
| Li Auto L8 | 5,080 mm | 1,995 mm | 1,800 mm | 3,005 mm | 2,480 kg |
Market Positioning
Pre-sale pricing for the entry-level model is expected to start at approximately 430,000 yuan (59,310 USD), with top-tier configurations exceeding 550,000 yuan (75,862 USD). The Zeekr 8X targets the high-performance segment currently occupied by the BMW X5 M and Li Auto L8. For context, Li Auto delivered 31,165 vehicles in February 2026, setting a competitive benchmark for the luxury mid-to-large SUV segment.
