Chinese automaker Zeekr has unveiled its new flagship model, the Zeekr 9X, at the Shanghai Auto Show, marking its entry into the hybrid vehicle market. This full-size luxury SUV is not just a significant addition to the brand's lineup but also represents a leap in technology and design aimed at competing with established luxury brands.
The Zeekr 9X is touted as the first hybrid model from the premium Chinese brand, which was created by the Geely holding company specifically for electric vehicles. According to Andy An, the head of Zeekr, the introduction of this hybrid is a strategic response to the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles globally, particularly in China. The SUV is designed to embody a "majestic but not frightening" style, featuring an angular body with sharp edges that draws inspiration from luxury British SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover.
One of the standout features of the Zeekr 9X is its massive radiator grille, which is reminiscent of the design elements found in the Zeekr 009 electric minivan. Buyers will have the option to choose between traditional chrome or gold accents for the grille, adding a touch of personalization to the vehicle's luxurious aesthetic. The SUV measures over 5.2 meters in length, with a width exceeding 2 meters and a height of 1.8 meters, making it one of the largest vehicles in its class.
The rear of the 9X features innovative "Ring Screen Star Diamond" optics, which Zeekr claims includes 43,343 individual facets with diamond faceting, enhancing the vehicle's visual appeal. Additionally, the rear lights are designed as "Side Wing Star Diamond Matrix," which are intended to complement the front design seamlessly.
Technologically, the Zeekr 9X is packed with advanced features. It will be the first model equipped with the G-Pilot advanced autonomous driving system, utilizing a sophisticated array of sensors that includes five LiDAR blocks—one long-range and four short-range—to cover blind spots effectively. This setup positions the 9X as a contender for high-level autonomous driving capabilities, potentially reaching Level 3 autonomy where driver intervention is required only in exceptional circumstances.
The hybrid powertrain of the Zeekr 9X, dubbed the "Super Electric Hybrid," combines the advantages of battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and range extenders (EREV). This innovative setup promises high performance and efficiency, with Zeekr officially announcing that the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds. The electric range is expected to be up to 380 kilometers, and the vehicle can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 9 minutes.
With a peak power output of 278 horsepower and a total power exceeding 900 horsepower from its front and rear motors, the Zeekr 9X is set to deliver exhilarating performance. The SUV will also feature an adaptive two-chamber air suspension system, which enhances ride comfort and off-road capability, allowing it to tackle inclines of up to 70% under snowy conditions.
While official pricing details have yet to be released, preliminary estimates suggest that the base model of the Zeekr 9X will start at approximately 500,000 yuan (around 5.58 million rubles), while the flagship "Grand Edition" version could reach up to 1 million yuan (approximately 1.16 million rubles). Sales of the Zeekr 9X are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025, with further details and specifications likely to be revealed closer to the launch date.
As Zeekr expands its offerings beyond electric vehicles to include hybrids, it aims to capture a larger share of the premium segment in the Chinese automotive market, where competition is intensifying. The success of the Zeekr 9X could be pivotal for the brand, which is currently striving to keep pace with competitors like Li Auto, which has seen significant growth in the premium vehicle sector.
In summary, the Zeekr 9X is positioned as a state-of-the-art hybrid SUV that combines luxury, advanced technology, and impressive performance metrics. As it prepares for its official debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, the automotive world is keenly watching how this new model will perform in the competitive landscape.
