The electric vehicle (EV) market in Australia is heating up, with more brands entering the fray and offering competitive options for budget-conscious buyers. Among the newcomers, the Zeekr X, a compact electric SUV from the Chinese automaker Geely, has garnered significant attention since its launch in late 2024. Priced under $60,000, the Zeekr X promises a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality, positioning itself as a strong contender in the affordable EV segment. But does it truly stand out as Australia’s top electric car under $60K? This article dives into the Zeekr X’s features, performance, pricing, and competition to determine if it deserves the crown.
The Zeekr X: A New Player in Australia’s EV Market
Zeekr, a premium EV brand under the Geely umbrella (which also owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus), entered the Australian market in late 2024 with the Zeekr X as its first offering. The compact SUV is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, shared with the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1, but it aims to carve its own niche with a focus on luxury and technology. The Zeekr X comes in two variants: a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, with the RWD initially priced at $56,900 before on-road costs.
In April 2025, Zeekr slashed prices to make the X more competitive, bringing the RWD variant down to $49,900 and the AWD to $62,900 before on-road costs. This price cut positions the RWD model firmly under the $60,000 threshold, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking an affordable yet premium EV. The price reduction also came with a goodwill gesture for early buyers, offering five years of free servicing for RWD owners and three years for AWD owners.
Performance and Range: Does It Deliver?
The Zeekr X is powered by a 66 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 540 km for the RWD variant and 470 km for the AWD under Australia’s ADR 81/02 testing standards. These figures are impressive for the price point, especially when compared to European WLTP standards, which list the RWD at 446 km and the AWD at 425 km—still competitive but more conservative estimates. In real-world testing, some reviews have noted the AWD variant achieving around 410 km in urban conditions, suggesting the official figures are achievable in optimal scenarios.
Performance-wise, the Zeekr X doesn’t disappoint. The RWD variant features a single motor producing 200 kW of power and 343 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds. The AWD variant adds a front motor, boosting total output to 315 kW and 543 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to an impressive 3.8 seconds. This level of performance is rare in the sub-$60,000 segment, giving the Zeekr X a sporty edge over many competitors.
Charging capabilities are also a strong suit. Both variants support DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in about 30 minutes. For AC charging, the RWD model has a 7 kW onboard charger (11.5 hours for a full charge), while the AWD model ups this to 11 kW (7.5 hours). Additionally, the Zeekr X offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power external devices, a practical feature for camping or emergencies.
Interior and Features: A Premium Experience?
One of the Zeekr X’s biggest selling points is its luxurious interior, which punches above its price tag. The cabin features a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and over-the-air updates, alongside an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The AWD variant adds a 24.3-inch augmented reality head-up display and an “intelligent B-pillar display” that shows the battery charge level from outside the car. A $4,000 Convenience Package (standard on the AWD) adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ambient lighting, and a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system.
The interior design is a highlight, with high-quality materials like perforated faux leather, a microfibre headlining, and rose-gold accents inspired by Chinese aesthetics. Reviewers have praised the spaciousness for a compact SUV, with ample headroom and legroom in the rear. Cargo capacity is listed at 362 liters with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,182 liters when folded, and there’s a small frunk for storing charging cables.
However, the Zeekr X isn’t without quirks. Some reviews have criticized gimmicky features, such as external speakers that can mimic sounds like a cat, horse, or bicycle bell—features that seem more distracting than useful. Additionally, the large panoramic sunroof lacks a shade, which could be an issue in Australia’s harsh sunlight.
Safety and Reliability: Can You Trust a Newcomer?
Safety is a critical factor for any family-oriented SUV, and the Zeekr X performs well here. It achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024, scoring 91% for adult occupant protection and 90% for child protection. Standard safety features include a seven-airbag system (including a front center airbag), adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. The Zeekr X has not yet been tested by ANCAP, but its Euro NCAP results are promising.
Reliability is a bigger question mark, given Zeekr’s status as a new brand. The X comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, and five years of roadside assistance and connected services. Servicing is required every two years or 40,000 km, with costs of $690 at the two-year mark and $1,420 at four years—reasonable but not the cheapest in the segment. While Geely’s ownership of established brands like Volvo provides some reassurance, Zeekr’s long-term reliability in Australia remains unproven.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
To determine if the Zeekr X is Australia’s top EV under $60,000, we need to compare it to its rivals. Here are some key competitors:
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BYD Atto 3: Priced from $44,499 to $47,499 before on-road costs, the Atto 3 offers a 345-420 km range (WLTP) and a five-star ANCAP rating. It’s cheaper and has a proven sales record, but its interior quality and performance (150 kW, 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds) lag behind the Zeekr X.
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Tesla Model Y (RWD): Starting at around $57,000 before on-road costs, the Model Y offers a 455 km WLTP range and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. However, its interior is more minimalist, and it lacks the Zeekr X’s luxury features and performance (0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds).
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Volvo EX30: Priced at $59,990 before on-road costs for the RWD Single Motor Extended Plus, the EX30 shares the same platform as the Zeekr X but offers a 480 km WLTP range. It’s slightly more expensive and has a smaller interior, but it benefits from Volvo’s brand reputation.
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Xpeng G6: Starting at $59,800 for the Long Range variant, the G6 offers a 570 km WLTP range but lacks the Zeekr X’s luxury features and performance (0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds).
The Zeekr X holds its own against these competitors, particularly in performance and interior quality. Its post-price-cut starting point of $49,900 gives it an edge over the Model Y and EX30, while its range and charging capabilities are competitive. However, the BYD Atto 3’s lower price and established presence make it a formidable rival.
Market Reception and Challenges
Since its launch, the Zeekr X has sold 179 units in Australia as of early 2025, a modest start compared to the Volvo EX30’s 385 units over the same period. The price cut and increased brand visibility through pop-up events and test drives (like the rooftop experience in Sydney) are likely to boost sales. Zeekr aims to sell 2,500-3,000 vehicles in 2025, with ambitions of reaching 10,000 in 2026, indicating confidence in its growth.
However, Zeekr faces challenges. Brand recognition is a hurdle—many Australian buyers are unfamiliar with Zeekr, and its premium positioning may deter those loyal to established names like Tesla or Volvo. The lack of a widespread dealership network (only nine at launch) and unproven long-term reliability could also hinder adoption. Additionally, while the Zeekr X offers a 12-month unlimited charging subscription on the Evie Network for early buyers, Australia’s charging infrastructure still lags behind Europe and the U.S., which could be a concern for rural buyers.
Is It the Best Under $60K?
The Zeekr X is a compelling option in Australia’s sub-$60,000 EV market. Its combination of a competitive price (post-reduction), strong performance, impressive range, and luxurious interior makes it a standout. It outperforms rivals like the BYD Atto 3 and Tesla Model Y in acceleration and features, while its pricing undercuts the Volvo EX30 and Xpeng G6. Safety credentials and practical features like V2L add to its appeal, making it a well-rounded choice for families and tech-savvy buyers.
However, it’s not without flaws. The lack of brand recognition, unproven reliability, and quirky features (like the external sound effects) may deter some buyers. The BYD Atto 3 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability and a proven track record, while the Tesla Model Y offers unmatched charging infrastructure. Ultimately, the Zeekr X is among the top contenders but doesn’t definitively claim the title of Australia’s best EV under $60,000—it’s a close race that depends on individual priorities. For buyers seeking a premium, performance-oriented EV at this price point, the Zeekr X is undoubtedly worth a test drive.