ZEEKR 8X enters pre-sale starting at 376,800 yuan, targeting the high-performance SUV segment

ZEEKR 8X starts pre-sale from 376,800 yuan, featuring standard and Yaoying versions, 900V technology, AI Digital Chassis, and up to 1,030 kW of power.

ZEEKR 8X Pre-sale and its Versions

ZEEKR has opened pre-sales for the 8X, a mid-to-large SUV, with two series: the standard ZEEKR 8X and the Yaoying. The standard line comes with Max, Ultra, and Ultra+ packages, with pre-sale prices ranging from 376,800 to 446,800 yuan; the Yaoying edition starts at 516,800 yuan.

Cutting-edge Technology to Take on Rivals

The main highlight is the SEP system, a 900V high-voltage hybrid architecture focused on integrated performance. The 8X offers 55 kWh or 70 kWh batteries, with charging up to 6C and a peak power output of 425 kW. Charging from 20% to 80% takes about 9 minutes.

• Electric range up to 410 km; total range up to 1,416 km according to CLTC
• Dual-motor setup: 660 kW, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 s
• Yaoying: Tri-motor with 1,030 kW total, 0 to 100 km/h in 2.96 s

The 2.0T powertrain delivers 205 kW of power with 46% thermal efficiency, accompanied by a 145 kW P1 generator. The manufacturer claims that the acceleration time might only be 0.2s behind the fully charged version even in a low-energy state, if verified in real tests.

The 8X adopts the 3-engine, 12-mode driving logic, covering scenarios such as purely electric driving, series charging, parallel driving, direct traction, and energy recovery. An AI system manages energy and switches modes based on navigation, weather, and driving habits.

Chassis and Suspension: The Highlight is Software Integration

The vehicle uses the Haohan AI Digital Chassis, featuring the Dinghai Intelligent Hub, a single controller that manages suspension, braking, steering, and propulsion, in addition to the hardware.

• Dual-chamber air suspension with dual-valve CCD dampers
• Automatic stiffness control with two adjustment zones and a wider damping range
• Active stabilizer bar capable of 1,400 N·m of torque, keeping roll below 2° at 80 km/h
• Integration with assistance sensors, navigation, and gyroscope to adjust parameters before adverse conditions

Off-road Capabilities and Driving Modes

The 8X offers 13 driving modes, including eight tailored for different surfaces, in addition to a crawl function between 2 and 12 km/h. The water wading mode for depths up to 500 mm requires the optional Qianli Haohan H9 package.

Price, Positioning, and Competition

The pre-sale price, significantly below the expected 430,000 yuan, demonstrates a strategy of fierce competition in mid-to-large performance-focused SUVs. The 8X is presented as a high-performance five-seater SUV, with dimensions of 5,100 mm in length and a 3,069 mm wheelbase. The idea is to challenge traditional rivals like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, with the Yaoying targeting the X5 M and Cayenne Turbo GT versions.

Internally, the 8X complements the lineup with the 9X, aimed at ultra-luxury above 500,000 yuan. The 8X covers the range between 370,000 and 450,000 yuan, seeking a distinct positioning against multi-seaters in the area.

• Pre-sale offers a 3,000 yuan deposit with a 10,000 yuan discount on the final price
• Free options up to 98,000 yuan for a limited time

Delivery and Prospects

Delivery is scheduled to begin in the second quarter. The success of the Super E-Hybrid setup and the AI Digital Chassis may define market acceptance, especially in justifying the brand premium over major German names.

What are your expectations for the ZEEKR 8X against traditional high-performance SUVs? Leave your comment below and explain whether the price and technology are worth the gamble.