At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle brand under Geely, debuted its flagship 9X SUV, a plug-in hybrid that blends cutting-edge technology with authentic Chinese craftsmanship, aiming to rival Rolls-Royce and Maybach. Forbes reported that Zeekr’s bold move into the ultra-luxury segment challenges Western giants with a unique fusion of rapid development and cultural elegance, captivating EV enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.

Engineering a New Luxury Benchmark

The Zeekr 9X, equipped with a “Super Hybrid System,” integrates a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 275 horsepower and electric motors for blistering performance, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3 seconds. Its CATL Xiaoyao battery offers an electric range of 237 miles (EPA estimated at ~175 miles), the longest among hybrid SUVs globally, per Zeekr’s claims. A 900V architecture supports 1.3 MW ultra-fast charging, juicing from 20% to 80% in under 10 minutes. Dual-chamber air suspension and active stabilizer bars promise a silky ride, while 42,242 laser-engraved lamp facets create a mesmerizing “starry sky” effect, elevating its aesthetic allure.

Inside, the 9X pioneers autonomous driving with the G-Pilot H9 system, powered by dual NVIDIA DRIVE Thor chips and five LiDAR sensors, boasting 1,400 TOPS for L3-level capabilities. This technological prowess, set for global launch in Q3 2025, positions the 9X as a formidable contender against the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, priced at $400,000+, while starting at an estimated $68,000–$136,000.

Cultural Craftsmanship Meets Modern Affluence

Zeekr’s Vice President of Global Design, Stefan Sielaff, envisions a luxury rooted in Chinese heritage.

“Our new customers in China in the luxury segment are more open for new things, which are more focused on authentic materials and good craftsmanship, maybe sometimes also even using Chinese influence,” he told Forbes. “For example, we are experimenting with using materials like jade or porcelain in the future, which will be beautiful.”

This approach targets younger, affluent Chinese buyers, aged 30–40, who seek individuality over traditional Western heritage.

The 9X’s interior, though not fully revealed, promises artisan elements and customizable finishes, from chrome-heavy opulence to understated tinted materials. This flexibility, Sielaff notes, signals “a higher level of complexity” akin to bespoke luxury, allowing buyers to co-create limited-edition vehicles.

Industry Shift: China’s Luxury EV Ascendancy

Zeekr’s rapid development—delivering vehicles from sketch to production in two years—leverages heavy digitization, outpacing Western rivals. “Beside all the quality and the technology advantages Chinese brands have, it is also the speed,” Sielaff emphasized. The merger of Zeekr and Lynk & Co into the Zeekr Group amplifies efficiencies, with Zeekr ascending to premium luxury and Lynk & Co targeting youthful lifestyles, as seen in the 872-hp Lynk & Co 900 SUV. This strategic restructuring under Geely signals China’s ambition to dominate the global luxury EV market.

EVXL’s Take

The Zeekr 9X isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a cultural statement, weaving jade and porcelain into a high-tech tapestry that redefines luxury for a new generation. For EV enthusiasts, its blistering performance and record-setting range are thrilling, but the real spark lies in its audacity to challenge Rolls-Royce with a price tag closer to a BMW X5. Yet, as Zeekr races to global markets, EVXL wonders: Can its bold vision overcome the weight of Western heritage? With Sielaff’s European finesse and China’s relentless innovation, the 9X feels like a silk glove thrown at the feet of Maybach—elegant, yet ready for a fight.

Photos courtesy of Zeekr