Get ready, China, because Zeekr just unleashed a beast. The Zeekr 9X, a full-size plug-in hybrid SUV, has officially started presales, kicking things off at a cool 479,900 yuan (about 67,080 USD). This isn’t just any hybrid. It packs arguably the world’s largest battery in its class, promising an insane mixed range of 1,200 km under CLTC conditions and a jaw-dropping 1,381 horsepower in its top trim. Zeekr, traditionally an all-electric brand under Geely, is diving headfirst into the booming plug-in hybrid market, and the 9X is their impressive first splash.
Positioned to go head-to-head with luxury SUVs like the Aito M9 and Li L9, the Zeekr 9X made its grand entrance at the Chengdu Auto Show 2025. It’s clear Zeekr isn’t playing around, aiming straight for the premium segment with this new offering.
What’s the Zeekr 9X All About?
This isn’t a small car. The Zeekr 9X measures in at a hefty 5239/2029/1819 mm with a wheelbase of 3,169 mm. It’s the pioneer vehicle built on Geely’s brand-new SEA-S modular architecture. You can grab this luxury cruiser in black, white, silver, gray, or purple. Step inside, and you’re greeted with a sophisticated cabin available in deep blue, beige, or brown. Every 9X comes standard with a comfortable six-seat layout (a 2+2+2 configuration).
Tech is a big deal here. The center console sports two massive 16-inch screens. What’s cool is you can actually opt out of the front passenger screen and save 5,000 yuan. For the driver, a sprawling 47-inch augmented reality head-up display takes center stage. And for those in the back, a dedicated 17-inch 3K display hangs from the ceiling, ensuring everyone’s entertained.
Power, Performance, and Pricing
The Zeekr 9X rolls out with three trim levels: Max, Ultra, and Hyper. The entry-level Max starts at 479,900 yuan (67,080 USD). It pairs a 2-liter internal combustion engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined 660 kW (885 hp). Powering the EV side is a 55 kWh battery, offering 300 km of electric-only range (CLTC) before the hybrid system kicks in to extend the total range to an impressive 1,200 km. Need to get up to speed quickly? The 9X Max sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds.
Ride comfort is key, and the Max trim delivers with a dual-chamber air suspension system featuring dual-valve continuous damping control (CDC). For driver assistance, it boasts a roof-mounted LiDAR unit and the G-Pilot H7 system, powered by a single Nvidia Drive Thor-U chip churning out 700 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second). Plus, there’s a premium 32-speaker Naim sound system to fill the cabin with rich audio.
Stepping up, the Zeekr 9X Ultra begins at 499,900 yuan (69,880 USD). This variant pampers passengers with a folding table for the right second-row seat, four-way lumbar support, and a 22-point massage function for both front and second-row seats. Privacy sunshades and intelligent headlights are also part of the package. It shares the 660 kW powertrain and a standard 55 kWh battery with the Max, but offers an optional 70 kWh pack for those craving more electric range.
For those who demand the absolute best, the Zeekr 9X Hyper is the flagship, priced at 569,900 yuan (79,660 USD). This top-tier model comes standard with a 70 kWh battery, providing 355 km of CLTC electric range. It unleashes a formidable 1,030 kW (1,381 hp) from its three electric motors, pushing it from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.1 seconds. The mixed range settles slightly at 1,165 km, a small trade-off for such immense power.
The Hyper trim enhances handling with a 48V active stabilizer bar and active side support for the driver’s seat. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten, with rotating second-row seats. On the tech front, the Hyper features the advanced G-Pilot H9 system, equipped with five LiDAR sensors and two Nvidia Drive Thor-U chips, combining for an astounding 1,400 TOPS of processing power. Zeekr proudly labels this an “L3-ready model.” It definitely rivals what we’ve seen in other premium SUVs like the Xpeng X9 EREV and even the BYD Yangwang U8L.
Quick Specs & Metrics
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 3.1 – 3.9 | s | Speed depends on trim (Hyper vs. Max/Ultra) |
| Peak power | 660 – 1030 | kW | 885 hp (Max/Ultra) to 1381 hp (Hyper) |
| Range (CLTC electric) | 300 – 355 | km | Electric-only range (Max/Ultra vs. Hyper) |
| Mixed Range (CLTC) | 1165 – 1200 | km | Combined electric and ICE range |
| Battery capacity (usable) | 55 / 70 | kWh | Standard 55 kWh, optional 70 kWh for Ultra, standard 70 kWh for Hyper |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5239/2029/1819 | mm | Full-size SUV dimensions |
| Wheelbase | 3,169 | mm | Generous for a spacious interior |
| Starting price (local market) | 479,900 | yuan | Equivalent to 67,080 USD |
Zeekr’s Hybrid Leap and Market Impact
Zeekr’s move into the PHEV space with the 9X demonstrates a clear response to market trends in China, where plug-in hybrids are gaining significant traction. While some brands, like Xiaomi, are exploring hybrid technology after focusing on pure EVs, Zeekr’s rich Geely heritage gives it a strong foundation. The blend of extreme performance, cutting-edge technology, and a luxurious interior positions the 9X as a serious contender in China’s competitive high-end SUV market. With options for advanced driver assistance systems and a staggering power output, it’s an exciting time for enthusiasts and luxury SUV buyers alike. The strong demand experienced during presales has even led to scalpers asking for significant markups, signaling the 9X is already a hot commodity.
