Zeekr 8X UAE Review: Better than a Tesla Model Y?

Abu Dhabi: Zeekr, the premium sub-brand of Geely, the Chinese automotive group that also owns Volvo and Polestar, already sells the 7X through AW Rostamani in Abu Dhabi, and the brand has quietly been building a presence in the UAE. Zeekr is known for its tech-forward, well-built electric and hybrid vehicles. The brand is advancing with the 8X, a full-size plug-in hybrid luxury SUV designed to compete with the Range Rover Sport, BMW X5, and Tesla Model Y, but the 8X surpasses the Tesla in length, power, and equipment.

The 8X, unveiled earlier this year, is already on sale in China and is likely to debut in other key markets this year. We do not yet know when it is arriving in the UAE, but when it does, the question is whether it is better than the Model Y. The Model Y is a compact five-seat EV, while the 8X is a 5,100 mm-long, family-sized luxury PHEV. We take a closer look at this new arrival to tell you all the key details.

Tesla Model Y Comparison 

Comparing it against the Tesla Model Y is neither entirely fair nor unfair; rather, it could be viewed as a strong alternative. The Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle in the UAE. It is well priced, well engineered, and backed by Tesla’s Supercharger network, which remains the most reliable and widespread fast-charging infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For a buyer in Dubai Marina who needs a daily commuter that charges quickly at ENOC or DEWA stations, the Model Y is still a very rational choice.

Different Approach

The Zeekr 8X takes a rather different approach to the same problem for buyers. The 8X is a full-size PHEV SUV that is physically much larger than the Model Y. The wheelbase alone, at 3,069 mm, is over 400 mm longer than the Model Y's. It has a petrol engine alongside its battery, which means that even in the UAE summer heat, which reduces EV range, you are never stranded. The 70 kWh battery gives a realistic summer driving range of around 260 to 295 km on electricity alone before the petrol engine kicks in.

The Powertrain

On paper, the top-spec Zeekr 8X is one of the most powerful family SUVs ever sold. The tri-motor variant, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the electric motor system, produces up to 1,381 hp. That is more than a Ferrari F8 Tributo, in an SUV that weighs around 2,700 kg and seats six people.

Spec	Details
Powertrain	2.0L Turbo + Electric, up to 1,381 hp (tri motor)
Battery	55.1 kWh or 70 kWh NMC
EV Only Range	Up to 328 km (WLTC, 70 kWh)
Combined Range	Up to 1,049 km
0 to 100 km/h	3.1 seconds
Top Speed	220 km/h
Charging (10 to 80%)	Approx. 10 minutes (900V ultra fast)

In practice, however, that power is delivered in a very specific way. The 900V electrical platform allows ultra-fast charging at compatible stations. For UAE buyers who have been deterred from EVs by charging times, the 8X's charging speed removes that concern almost entirely.

The standard 70 kWh battery gives 328 km of WLTC-rated electric range. In real UAE conditions, with the air conditioning running at full power in summer, expect around 260 to 295 km of range. For a buyer commuting 50 km per day in Dubai and charging at home overnight, the petrol engine might go weeks without starting.

Size and Space

The Zeekr 8X is 5,100 mm long on a 3,069 mm wheelbase. To put that in context, the BMW X5 is 4,923 mm long. The Toyota Land Cruiser measures 4,985 mm, while the 8X is significantly larger, and this size translates into meaningful interior space for UAE families.

Dimensions

Spec	Details
Length	5,100 mm
Width	1,998 mm
Wheelbase	3,069 mm
Seats	5 or 6
Wheels	20 to 22-inch alloy

The six-seat configuration with captain's chairs in the second row is the one most UAE family buyers will want. The rear legroom is exceptional for a vehicle in this class. Even the third row, which is typically the compromise in any SUV, is usable for adults on medium-length journeys, something that cannot be said of many European rivals at this price.

Boot space is generous in both five- and six-seat layouts, and the body structure handles the combination of the Jumeirah school run and the Hatta weekend trip without complaint.

