Zeekr's updated 2026 X SUV arrives in Australian showrooms this month with 50kW more power across both variants, a new battery in the base car, faster DC charging, and a starting price of $48,900 drive-away. The RWD is now sharper than most of its rivals on paper. The AWD is in a different conversation entirely.

What changed

The base Zeekr X RWD now uses a 250kW rear motor, up 50kW, and runs to 100km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds. The AWD pairs a 115kW front motor with a 250kW rear, total 365kW, for a claimed 3.7 second sprint to 100km/h. Both numbers comfortably outgun the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor it shares a platform with, which tops out at 315kW and a 3.6 second dash. The Zeekr badge now gives you more power for less money than the Volvo badge does on the same bones.

The RWD also picks up Zeekr's new Golden Battery, a 61kWh LFP pack lifted from the larger 7X. Peak DC charging climbs from 150kW to 230kW, with a claimed 10 to 80 per cent fill in around 18 minutes. That puts it well ahead of the BYD Atto 3 (88kW peak) and roughly level with the Tesla Model Y RWD on the right charger.

Pricing and what you get

$48,900 drive-away for the RWD, $57,900 drive-away for the AWD. Pre-order before 31 May and Zeekr throws in a 7kW home charger, free premium paint, free interior colour upgrade, automatic doors, two extra years of warranty and two extra years of roadside. For an EV launch in 2026, that is an aggressive opening hand.

Standard kit has been broadened too. The launch list is fuller than the outgoing car: more ADAS coverage, more comfort kit, no obvious paywall on the colour you actually want.

Cartell Assessment

The Zeekr X is the most interesting sub-$60k EV on sale in Australia right now, and it is not close. A 250kW small SUV under $50k drive-away should not exist at this price. A 365kW one for under $60k drive-away is a stretch even Tesla cannot match on the Model Y. The catch, as always with Zeekr, is the dealer network. Showrooms are thin, service is still mostly mobile, and resale on a 2024 X is already an open question for owners who bought early. If you are buying for the long run, eyes open.

The car itself is excellent. The brand is still learning.

AU Outlook

Volvo will be paying close attention. The EX30 is built on the same SEA platform, and it is now both more expensive and slower than the Zeekr X that shares its bones. Expect EX30 stock to start shifting on price. The other knock on effect is at BYD, where the Sealion 6 PHEV at $48,990 drive-away now has a genuine fully electric rival on the same money. Watch the May order book.