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Zeekr eyes rugged 4WD as range takes shape

Geely’s new off-road platform unleashes potential for rugged Zeekr range-topping 4WD

5 May 2026

By TOM BAKER in CHINA

ZEEKR is increasingly likely to develop a hardcore luxury 4WD model as part of its long-term global expansion plan, with the Chinese premium brand identifying strong customer demand for vehicles in the mould of the Mercedes-AMG G-Class and Land Rover Defender Octa. 
 
Speaking with GoAuto in Hangzhou, Zeekr International chief executive Mars Chen said rugged off-road luxury models were now firmly on the brand’s radar as it pushes further upmarket. 
 
Asked whether Zeekr saw demand for vehicles like the G-Wagen or Range Rover, Mr Chen acknowledged interest in greater durability. 
 
“The R&D team are really not stopping. Hardcore off-road is definitely one direction. Meanwhile, sedans (with) sporty performance, even a sports car, is also another direction,” Mr Chen said. 
 
The rugged 4WD is not expected to launch before 2028 or 2029, but GoAuto understands any Zeekr off roader would likely use the new dedicated hybrid off-road architecture unveiled by parent company Geely at the 2026 Beijing Motor Show. 
 
That architecture can bundle a tri-motor layout with a turbo petrol engine to produce more than 1000 horsepower (745kW), with claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in the four second range alongside AI-controlled torque distribution, active body control, and a rear differential lock function. 
 
Access to that technology could help Zeekr leapfrog to credibility in the luxury 4WD segment without the need for a traditional ladder-frame architecture as used by headline rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser. 
 
The Zeekr adaptation of the Geely off-road chassis would be expected to receive the group’s highest-output motors, biggest battery and plushest cabin, with Mr Chen labelling Zeekr the “Porsche” to Geely’s Volkswagen analogue. 
 
“In general, Zeekr wants to go up in the brand [position]. Go up by two things. Number one: do it by actual performance. Number two: do super-luxury—both directions,” he said.  
 
The 4WD could introduce a more substantial combustion component to the hybrid platform. Asked whether Zeekr could use the new Geely/Horse Powertrain twin-turbo V6, Mr Chen left the door open. 
 
“I think moving to that V6 engine is a big move. I think that powertrain can be in a hybrid [and] can work in hybrid mode…I think that if it is a Super Hybrid, probably in the near future, why not?,” Mr Chen reflected. 
 
Chinese rival brand Denza has captured attention with the launch of its B5 and B8 PHEV 4WDs in recent months, while Land Rover’s first Range Rover Electric product has been delayed into 2027. 
 
The rugged SUV push come as Zeekr’s own range strategy has become clearer. Mr Chen confirmed that the brand has abandoned a previous plan to rebadge some Lynk & Co models for Australia, as outlined to GoAuto last year. 
 
“That was the plan in that moment, but now, once we have these two cars [8X and 9X], I think that would make less and less sense,” he said. 
 
Asked whether the rebadging plan had been cancelled, Mr Chen replied: “Yes, because 8X in that moment was still a baby”—or deep in development. 
 
The decision means Zeekr’s Australian range will be built increasingly around its own products: the 7X SUV, incoming 7GT wagon, 009 people-mover, 8X and 9X super-hybrid SUVs, and, longer term, a potential off-road flagship. 
 
Lynk & Co could still play a role in Australia later, but likely as a distinct brand rather than a donor for Zeekr-badged models.

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