Zeekr 9X 2025 Launch: Luxury SUV That Outclasses Range Rover with 1,030 kW Hybrid Power

The Zeekr 9X has officially debuted in China as the brand's flagship full-size luxury SUV, representing the most ambitious model yet from the premium EV sub-brand of Geely. Positioned above the Zeekr 001 and 009, the 9X aims directly at the Range Rover and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, combining ultra-luxury materials, next-generation hybrid powertrains, and advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

Zeeker 9X Key Highlights

Power: Up to 1,030 kW (1,382 hp)
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 3.1s
Charging: 20–80% in 9 minutes (900V 6C system)
Range: Up to 1,250 km combined
Audio: 42-speaker, 3,686W Naim system
Suspension: Dual-chamber air with active damping
Autonomy: Up to 5 LiDAR units, 1,400 TOPS compute
Price: Starting at ¥429,000 (~$58,000)

Exterior Design: A Blend of Boldness and Refinement

The Zeekr 9X adopts a commanding stance that echoes the proportions of high-end British SUVs, featuring a massive chrome grille inspired by the Zeekr 009 MPV. Buyers can choose between body-colored, blackout, or full chrome finishes, while the front fascia integrates an active air intake for improved cooling efficiency.

The LED lighting design is one of the 9X's most distinctive features. Its headlamps incorporate over 752 micro-LED "diamond facets", while the DRLs feature 42,000+ precision-cut reflective elements that create a glittering, high-end visual effect. Optional HD projection headlamps allow for customizable floor projections, from navigation prompts to pedestrian warnings or even celebratory animations.

Along the sides, the 9X rides on 22-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels with mirror-polished faces, backed by orange brake calipers and ultra-wide tires. The floating roof design, blacked-out A-pillars, and "Yacht Line" chrome trim reinforce its premium aesthetic. Dual-chamber air suspension with continuous damping control enables height adjustment up to 245 mm, enhancing both off-road and urban adaptability.

Interior: Scandinavian Calm Meets Tech-Driven Opulence

Inside, the Zeekr 9X redefines Chinese craftsmanship in the SUV segment. The cabin is trimmed with Norwegian Nordic wood, soft Nappa leather, and microfiber headliners. Every visible surface, from door panels to dash inserts, is soft-touch or wrapped in fabric or felt.

Dual-Screen Cockpit and OS 7 Interface

The front fascia is dominated by dual 16-inch 3.5K displays, running Zeekr's new OS 7 infotainment system powered by dual Snapdragon 8295 processors. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an industry-leading 47-inch AR head-up display complement the digital setup.

In-car voice assistant "Eva" now responds to contextual commands, anything from opening doors and adjusting the climate to changing seat positions. Despite the tech focus, Zeekr retains physical controls for mirrors, steering wheel, and HVAC, acknowledging customer preference for tactile luxury.

Naim Audio System: Bentley-Level Sound

A key highlight is the Naim 42-speaker audio system, delivering 3,686 watts of immersive sound—the most powerful configuration ever fitted in a production SUV. Previously exclusive to Bentley, the Naim setup costs ¥60,000 (~£6,000) as an option, a fraction of what it costs in European luxury cars.

Comfort Beyond Convention

Both front seats offer 22-point massage, heating, ventilation, and base cushion extension with multiple memory presets. A dual fragrance diffuser, ventilated wireless chargers, and a customizable drive mode panel enhance everyday usability.

Rear Cabin: The True Luxury Experience

China's chauffeured luxury market heavily favors rear passengers, and the Zeekr 9X delivers accordingly. The second-row features two zero-gravity executive seats with 22-point massage, ventilation, and memory. The backrest reclines 140°, while the leg rest extends 122° with a deployable footrest on the front passenger seat.

A 6.6-inch removable touchscreen controller allows occupants to operate everything, from the ambient lighting and climate control to a built-in refrigerator that cools down to –6°C or warms up to 50°C.

In its "Passenger Rest Mode," the right-side rear seat rotates outward for easy child-seat loading or inward to form a lounge layout. A "Dual Recline Mode" transforms both second-row seats into a full relaxation setup, extending into the third row for a flat "sleep mode."

The 17-inch 3.5K central rear screen, mounted on 880 mm rails, can slide forward or backward between rows, offering both second- and third-row passengers entertainment with Bluetooth headphone connectivity and screen-sharing via smartphones.

Zeeker 9X Powertrain and Performance: Electrified Powerhouse

Built on the new Geely SEA-SH (Super Hybrid) architecture, the Zeekr 9X is available in three trims, Max, Ultra, and Hyper. All feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged range-extending engine paired with either dual or triple electric motors.

Max / Ultra (Dual-motor): 660 kW (~884 hp), 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds
Hyper (Tri-motor): 1,030 kW (~1,382 hp), 0–100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, faster than a Lamborghini Urus or Ferrari Purosangue

The vehicle supports 900V 6C ultra-fast charging, replenishing 20–80% in just 9 minutes. Depending on configuration, the CLTC electric-only range spans 288–380 km, with a combined range of up to 1,250 km using both fuel and battery.

Driving Experience: Whisper-Quiet and Composed

On the road, the 9X delivers a silky-smooth, ultra-quiet ride thanks to 11 panes of double-glazed glass, active noise cancellation, and submarine-grade steel reinforcement for structural rigidity. Steering remains comfort-focused, with power delivery biased toward serenity rather than aggression.

An optional 48V active stabilizer bar keeps the vehicle level during sharp turns or side impacts, while the suspension automatically adjusts height based on terrain conditions. Zeekr claims the difference in cabin noise between electric and engine-assisted mode is a mere 0.5 decibel.

Off-Road Capability: Built to Prove a Point

Zeekr demonstrated the 9X's off-road credentials on steep, muddy trails using BF Goodrich-style tires and the adaptive air suspension system. With approach and departure angles of 24° and a breakover angle of 19°, the SUV climbed 17° muddy inclines and handled deep water crossings aided by dual wading radars.

Its intelligent terrain system offers up to 11 drive modes, including rock, gravel, snow, and mountain modes, adjusting torque distribution in real time.

Autonomous Tech and Safety

The Zeekr 9X debuts the H7 and H9 Autopilot systems:

H7: One LiDAR, five 4D millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, single NVIDIA Thor chip (700 TOPS)
H9 (Hyper trim): Five LiDARs, dual Thor chips (1,400 TOPS), dual wading radars

The system supports urban and highway NZP assisted driving, capable of automatic lane changes, speed adjustment, and traffic-light recognition. Safety features also include active roll stabilization, submarine-grade safety cage, and automatic lift protection that raises the car's side by 80 mm during side-impact threats.

Zeeker 9X Pricing and Market Outlook

Pre-sale prices in China start around ¥429,000 (~$58,000) for the Max variant and reach ¥550,000 (~$75,000) for the Hyper trim, making it dramatically more affordable than a Range Rover or Bentley Bentayga. Given its level of technology, craftsmanship, and performance, the Zeekr 9X represents a watershed moment for Chinese automakers, signaling their entry into the ultra-luxury SUV segment once dominated by Western marques.

Verdict: A Chinese Flagship That Redefines Expectations

The Zeekr 9X isn't just a luxury SUV, it's a statement of how far Chinese engineering and design have come. Combining supercar-level performance, Rolls-Royce-level comfort, and industry-leading technology, it positions Zeekr as a credible global luxury contender.

If the brand can bring this vehicle to international markets with similar pricing and quality, the Zeekr 9X could become the first Chinese SUV to genuinely rival the Range Rover and Cullinan in both substance and status.