logo
Fiat 500 Hybrid: Electric hatch re-engineered for petrol engine, manual transmission

Fiat 500 Hybrid: Electric hatch re-engineered for petrol engine, manual transmission

7NEWS2 days ago
The second-generation Fiat 500 has finally been given a petrol-powered successor, but its journey to production is twistier than the Stelvio pass.
That's because the new 500 Hybrid is based on the third-generation 500 — also known as the 500e — that was designed only for electric drivetrains.
Under the bonnet is a mild-hybrid drivetrain with Fiat's 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Fiat has yet to provide the 500 Hybrid's power, torque, performance or fuel economy figures. However, the same drivetrain was used in the second-generation 500, and made 52kW and 92Nm.
The 500e is offered with two electric drivetrains: an entry-level 70kW motor paired with a 24kWh battery, and a punchier 87kW motor with a 42kWh battery.
Externally there's only one major change: a new grille in the front bumper, below the 500 badge, to let allow more air into the engine bay. At the rear, the 500e badge has been replaced a Hybrid one.
Like the exterior, the interior is basically the same as the 500e, with the Hybrid set to feature a 7.0-inch instrumentation display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen running Fiat's uConnect 5 infotainment software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
According to Motor1, the 500 Hybrid will retail for around €17,000 (A$30,700) in Italy. In its homeland, the official list price for the 500e is €29,950 (A$54,000), but the company is currently offering a deal that brings the total price down to €22,905 (A$41,300).
It's unclear how much re-engineering took place, but Fiat announced last year it would spend €100 million (A$180 million) to upgrade the 500's factory, as well as upgrade the 500's platform for improved EV performance and to accept a petrol engine.
Launched in 2020, the 500e was one of the last products engineered by Fiat Chrysler before it merged with Group PSA — parent of Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall — to form Stellantis.
Early in its life the 500e was the most popular EV in Italy, and the car managed around 65,000 sales in Europe in 2023. Sales have tapered off badly, though, with only 25,000 finding new homes last year.
Combined with the withdrawal of the second-generation 500 from EU markets due to cybersecurity regulations in 2024, and Fiat's share of the city car segment has dropped dramatically.
Production of the 500 Hybrid will take place alongside the electric 500e at Fiat's factory in Mirafiori, on the outskirts of Turin.
The first showroom-bound 500 Hybrids will begin trundling out of the plant in November, and while only 5000 will be made this year, Fiat is expecting to make 100,000 per year.
The 500 Hybrid will be available in all of the 500e's body styles: three-door hatch, convertible, and Trepiuno, which features an additional small, reverse-hinged door on the passenger's side. The latter is only available in left-hand drive.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV
China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV

Perth Now

time40 minutes ago

  • Perth Now

China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV

Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been 'engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover', according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for 'high-performance electric hybrids', has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer 'EV-era' technology and 'IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance'. It also promises 'best-in-class low-battery performance' and 'EV-like smoothness', as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. 'When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment,' Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert earlier this month. 'We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket.' MORE: Everything Zeekr

China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV
China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV

7NEWS

time41 minutes ago

  • 7NEWS

China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV

Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been 'engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover ', according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for 'high-performance electric hybrids', has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer 'EV-era' technology and 'IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance'. It also promises 'best-in-class low-battery performance' and 'EV-like smoothness', as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. 'When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment,' Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpert earlier this month. 'We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket.'

