Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under the Geely umbrella, has confirmed it will not launch a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 in Australia in the immediate future. Despite the global popularity of its sedan models, the company’s leadership is prioritizing its shooting brake and SUV lineup for the Australian market, signaling a strategic focus on niche segments rather than entering the crowded mid-size sedan arena.
A Strategic Pivot Away from Sedans
During a media briefing at Zeekr’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China, Mars Chen, the brand’s International Vice President, clarified that the Zeekr 007 —a high-performance sedan—will not be part of the initial Australian rollout.
“Frankly speaking, not in this moment [for Australia]. In a few years [we might consider] the 001,” Mr. Chen stated, referring to the brand’s flagship shooting brake.
This decision leaves a gap in the Australian market where Zeekr could have directly challenged the Tesla Model 3. However, the brand is not abandoning the “7” series entirely. Instead, it is focusing on the Zeekr 7GT, an electric shooting brake that shares the same architecture and drivetrains as the 007 sedan. The 7GT is scheduled to arrive in Australia within the next 12 months, bringing much of the technology and performance of its sedan sibling to local buyers.
The Zeekr 7 Series: Performance Without the Sedan Body
Although the sedan body style is absent, the technology powering the Zeekr 7 series remains formidable. The 7GT will offer single- and dual-motor electric drivetrains. The top-tier all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant delivers 585kW of power and 812Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100km/h sprint in just 2.73 seconds.
Key technical highlights include:
* Battery Capacity: A 103kWh pack offering up to 905km of range (CLTC cycle).
* Ultra-Fast Charging: A 900V electrical architecture capable of adding 640km of range in just 10 minutes.
* Performance Options: Buyers can opt for the FR-Line Performance Package, featuring bronze-gold forged wheels, four-piston brake calipers, and suede upholstery with yellow accents.
For Australian consumers, this means access to high-end EV performance and rapid charging capabilities, albeit in a more unique shooting brake silhouette rather than a traditional sedan.
The Roadmap: SUVs and the Potential 001
Zeekr’s expansion in Australia is set to accelerate significantly over the next year. The brand plans to double its lineup by introducing three new models:
1. Zeekr 7GT: The electric shooting brake (launching within 12 months).
2. Zeekr 8X: A mid-size SUV.
3. Zeekr 9X: A flagship SUV, expected to lead the rollout.
The new 8X and 9X models will feature range-extended electric powertrains, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two or three electric motors. The most potent variants can produce over 1000kW of system power, offering more than 250km of pure electric range. This hybrid approach addresses range anxiety while maintaining high performance, differentiating Zeekr from purely battery-electric competitors.
As for the Zeekr 001, the brand’s original and largest shooting brake, Mr. Chen indicated it is a possibility for Australia “probably in a few years.” The 001, which shares underpinnings with the Polestar 4, is already available in Europe and offers a dual-motor AWD system with 400kW and up to 620km of WLTP range.
Market Impact and Sales Trajectory
Zeekr’s strategy appears to be paying off. The brand has experienced a 900% year-on-year sales increase in Australia, driven primarily by the Zeekr 7X, its mid-size EV SUV. The 7X has become a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, accounting for over 95% of Zeekr’s local sales.
- April Registrations: 973 units
- Year-to-Date (YTD) Sales: 2,698 units
While these figures trail behind the Tesla Model Y (6,719 YTD) and BYD Sealion 7 (6,248 YTD), Zeekr has already surpassed Volvo (2,351 YTD) in total sales, despite Volvo being a more established brand in the region.
Mr. Chen highlighted that current demand and backlogs suggest the brand could sustain monthly deliveries at double the current rate once supply chain issues are resolved. The company aims to clear its order backlog and reduce wait times by mid-year, potentially intensifying competition for the Australian EV sales crown in the second half of 2026.
Conclusion
Zeekr is choosing a deliberate path in Australia, sidestepping the saturated sedan market to focus on distinctive body styles and SUVs. By leveraging its strong sales momentum with the 7X and expanding into range-extended SUVs and shooting brakes, the brand aims to consolidate its position as a premium EV player without directly engaging Tesla in the sedan segment just yet.
