Translation result
As competition in the global premium SUV market intensifies, Geely Automobile Group’s upmarket EV brand Zeekr is pushing its profile with a flagship full‑size model.
Industry sources and local reports say Zeekr, which debuted in 2021, has seen sales climb more than 80% year‑over‑year so far this year, broadening its recognition outside China.
Driving that momentum is the Zeekr 9X, a six‑seat flagship full‑size SUV and the brand’s first model to offer a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
Priced locally at just over 500,000 yuan (about $73,190; about 100,940,000 KRW (about $74,392)), the 9X has nevertheless led the large‑SUV segment in China for months.
Supercar‑level powertrain and battery technology
The headline figure for the 9X is a powertrain package that pushes into supercar territory.
At its core is a 2.0‑liter inline‑four turbo gas engine rated at 275 hp with thermal efficiency above 46%, paired with high‑output electric motors.
In dual‑motor form the system produces a combined 660 kW (about 885 hp) and 935 Nm (about 690 lb‑ft) of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 3.9 seconds.
The top‑spec tri‑motor “Hyper” configuration mates a 290 kW front motor with twin 370 kW rear motors for a total of 1,030 kW (about 1,381 hp), trimming the 0–100 km/h sprint to 3.1 seconds.
Built on Geely Group’s latest SEA‑S (Haohan‑S) modular platform, the 9X offers NMC battery packs of either 55.1 kWh or 70 kWh depending on trim.
A 900‑volt electrical architecture combined with 6C battery technology supports ultra‑fast charging — the manufacturer claims 20% to 80% state of charge in just nine minutes.
Under China’s CLTC cycle the 55.1 kWh car is rated at about 235 km (approximately 146 miles) of pure electric range, while the 70 kWh Hyper reaches about 355 km (roughly 221 miles), enough for most urban driving on electric power alone.
Full‑size dimensions and advanced driver assistance
Dimensionally, the 9X competes with full‑size SUVs sold in South Korea and other markets.
The vehicle measures 5,239 mm (about 17 ft 2 in) long, 2,029 mm (about 6 ft 8 in) wide and 1,819 mm (about 5 ft 11.6 in) tall, with a 3,169 mm (about 10 ft 5 in) wheelbase, yielding comfortable seating for six.
Its driver‑assistance suite is also noteworthy.
The top Hyper trim adds five LiDAR sensors and dual NVIDIA DRIVE Thor chipsets delivering a combined 1,400 TOPS of compute.
That hardware underpins Zeekr’s G‑Pilot H9 conditional autonomous driving system, which supports Level 3 (L3) functionality in certain conditions; the base trim is equipped with the H7 system rated at 700 TOPS.
Korean market entry plans and outlook
After stepping up its push into major European markets, Zeekr has accelerated preparations to enter South Korea.
The company launched Zeekr Korea under Lim Hyun‑ki, a former Audi Korea president, and has formed partnerships with four major dealers experienced in imported vehicles.
Zeekr has confirmed a 2026 model‑year facelift of the 7X as its initial local launch; industry observers say the flagship 9X could follow.
While South Korean buyers remain cautious about Chinese brands, a premium lineup that delivers standout performance and specifications could still make waves in the market.
Among customers considering luxury hybrid SUVs priced above 100 million KRW (about $68,000), industry watchers will be watching whether the Zeekr 9X’s Korean launch timing and pricing will present a compelling new option.
Most Commented