Zeekr’s 8X Yao Ying, the range-topping version of the brand’s new hybrid SUV, has been spotted near the Beijing Auto Show venue ahead of the event’s opening. Already officially launched, the model carries a starting price of 500,800 yuan, or 473,800 yuan under a limited-time offer, and brings a 900V architecture, a tri-motor setup with up to 1,381 hp, and a claimed 330 km of CLTC electric range. The sighting adds fresh attention to a model that reportedly collected 10,000 orders in its first 30 minutes on sale.
Zeekr’s 8X Yao Ying, the most expensive version of the new SUV, has been photographed near the Beijing Auto Show venue just before the event’s public opening. The appearance is a reminder that Chinese automakers increasingly use major auto shows to keep freshly launched models in the spotlight, even after the sales announcement has already been made.
The vehicle has been officially priced at 500,800 yuan (about 72,600 USD), with a limited-time launch price of 473,800 yuan (around 68,700 USD). Zeekr says the 8X family drew 10,000 orders in the first 30 minutes after launch, signaling strong early demand for the model.
What the Yao Ying version adds
The Yao Ying is positioned as the premium trim in the lineup and comes with three exterior finishes: Matte Interstellar Grey, Polar Night Black, and Sky-Hunting Blue. It also gets a distinct Yao Ying grille, 22-inch forged wheels, 6-piston Brembo brakes, and 315mm Pirelli wide tyres.
For added practicality, the SUV includes an active rear spoiler with automatic and manual operation, plus a wading mode rated for 500 mm of water depth. Those features suggest Zeekr is trying to balance high-performance image with day-to-day usability.
Powertrain: big numbers on a hybrid platform
The 8X is based on Zeekr’s SEA-S Super Hybrid Architecture and uses a 900V high-voltage electrical system. Under the hood is a 2.0T plug-in hybrid engine rated at 205 kW, or 275 hp, paired with a tri-motor electric setup.
Combined output is listed at 1,030 kW, equivalent to 1,381 hp. Zeekr says the front motor produces 290 kW (389 hp), while the two rear motors each deliver 370 kW (496 hp).
That performance translates into a 0-100 km/h time of 2.96 seconds for the tri-motor version. In other words, this is not just a large family SUV with hybrid efficiency claims; it is being positioned as a genuine performance flagship.
Battery, range and charging
The Yao Ying variant uses a 6C fast-charging battery. Zeekr claims a CLTC all-electric range of 330 km and a combined range of 1,210 km, which makes the SUV more suitable for long-distance use than many high-performance EVs.
Charging from 20% to 80% is said to take just 9 minutes. If that figure is confirmed in real-world use, it would place the model among the faster-charging plug-in hybrids on the market.
Driver assistance and other features
The flagship also debuts Zeekr’s G-ASD 4.0 advanced driver assistance system. The company has not detailed all of its functions in the source material, so some capabilities remain, but the system is being presented as one of the model’s main technology updates.
Another notable feature is an infrared night vision system that can be turned on manually, by voice command, or automatically. When active, it appears in the instrument cluster and offers four display modes: City, Rain/Fog, Jungle, and Wilderness.
The car also includes a One-Touch Boost Overclocking Mode. With a light press of the Boost button on the steering wheel, tri-motor versions can activate an overclocking function that maintains a 10% performance increase for up to 20 seconds.
Why this launch matters for Zeekr
Zeekr’s broader sales picture has improved since the launch of its flagship 9X last September. After a slowdown in January and February, the brand posted 29,318 deliveries in March, close to the 30,267-unit peak recorded last December.
That rebound matters because the 8X sits in a part of the market where performance, range, charging speed and software now matter as much as price and size. For Zeekr, the Yao Ying is not just a halo product; it is also a statement about how far Chinese premium EV and hybrid engineering has advanced.
Context at the Beijing Auto Show
The Beijing Auto Show remains one of China’s most important stages for new energy vehicles, especially for brands aiming to build momentum in a crowded domestic market. Spotted displays and pre-show sightings often help generate attention before official booth reveals begin.
With rivals such as BYD and Huawei-linked products also expected to draw major interest at the event, Zeekr’s 8X Yao Ying arrives at a competitive moment. Its combination of strong order numbers, ultra-fast charging claims and high-output hybrid performance gives the brand a clear headline-grabbing product at the show.
Why This Matters
The Zeekr 8X Yao Ying matters because it shows how quickly Chinese automakers are pushing the limits of plug-in hybrid performance, charging speed and driver-assistance tech in large premium SUVs. A claimed 1,381 hp, 9-minute 20%-80% charging time and 1,210 km combined range put the model in a highly competitive segment where technical specs are now a key battleground.
It also matters for Zeekr’s momentum. Strong early orders and improving monthly sales suggest the brand is building real traction, and the 8X gives it another flagship model to support that growth. For readers tracking China’s EV market, this is another example of how quickly product cycles and technology benchmarks are advancing.
Key Specs
- Model: Zeekr 8X Yao Ying
- Price: 500,800 yuan; limited-time price 473,800 yuan
- Platform: SEA-S Super Hybrid Architecture
- Electrical system: 900V high-voltage system
- Engine: 2.0T plug-in hybrid, 205 kW (275 hp)
- Total system output: 1,030 kW (1,381 hp)
- Front motor: 290 kW (389 hp)
- Rear motors: 370 kW (496 hp) each
- 0-100 km/h: 2.96 seconds
- Battery: 6C fast-charging battery
- CLTC electric range: 330 km
- Combined range: 1,210 km
- Charging time: 20%-80% in 9 minutes
- Wading depth: 500 mm
- Wheel size: 22-inch forged wheels
- Tyres: 315mm Pirelli wide tyres
- Brakes: 6-piston Brembo callipers
- Orders: 10,000 in 30 minutes at launch
- March sales: 29,318 units for Zeekr brand
Source: CarNewsChina
