Shift aside Range Rover, look out Rolls-Royce: Zeekr 9X is China’s new uber SUV, complete with 42,242 laser engravings
The Chinese newcomer Zeekr has used the Shanghai motor show to reveal its uber-luxury 9X, signalling the brand’s intent to head seriously upmarket.
The latest model from the brand that arrived in Australia in 2024, it also teams supercar acceleration with bespoke luxury attention to detail and a groundbreaking new plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
The Geely-owned brand unveiled the opulent large SUV as a signal to the likes of Range Rover and even Rolls-Royce that it plans to tread on their rarefied turf.
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The 9X promises more than 300km of EV-only running and 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.0 seconds.
The big claims come from a next generation PHEV system that teams a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with two electric motors.
The front electric motor makes 290kW and the rear 370kW.
The petrol engine makes 205kW and can extend the driving range for journeys beyond a few hundred kilometres.
Officially, Zeekr claims 380km of EV range according to the optimistic CLTC standard; expect less in the real world, likely closer to 300km.
When it comes time to charge the 9X uses a 900V DC charging system. Able to accept up to 480kW of power, it claims to be able to charge from 20 to 80 per cent in nine minutes.
At almost 5.3 metres long it’s a huge SUV and one that’s already been likened to the hulking Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
When asked, Zeekr design boss Stefan Sielaff said the 9X was “the better Cullinan”.
Beneath the skin the 9X rides on the SEA architecture also utilised by other Geely Auto brands such as Volvo and Polestar.
That paves the way for potential right-hand drive production.
However Mars Chen, the CEO of Zeekr International, says the car is not yet confirmed for Australia.
“The number four (Zeekr) car (for Australia) is open,” said Chen, who also said there was another large SUV in the pipeline, albeit one smaller in stature than the 9X.
He said Australia would get either that car or the 9X, but “not both – I have to be practical”.
“Between that one and 9X we will have the right model.”
While neither is likely to be big volume, he said they provide Zeekr with a hero car that can showcase the capabilities of a brand trying to muscle in on the luxury space.
Already Zeekr has the 009 people mover, a high-performance three-row vehicle priced from $135,900 plus on-road costs.
“009 is our big brother in the family, maybe 9X will be also be the big sister,” said Chen.
