World EV model Zeekr has formally entered the Australian automobile market, unveiling its X compact SUV at a media occasion held at Sydney’s Walsh Bay. It’s the primary of two fashions to be launched this yr, with its 009 MPV due nearer to Christmas.
The Chinese language automobile maker has established a full manufacturing facility subsidiary in Australia and is at present engaged on a franchise dealership distribution mannequin, with as much as 9 places anticipated to be confirmed quickly.
The Zeekr X can be out there for pre-order in September, and the corporate has been actively amassing expressions of curiosity from Australian prospects through its official web site (with as much as 1,000 already).
Zeekr, who’s title is actually made up of zero, electrical, and the letters for the sunshine emitting chemical factor krypton, can also be a sponsor of the upcoming SXSW competition in Sydney, an influential platform for innovators, thought leaders, and change-makers.
The official public launch of Zeekr’s fashions will happen at this very occasion in October, with automobile deliveries to comply with shortly thereafter. The posh model is a part of Geely Holding Group, who additionally personal Lynk & Co, Volvo Vehicles, Polestar and Lotus, amongst others.
“Zeekr’s enlargement into the Australian market brings our progressive and cutting-edge electrical automobiles to a brand new viewers, providing a singular driving expertise that blends fashion, efficiency, and sustainability,” managing director Connal Yan mentioned.
“By choosing SXSW Sydney because the stage for our launch, Zeekr is demonstrating its dedication to innovation, showcasing our merchandise to a world viewers, and setting the inspiration for a way forward for limitless prospects in sustainable mobility.”
The Zeekr X is constructed on the model’s sustainable expertise structure (SEA), and can be launched in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive trims, priced sub-$60,000 and sub-$70,000 respectively, earlier than on-road prices.
Providing a steadiness of design, know-how, driving dynamics, efficiency and security, along with an NEDC vary round 540km (RWD), and quick charging. Utilising new battery tech, which means 10-80 per cent in lower than half-hour (150kW DC quick charger).
The RWD mannequin will provide 200kW of energy and 343Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h dash time of 5.6 seconds. It rides on 19-inch alloys. Its AWD sibling jumps the numbers to 315kW and 543Nm, and a dash to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds. It has a 470km vary.
A 66kWh lithium-ion battery, neatly packaged beneath the floor to boost inside house and decrease the automobile’s centre of gravity, aiding its dynamic dealing with and talent, makes use of nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) cells provided by CATL for optimum vitality density and sturdiness.
Benefitting from an eight-year/160,000km guarantee, the battery will – at end-of-life – be recycled consistent with international directives. The automobile itself comes with a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee.
The Zeekr X’s 5G-enabled digital cockpit gives cutting-edge know-how, a wealth of linked options, and intuitive controls to supply a very immersive person expertise, because of a Qualcomm 8155 chip, and over the air updates.
The 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system additionally benefits from the Zeekr voice assistant. Utilizing pure voice instructions, this clever, AI-powered know-how allows easy management of quite a few automobile options, reminiscent of navigation and local weather.
It’s joined by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 24.3-inch augmented actuality head-up show. When the automobile is parked, a number of predefined comfort modes are additionally out there.
Theatre mode sees the seats mechanically modify into the perfect place for having fun with music. In pet mode, the local weather system maintains the cabin and the touchscreen shows a message to tell and reassure passers-by that the pets inside are comfy and secure.
A safety characteristic often known as sentry mode can also be provided, permitting the automobile to create a video of the realm across the automobile if suspicious exercise is detected. Solely the motive force can entry the recordings, that are saved within the automobile’s built-in storage or on a USB drive.
You could find out extra concerning the new Zeekr X, in addition to the corporate’s pending arrivals on their web site, or by speaking to your native dealership (as soon as they’re open).
