The upcoming Zeekr 8X aims to bridge the gap between the 7X and 9X, targeting fierce competition in China’s SUV market.
A new rival to the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Huawei-backed AITO M8 is on its way.
Recent spy photos of what appears to be the Zeekr 8X have surfaced again in China, revealing more details than before — particularly the D-pillar and parts of the rear lighting design.
The camouflaged test vehicle shows only two slim horizontal light strips at the rear, while the outer sections remain covered, suggesting a possible resemblance to the ring-style taillights on the Zeekr 9X.
The D-pillar design is also visible, featuring a roof-mounted spoiler that may integrate the high-position brake light.
A chrome surround appears to frame the rear window — a styling cue borrowed from the Zeekr 9X but executed more subtly.
Interestingly, the vehicle’s silhouette looks less boxy and more fluid than the 9X, blending the sportier, rounded aesthetics of the Zeekr 7X with the imposing stance of the 9X.
Based on earlier leaks, the Zeekr 8X seems to embody a “middle ground” between the 7X and 9X—more composed than the former, more youthful than the latter.
Official details on the 8X remain limited, with interior and key specifications yet to be disclosed.
According to industry leaks, the SUV will reportedly offer a six-seat layout, be built on the SEA-S hybrid platform, and feature a 70 kWh battery pack delivering over 400 km CLTC range. It is also expected to come with a dual-motor AWD setup paired with a 2.0T gasoline engine.
The 8X could also adopt Nvidia’s Thor-U chip, support Zeekr’s advanced H7 intelligent driving system, and use Qualcomm’s 8295P as its cockpit processor—now a benchmark for high-end smart vehicles.
Some insiders believe that although the 8X will sit below the flagship 9X in positioning, it will inherit much of the latter’s technology, design language, and market credibility, setting a new benchmark for Zeekr’s overall product maturity.
Currently, Zeekr’s SUV lineup consists of the 7X, priced around RMB 200,000–300,000 ($28,080–42,100) and the 9X, around RMB 450,000–600,000 ($63,180–84,240), leaving a strategic gap between them that the 8X is expected to fill.
In a previous Q&A session, Zeekr confirmed updates to the 007 and 7X models within this year — implying the 8X will likely debut in 2026.
Competition in the RMB 300,000–400,000 ($42,100–56,160) SUV segment is already fierce, with the AITO M8, Li Auto L8, and upcoming Denza N8L all occupying key positions.
If released as expected, the Zeekr 8X will also take on traditional luxury rivals like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 — long-standing benchmarks in the segment.
According to Yiche’s September SUV rankings, the AITO M8 (including the EV version) led the large SUV category with 21,384 units sold, followed by the AITO M9 and ONVO L90.
The AITO M8’s strong sales have been partly fueled by the success of the M9.
Data from the Huawei-backed Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) show the AITO M9 has held the No.1 position among vehicles priced above RMB 500,000 ($70,200) for 18 consecutive months, with the highest user net recommendation score for two straight quarters — providing a strong reputation base for the M8.
Can the Zeekr 8X replicate that success?
So far, the Zeekr 9X has delivered solid market momentum: pre-orders reached 42,667 units within the first hour, surpassing 10,000 firm orders in just 13 minutes.
Zeekr later confirmed that in the first 10 days after launch, total firm orders exceeded 30,000 units, with dealerships averaging 65–70 new orders each and 80% of buyers choosing the top trim — a clear signal of consumer confidence.
By introducing the 8X following the 9X, Zeekr appears to be leveraging the flagship’s popularity to extend momentum downward, aiming to build a broader brand halo and generate a new growth curve.
How the Zeekr 8X should be priced—and whether it can stand toe-to-toe with the AITO M8 — will likely determine its odds of success in China’s most hotly contested SUV market.
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