Zeekr, a Chinese automaker owned by Geely, is making significant strides in the luxury vehicle market with its latest models, the 009 Grand and 9X. According to Stefan Sielaff, Zeekr’s Vice President of Global Design, the company is directly competing with luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Maybach. Sielaff, who has a background in designing luxury cars at Bentley and Audi, believes that Zeekr can succeed in this segment through its rapid development capabilities and advanced technology.
Key Features of Zeekr’s New Models
The Zeekr 9X, a flagship SUV, boasts a “Super Hybrid System” combining the benefits of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It features CATL’s Xiaoyao battery, promising an all-electric range of over 380km (237 miles) in the Chinese testing cycle. The vehicle is expected to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 3 seconds, thanks to a two-liter turbo hybrid gasoline engine and an undisclosed electric motor power. The 9X also includes a 900V system that enables 1.3MW charging, replenishing the battery from 20% to 80% in under 10 minutes.
Luxury Features
The 9X will feature 42,242 laser-engraved, diamond-cut lamp facets, creating a “starry sky” effect. Inside, it will debut Zeekr’s latest G-Pilot H9 autonomous driving system, powered by dual NVIDIA DRIVE Thor chips and 5 LiDAR sensors. This system provides advanced L3-level driving capabilities with 1,400 TOPS computing power. The SUV is set for a global launch in Q3 2025.
Existing Success with the 009 Grand
Zeekr has already shown success in the luxury segment with the 009 Grand minivan, which sells around 4,000 units monthly in China. This model offers luxurious features such as rear massage lounge seats and a giant video screen, providing a high-end driving experience. Sielaff notes that Zeekr is moving towards “new luxury,” offering customers a range of individualistic solutions, including limited-edition cars that can be co-created with the manufacturer.
Market Strategy and Future Plans
Zeekr is targeting affluent young Chinese car buyers, a demographic that is more open to new technologies and designs. Sielaff believes that Zeekr’s lack of heritage in the luxury market can be compensated by its advanced technology, quality, and design. The company is also restructuring its brands, with Zeekr focusing on the premium luxury segment while Lynk & Co will target a lower market segment. With models like the 9X, Zeekr is poised to make a significant impact in the global luxury car market.
