Zeekr has confirmed that its next flagship SUV will be called the Zeekr 8X, signalling another major step for the brand as it pushes further up the performance and technology ladder. Positioned as a high-end, high-performance model, the Zeekr 8X is expected to make its official debut in the first half of 2026, with early
The new SUV will sit on Zeekr’s SEA-S platform and is set to showcase some of the group’s most advanced hardware yet. Central to this is a 900V high-voltage electrical architecture, paired with the Haohan AI Digital Chassis. Power is expected to come from a plug-in hybrid setup similar to that used in the larger Zeekr 9X, featuring three electric motors and a 6C fast-charging battery designed for rapid energy replenishment.
Zeekr is placing strong emphasis on safety and adaptability with the Haohan AI Digital Chassis. The system is said to be capable of maintaining stable braking even in extreme situations, such as simultaneous tyre blowouts on the same side of the vehicle while travelling at 120 km/h on a wet and slippery road. Beyond emergency scenarios, the chassis also enhances off-road capability by automatically recognising up to seven different terrain types, including deep snow, mud, sand and rocky surfaces, and selecting the most suitable driving mode without driver intervention.
Early camouflage images suggest that the Zeekr 8X closely follows the design language of the Zeekr 9X. From the side, it features conventional door handles, gloss black wheels and red brake calipers, giving it a purposeful and sporty look. Despite the visual similarities, the 8X is expected to be slightly more compact. While the Zeekr 9X measures 5,239 mm in length with a 3,169 mm wheelbase, the 8X is believed to come in at around 5.1 metres long with a wheelbase of approximately 3.1 metres. It is also expected to be offered with flexible seating layouts, potentially in five-, six- or seven-seat configurations.
A roof-mounted lidar unit is clearly visible on the test vehicles, hinting at an advanced suite of driver assistance technologies. Like the 9X, the Zeekr 8X is expected to be available with Geely’s G-Pilot H7 or H9 advanced driving systems, depending on specification. The H7 setup uses a single Nvidia Drive Thor-U chip delivering up to 700 TOPS of computing power, while the higher-end H9 system employs a dual-chip configuration for even greater processing capability, paving the way for Level 3 autonomous driving functions.
With its blend of performance-focused engineering, cutting-edge safety systems and advanced driver assistance, the Zeekr 8X is shaping up to be a key model for the brand. If it delivers on its promise, it could become a serious contender in the premium SUV space when it arrives in 2026.