Zeekr, a sub-brand of Geely, launched in 2021 as an electric vehicle manufacturer aiming to compete with Nio and Tesla. However, Zeekr later shifted its strategy to focus on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). The first model under this new direction, the 9X, the brand's flagship SUV, became available in the Trung Quoc market in September.

The Zeekr 9X is a large SUV, measuring 5,239 mm long, 2,029 mm wide, and 1,819 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,169 mm. For comparison, the 9X is 32 mm longer, 75 mm wider, and 4 mm lower than the Mercedes GLS.

The Zeekr 9X model displayed at Geely's headquarters in Hangzhou city, Trung Quoc. Photo: Minh Thuy

The headlight design combines shimmering diamond-cut details and stars.

Its dimensions are 5,239 mm long, 2,029 mm wide, and 1,819 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,169 mm.

The taillights feature 42,242 diamond facets, evoking a starry sky.

The 22-inch wheels come with various design options.

Each side mirror integrates two cameras.

The central console features a large cluster of two 16-inch screens.

A 47-inch head-up display (HUD) integrates augmented reality technology.

The volume control knob is transparent and circular.

Seat and window adjustment functions are located on the door panel.

The door close button is on the B-pillar.

The vehicle has a 2+2+2 seating configuration.

The 9X exterior design features large C-shaped LED headlights, a substantial grille, and active air intakes. It also uses traditional door handles and circular taillight clusters. The SUV rides on 22-inch wheels, available with multiple design choices.

The Zeekr 9X is equipped with five LiDAR sensors positioned around its body. It boasts a two-chamber air suspension system with continuous damping control via dual valves. The ground clearance reaches 288 mm in its highest suspension mode, dropping to 178 mm in the lowest setting. The headlights can project images onto the road, interacting with other drivers and pedestrians.

The Zeekr 9X can also feature a 48 V active stabilizer bar, which minimizes body roll during sharp turns. This active stabilizer further enhances safety by allowing one side of the vehicle body to lift in the event of an impending collision. Other notable functions include safely navigating open manholes and maintaining driving trajectory after a tire blowout at 120 km/h.

The Zeekr 9X passenger cabin offers six seats in a 2+2+2 layout. The central console integrates a large cluster comprising two 16-inch screens. Customers can opt for a single 16-inch screen, receiving a discount of 5,000 yuan (approximately 700 USD). Additional features of the Zeekr 9X include a 47-inch head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality technology.

Depending on the version, the Zeekr 9X includes a folding table for the passenger in the second row, 4-way lumbar support, a 22-point massage system for the first and second-row seats, and individual privacy sunshades for each side window. The second-row seats can also swivel 180 degrees, similar to Geely's previously launched Lynk & Co 900 model. Other highlights include power-operated doors and an AI voice assistant named Eva, alongside buttons for opening and closing the doors.

Closing and opening the Zeekr 9X doors with buttons. Video: Minh Thuy

The standard Zeekr 9X version features the G-Pilot H7 driver assistance system, which includes one LiDAR sensor and an Nvidia Thor-U chip, offering a maximum speed of 700 TOPS. The top-tier version is equipped with five LiDAR sensors (including a 520-line sensor) and two Nvidia Thor-U chips, providing a maximum speed of 1,400 TOPS. Zeekr refers to this system as "L3-ready." This system supports navigation between two points in autonomous driving mode (NOA) and self-parking. Another highlight is the automatic emergency steering (AES) system, capable of collision avoidance at 130 km/h.

The standard Zeekr 9X version uses a 2-liter engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 885 horsepower. The 9X Max version features a 55 kWh battery, allowing the vehicle to travel 300 km on electric power under CLTC conditions. Its combined range in PHEV mode reaches 1,200 km. The acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 3,9 seconds.

A second powertrain option similarly combines an internal combustion engine and electric motors. This version, however, is equipped with a 70 kWh battery, providing an all-electric range of 380 km. With a full fuel tank, the 9X can travel up to 1,250 km. The most premium SUV version uses three electric motors, generating 1,381 horsepower. This variant can travel up to 355 km on a single charge, with a combined range of 1,165 km. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 3,1 seconds.

Notably, the Zeekr 9X supports 6C charging technology thanks to its 900 V high-voltage system. This system enables the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in 8 minutes and 21 seconds. The internal combustion engine (ICE) under the hood can also supply power to the battery, charging it from 30% to 80% in 90 minutes, even when the vehicle is traveling on the highway at 120 km/h.

The Zeekr 9X is available in four versions. The standard Max version features the G-Pilot H7 system and all-wheel drive, producing 885 horsepower. Its price is 465,900 yuan (65,310 USD). The second version, Ultra, offers comfortable second-row seats and individual privacy sunshades for each side window. It is priced at 485,900 yuan (68,110 USD).

The Zeekr 9X Hyper version includes a 48 V active stabilizer bar, active side support for the driver's seat, swiveling second-row seats, and the G-Pilot H9 ADAS driver assistance system. This version costs 559,900 yuan (78,490 USD). The most premium Zeekr 9X version, finished in Obsidian black, is priced at 599,900 yuan (84,100 USD).

Customers purchasing the Zeekr 9X before 31/12 will receive a discount of 10,000 yuan (1,400 USD). Consequently, the SUV's current price ranges from 455,900-589,900 yuan (63,910-82,690 USD).

While Zeekr initially stated that the 9X would compete with the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover, its actual rivals are primarily the Aito M9 and Li Auto L9. In the segment above 400,000 yuan, these are new energy vehicles that have received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success.

Minh Thuy