The Interior

Zeekr has always been strong on interior technology. The 7X, which is already on sale in Abu Dhabi, has a 16-inch display and a cabin that routinely surprises buyers who walk in expecting a typical Chinese car. The 8X goes further.

The 14.6-inch central touchscreen handles all primary controls. An 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster manages driving information. Both are responsive and readable in direct UAE sunlight, which sounds like a basic requirement but is actually something many competitors still struggle with.

Spec	Details
Infotainment	14.6-inch touchscreen + 8.8-inch digital cluster
Audio	29 speaker system
ADAS	Roof-mounted LiDAR, Level 3 capable
Platform	900V electrical architecture
Battery Warranty	Lifetime for first owner

Then there is a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor that gives the 8X Level 3 driver-assistance capability in markets that support it. In the UAE, the 8X's capabilities would translate into a very capable Level 2-plus system with automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise, blind spot detection, and a sensor-dense parking and maneuvering system. The 8X can execute a U-turn on the spot by turning its rear wheels in the opposite direction, a feature that has real practical value in tight UAE parking structures.

The Nappa leather seating, open-pore wood accents, and aluminum trim feel appropriate for a vehicle at this price. The quality is not identical to a Range Rover Sport interior, and buyers who have spent time in a Range Rover will notice the difference in material refinement.

Real-World Range

Every EV and PHEV in the UAE market has to address this issue properly. At 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, with the air conditioning running at full capacity and highway speeds between 120 and 140 km/h, battery range drops. For the 70 kWh 8X, the realistic summer EV range on UAE roads is approximately 260 to 295 km in mixed use. On full highway drives with maximum AC, it will trend toward the lower end of that range.

That is still significantly better than the BMW X5 xDrive50e (around 110 km WLTC) and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e (around 105 km WLTC). Even in reduced real-world UAE conditions, the 8X's electric range advantage is substantial.

If you are thinking of charging at home in Dubai Marina, Khalidiyah, or Al Reem Island, the 8X can handle most daily driving entirely on electricity and then carry you to Ras Al Khaimah or Al Ain and back on the petrol engine without needing to stop.

Availability

While Zeekr launched the 8X in its home market, China, earlier this year with retail sales already underway, it has yet to make an official announcement regarding its arrival in the UAE. AW Rostamani in Abu Dhabi is the established Zeekr dealer, and the brand's regional operations already include UAE-specific support.

Pricing is not yet known, but given the competitive positioning and the feature set, the 8X could become one of the most aggressive luxury PHEV entries the UAE market has seen in 2026.

For buyers already considering the Zeekr 7X (from AED 169,900), the 8X offers meaningfully more space, more power, the PHEV powertrain option, and the flagship interior. If you are comparing it against European PHEVs priced above AED 300,000, you also have to consider the overall brand value and ownership experience before paying that premium.

Conclusion

The 8X is certainly an ambitious step for Zeekr; however, it comes with its own considerations. The brand is still establishing its presence in the UAE, so it is important to note that its showroom footprint is not yet as extensive as that of Toyota, BMW, or even some newer Chinese brands. The interior quality, while impressive for the price, still does not fully match the material refinement of an equivalent Range Rover Sport.

But the specifications are genuinely impressive, the range figures are realistic, and the performance numbers are real. A 1,381 hp, 328 km electric-range, 5,100 mm luxury PHEV SUV with LiDAR-assisted driving and a 29-speaker audio system changes the conversation around the premium SUV market.

Whether the Zeekr 8X is better than the Tesla Model Y depends on your perspective and personal preferences. If you want a compact, affordable, all-electric daily driver with the best fast-charging network in the country, the Model Y is difficult to beat. If you want more space, more power, a longer total range, and a premium family cabin, the Zeekr 8X could become one of the most compelling options on UAE roads when it finally arrives.

Also Read: Ford Territory or Nissan X-Trail? The SUV Dilemma UAE Families Face