- Dubbed the 9X, Zeekr’s latest hybrid SUV arrives with a luxurious design that’s incredibly reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
- Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with twin electric motors; it boasts an impressive 0-100 dash time of three seconds.
- Pricing is expected to range from ¥500,000 ($AU110,000) to ¥1 million ($AU215,000), with confirmation for Australian delivery yet to be confirmed.
For most of us, the prospect of owning a Rolls-Royce Cullinan will simply never become a reality. But the enterprising folks over at Zeekr want to get you halfway there with the debut of its all-new 9X hybrid luxury SUV.
Positioned as a fresh contender in the ultra-competitive, high-end SUV market, the 9X obviously turns heads with its distinct front end, chrome detailing, as well as the less visually perceptible advanced battery technology.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s been coupled with dual electric motors, you can expect a combined output of 490kWl, which translates to knuckle-whitening acceleration and a claimed 0-100 time of just three seconds.
Though as fun as all that promises to be, it’s not just about raw speed. The SUV’s fast-charging capability is one of its standout features, juicing from 20% to 80% in just nine minutes (an area Zeekr has already proven itself in).
Beyond the design features already mentioned, it also boasts 22-inch forged wheels that are a little more Maybach than they are Cullinan; while the suspension promises performance across a range of terrains and adjustable ride height.
At the rear of the SUV, the 9X’s rear doors open more than 80 degrees, which might make you want to hire a personal driver with the money you saved not springing for a real Cullinan.
Inside, the 9X offers a tech-heavy experience with Zeekr’s G-Pilot Level 3 autonomous driving system and a suite of safety features powered by five LiDAR units. The SUV will be available in both electric and hybrid variants, with the plug-in hybrid boasting an impressive range of up to 1,500 kilometres.
With its ambitious design, fast-charging hybrid technology, and array of features, it’s clear that Zeekr intends to be a major player in the SUV market. Pricing is expected to range from ¥500,000 (AU$110,000) to ¥1 million ($AU215,000), with confirmation for Australian delivery currently TBA.
