ZEEKR’S flagship SUV, the 9X, is anticipated to play a number one function within the model’s international growth technique, with the hybrid-powered giant luxurious mannequin underneath severe consideration for Australia in 2026 as a halo mannequin.
The 9X will sit atop the vary for the Geely-owned Chinese language luxurious model Zeekr in its home market, the place it’s positioned to compete with the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS in addition to rising Chinese language luxurious choices from Yangwang and others.
Regionally, it’s being evaluated because the fourth mannequin for Zeekr’s rising Australian line-up to take a seat above the model’s 009 premium minivan.
The hybrid SUV, which mixes a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of energy with entrance (290kW) and rear (370kW) electrical motors can speed up from 0-100km/h in a claimed three seconds on its approach to a high pace of 240km/h.
A big CATL Freevoy lithium iron phosphate battery (of undisclosed measurement) is utilised for electrical driving functionality, delivering 380km of vary on China’s lenient CLTC ranking system, equating to round 300km WLTP. A 900-volt structure affords a peak DC cost pace of 480kW.
The claimed electrical driving vary is ample to make the 9X the longest-range hybrid SUV on the earth, Zeekr says. The SUV can be the primary Chinese language automotive to utilise a 48-volt lively stabiliser whereas dual-valve air suspension is fitted as customary.
Zeekr launched in Australia earlier this 12 months with two all-electric fashions: the compact Zeekr X SUV, priced from $49,900 (plus on-road prices), and the aforementioned 009, priced from $135,900 (+ ORC). A 3rd mannequin, the 7X midsize SUV, is because of observe by the top of 2025.
If authorized for the Australian market, the Zeekr 9X would turn out to be the costliest mannequin within the model’s native portfolio.
Pricing is anticipated to exceed that of the 009 individuals mover, suggesting a doable beginning determine above $150,000 plus on-road prices.
Such a worth would make the 9X extra inexpensive than the Mercedes-Benz GLS (from $171,000 + ORC) and BMW X7 (from $171,300 + ORC), whereas the marginally shorter Audi Q7 stays one thing of a price purchase within the section, from $108,815 (+ ORC).
Consideration now turns to the 9X as Zeekr weighs its subsequent transfer.
Whereas a closing choice on an Australian launch is but to be confirmed, head of Zeekr Worldwide Mars Chen (who has duty for Australia) has indicated that the flagship SUV is a number one candidate for native launch, although it’s one in all two potential additions underneath evaluate.
“The 009 (minivan) is the massive brother within the household,” Mr Chen informed GoAuto.
“Perhaps the 9X would be the huge sister.”
Nonetheless, he famous that the Australian market is unlikely to obtain each giant fashions whereas quantity stays restricted.
“Not each, I’ve to be sensible,” he mentioned.
The 9X’s hybrid system, dubbed Tremendous Electrical Hybrid, is believed to be a complicated iteration of the Leishen EM-I plug-in hybrid structure developed by mum or dad firm Geely.
Zeekr has beefed up the Leishen EM-I system with a bigger 2.0-litre engine (with 46 per cent thermal effectivity) together with the 2 electrical motors, a silicon carbide energy module, and an built-in suite of car management, transmission, and energy distribution items.
Visually, the 9X is anticipated to depart a robust impression. Measuring 5290mm in size, the massive SUV attracts on design parts first seen within the Zeekr 009, whereas additionally echoing the upright, opulent proportions of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
The resemblance has not gone unnoticed, with some Chinese language observers dubbing it the ‘Hangzhou Bay Cullinan’. That comparability seems to be embraced by Zeekr design chief Stefan Sielaff, who informed media, “the 9X is the higher Cullinan”.
“Don’t get me mistaken, I’m not boastful. I’ve to be humble. The 9X is just the primary member of a brand new household of luxurious vehicles we’re going to present in future. I believe it is extremely, superb,” he mentioned.
Technologically, the Zeekr 9X will incorporate the most recent Nvidia Thor autonomous driving chipset, which helps enhanced driver help functionality by way of a five-lidar array—consisting of 1 long-range and 4 short-range sensors.
Zeekr claims this enables for 4 overlapping layers of 360-degree environmental notion.
