ZEEKR launches flagship 9X PHEV SUV

ZEEKR, the Geely Holding Group’s luxury brand, today officially launched its new flagship luxury 9X, bringing the brand’s range to 7 models after just 4 years in the market. Although ZEEKR was introduced as a pure electric brand and its first 6 models are fully electric, it has changed its strategy and is now a New Energy Vehicle brand which will also offer hybrid electric vehicles.

First ZEEKR PHEV
The 9X is the first ZEEKR model with a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain which uses the Haohan (Sustainable Experience Architecture or SEA) Super Hybrid System. This is an advanced PHEV system and the 9X is the first to use it.

Part of the SEA-S platform developed by the Geely Group, the system adopts 900V high-voltage architecture. The core of the technology integrates a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 3 silicon carbide motors (one front and two rear) which generates a total up to 660 kW 897 hp)/1,030 Nm. This gives the 9X, which has an average weight of 3,000 kgs (depending on version) a 0 – 100 km/h capability claimed to be 3.1 seconds.

8.5 minutes from 20% to 80%
As with many of the latest PHEVs, the 9X has a range over a thousand kms – 1,250 kms is the claim – with the electric motors working together with the combustion engine. The battery pack by CATL has a capacity of 70 kWh – the largest capacity currently in use – and can provide pure electric motoring for up to 380 kms. With 6C charging technology and a high-powered DC charging point, the battery can be recharged from 20% to 80% within 8.5 minutes, it is claimed.

AI Digital Chassis
The 9X sits with the Haohan AI Digital Chassis which integrates AI algorithms, advanced hardware, and software to give not only comfort but also stability on rough terrain. The system uses AI to analyze driving data and road conditions in real-time, dynamically adjusting the vehicle’s dual-chamber air suspension system and chassis to maintain smoothness. Together with 8V active stabilizer bars, body roll is also minimized, enhancing handling.

Air suspension also enables height variation and when needed, the ground clearance can be raised to 288 mm. On highways, the ride height can be lowered to 178 mm for better aerodynamics and stability.

Larger than German flagship SUVs
As the new flagship of the ZEEKR range, the 9X has imposing dimensions – 5238 mm in length, 2029 mm in width and 1819 mm in height. That makes it larger than a Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW XM, and the dominating presence is further emphasised by the large vertical grille which is employed by luxury models.

The wheelbase of almost 3.2 metres allows for a very spacious cabin with 3 rows of luxurious seating. The seats, known as Cloud Lounge seats, are comparable to seats on a business class airliner. These seats have the world’s first 4-way adaptive lumbar support and a 12-layer structure for optimal body support.

Besides 16.9 million colours for variable ambient lighting over a 256-colour spectrum, the cabin is also said to be so quiet that it is the industry’s only 5-certified quiet cabin. Other highlights include the AI OS7 intelligent cockpit with 16-inch 3.5K OLED central control and infotainment screens, and a 17-inch 3K Ultra-HD OLED screen overhead.

Complementing all the superlative features is a Naim Palace Sound audio system. Its peak output of 3,868W is the highest in a production model, powering 32 speakers strategically positioned around the cabin to achieve 9.2.4.8 full dimensional immersive sound distribution.

Safety Armour Technology
The precious human lives within a protected by Haohan Safety Armor technology which makes the 9X a highway ‘tank’ with 91% of high-strength steel and aluminium alloy. Crash tests typically subject vehicles to impacts on the front and sides but for the 9X, ZEEKR included a rear-end collision which the SUV also passed. Other active safety systems include crosswind control, side-impact lift, and automatic obstacle avoidance.

To support autonomous or semi-autonomous motoring, the 9X has Qianli Haohan Assisted Driving System H9 which 5 LiDAR units to achieve all-area, all-direction coverage. A full-link dual backup network has up to 8 major security redundancies to ensure maximum operating safety at all times.

From RM275,350 in China
The 9X has prices ranging from 465,900 yuan to 589,900 yuan, which today is equivalent to RM275,350 – RM348,600. The new model is unlikely to be in Malaysia this year and in any case, PHEVs do not enjoy duty-exemption so the price of a CBU import would be higher with taxes. There’s been some talk about ZEEKR assembling some models at the Automotive High-Tech Valley in Tg. Malim, Perak, but the 9X probably won’t be among them.

New Zeekr battery can be charged in 10.5 minutes (10% – 80%)