- International deliveries begin in June 2026
- Initial regions: Middle East, then Central Asia
- Europe targeted for the fourth quarter
- More than 1000 kW of power
- About 1250 km of range on CLTC
- Chinese price above 500,000 yuan
The 8X is aimed at a different buyer and arrives later, with exports expected to start at the end of 2026 and continue into early 2027. Zeekr describes it as the sportier option, with up to 1381 hp and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds. That puts it squarely in the performance-SUV bracket where Chinese brands are trying to prove they can do more than simply undercut established rivals on price.
If Zeekr can make both models work abroad, it gets something more valuable than another export line: evidence that its higher-end products can compete on spec, speed, and image outside China. The harder question is whether the brand can keep that momentum once it runs into local pricing, taxes, and the stubborn preference many markets still have for familiar badges.
Zeekr is taking two of its newest SUVs beyond China, starting with the 9X in June 2026 and following with the 8X at the end of 2026. The first stop for the Zeekr 9X is the Middle East, then Central Asia, with Europe penciled in for the fourth quarter. For a Geely-owned brand still building its global identity, that is a fairly aggressive rollout – and a sign that Zeekr thinks premium Chinese EV buyers are no longer confined to home turf.
The 9X is the heavier lift. Zeekr says the full-size premium crossover has already passed 50,000 cumulative deliveries in China since launch, which gives it some real-world proof before export duties start. It pairs a hybrid powertrain with more than 1000 kW, about 1250 km of range on the CLTC cycle, and a price in China above 500,000 yuan.
Zeekr 9X specs and launch timing
- International deliveries begin in June 2026
- Initial regions: Middle East, then Central Asia
- Europe targeted for the fourth quarter
- More than 1000 kW of power
- About 1250 km of range on CLTC
- Chinese price above 500,000 yuan
The 8X is aimed at a different buyer and arrives later, with exports expected to start at the end of 2026 and continue into early 2027. Zeekr describes it as the sportier option, with up to 1381 hp and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds. That puts it squarely in the performance-SUV bracket where Chinese brands are trying to prove they can do more than simply undercut established rivals on price.
If Zeekr can make both models work abroad, it gets something more valuable than another export line: evidence that its higher-end products can compete on spec, speed, and image outside China. The harder question is whether the brand can keep that momentum once it runs into local pricing, taxes, and the stubborn preference many markets still have for familiar badges.