Geely-owned Chinese automaker Zeekr has unveiled its answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan – the 9X – at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show. Representing a “bold leap forward for the brand,” Zeekr’s new seven-seater luxury SUV is the first hybrid model in the Chinese marque’s line-up, given that the brand was originally founded as electric-only in 2021.
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The 9X is effectively Zeekr’s answer to the $350k-plus Rolls-Royce Cullinan (hence the ‘inspired’ exterior design), though, should the 9X make its way to North America, starting prices are expected to be more in line with BMW’s $110k X7 SUV. That’s admittedly the barebones option, and the chances of that happening any time soon are fairly slim, despite the brand showcasing its 001 FR sport sedan at this year’s CES in Las Vegas. The 9X’s official launch in China, meanwhile, will take place later this year in Q3.
Hybrid Four-Cylinder Capable Of 0-62 MPH In 3 Seconds
The 9X’s hybrid powertrain mates a 275-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors – one on the front axle, the other at the back – that produce 290 kilowatts (just under 389 horsepower) and 370 kW (496 hp), respectively, for a combined, and potentially lunatic, 1,160 horsepower! Specifics have not been mentioned, though that would more than double the output of the Cullinan if confirmed.
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Zeekr has also stated that the three-plus-ton hybrid luxury SUV completes the 0-62 mph sprint in an astonishing three seconds flat. For context, that’s on par with a Lamborghini Aventador. If true, Zeekr’s claims that the 9X and its new hybrid powertrain will offer “disruptive” innovation both in terms of efficiency and performance could be on the money.
An Astonishing Powertrain, But The Design Is Clearly Derivative
The hybrid powertrain is combined with the Xiaoyao battery that, at launch, developer CATL claimed was capable of “ultra-fast charging” and an all-electric range of more than 400 kilometers (almost 250 miles). Accordingly, Zeekr has confirmed an estimated electric range exceeding 380 km (around 236 miles) for the 9X. Thanks to 6C fast-charging capabilities and the vehicle’s 900-volt architecture, the battery could be charged from 20 to 80 percent in just nine minutes.
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 9X’s boxy body, raked tailgate and purposeful front grille are reminiscent of the Cullinan, though the tail lamps are comparable to another Geely brand: Volvo and the all-electric EX90. Fittingly, the 9X also comes equipped with LiDAR sensors (a staple of the Swedish brand) as part of a driver assist system apparently capable of Level 3 autonomous driving.
The seven-seater rides on mirror-finished 22-inch forged wheels, and the dual-chamber air suspension and active stabilizer bars mean the 9X should boast a Rolls-Royce-esque, or at least ‘adjacent,’ ride quality. Interior cabin shots have not yet been released, but Zeekr does state that 42,242 laser-engraved “diamond-cut lamp facets” were used to create the ‘Starry Sky’ (where have we heard that name before…?) effect inside the cabin. Would you buy one if it were available in the US?
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