China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV
China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV

The Advertiser

time43 minutes ago

  • The Advertiser

China's Zeekr has Rolls-Royce, Porsche in its sights with long-range 1000kW PHEV large SUV

Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been "engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover", according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for "high-performance electric hybrids", has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer "EV-era" technology and "IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance". It also promises "best-in-class low-battery performance" and "EV-like smoothness", as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. "When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpertearlier this month. "We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket." MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from: Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been "engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover", according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for "high-performance electric hybrids", has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer "EV-era" technology and "IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance". It also promises "best-in-class low-battery performance" and "EV-like smoothness", as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. "When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpertearlier this month. "We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket." MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from: Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been "engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover", according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for "high-performance electric hybrids", has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer "EV-era" technology and "IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance". It also promises "best-in-class low-battery performance" and "EV-like smoothness", as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. "When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpertearlier this month. "We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket." MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from: Fledgling Chinese luxury auto brand Zeekr is launching its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has made some heady claims about this new flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X has been "engineered to embody the luxury of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, performance of a Porsche Cayenne, and all-terrain capability of a Range Rover", according to the Geely-owned brand. After revealing the 9X's exterior in April, Zeekr has now released more details and shown off its interior ahead of first customer deliveries commencing in China this quarter. Featuring Zeekr's new SEAS architecture, the 9X uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 205kW of peak power, mated with three tri-silicon carbide-powered electric motors, for total peak power of 1030kW. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Zeekr claims the 9X can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.1 seconds, which would make it one of the world's quickest SUVs. It uses a 70kWh battery, the largest yet in a hybrid SUV, and features a 900V electrical system. That battery, sourced from CATL, is much larger than many other hybrid SUVs, and larger than many electric vehicle (EV) batteries too. Claimed electric-only range, depending on the variant, is up to 380km on the CLTC cycle. Zeekr says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes, with a 10-80 per cent charge taking as little as 10.3 minutes; like many PHEVs, the engine can also be used to charge the battery. The brand also claims the new combustion engine, its first and designed specifically for "high-performance electric hybrids", has thermal efficiency of over 46 per cent. Zeekr says the 9X is intended to offer "EV-era" technology and "IC-era luxury and uncompromised performance". It also promises "best-in-class low-battery performance" and "EV-like smoothness", as well as fast-charging capability and instant responsiveness. It rides on dual-chamber air suspension, allowing for maximum ground clearance of 288mm, and features dual-valve continuously controlled damping and a 48V active stabiliser bar – the latter claimed to be a first for a Chinese brand. The 9X has selectable comfort, eco and sport drive modes, plus seven additional terrain modes: grass, snow, deep snow, mud, sand, rocks and mountain roads. There's a suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by five LiDAR units, five 4D millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 13 high-definition cameras and two wading cameras. Zeekr says the 9X supports Level 3 autonomous driving capability. The Chinese brand displayed the 9X with a two-tone interior, featuring prominent wood inlays. There's a large, landscape-oriented infotainment touchscreen, under which sits a row of physical buttons, as well as a neatly integrated digital instrument cluster. There's a rotary dial on the centre console next to some more switches and a pair of wireless phone charging pads, with the gear shifter mounted up on the column. In a Mercedes-Benz-like touch, all of the front power seat controls are on the doors. Second-row occupants sit in a pair of captain's chairs, and can view a TV screen that comes down from the roof. The boot is accessed via a clamshell tailgate. The Zeekr 9X measures a sizeable 5239mm long, 2029mm wide, 1819mm tall and rides a 3169mm wheelbase, making it larger than a Toyota LandCruiser. While its exterior features ample brightwork, including a bold chrome grille and Maybach-like 22-inch mirror-finish forged wheels, Zeekr previewed a blacked-out Nightshade edition. Zeekr Australia has confirmed a third SUV will join its local lineup in 2026, following the pioneering Zeekr X small electric SUV and the 7X mid-size electric SUV, though it hasn't confirmed which model. Thus far, the only other SUV in Zeekr's global portfolio is the 9X, however, another PHEV SUV is expected to be launched soon in China. "When introducing a new model to Australia in 2026, we need to look at the powertrain and segment," Zeekr global product marketing director Tony Zhou told CarExpertearlier this month. "We have a compact SUV, C/D segment [mid-size] SUV, and MPV [the Zeekr 009 electric people mover]. What will be next… is under discussion. We have BEV, big SUV, small SUV, hatchbacks, hybrids and PHEVs in our pocket." MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store