Introducing the Zeekr 9X: Australia’s First Ultra-Luxury Chinese SUV
Australia is about to witness a new player in the ultra-luxury car market, with the Zeekr 9X making its debut. This three-row large SUV is set to be the flagship model of the brand in the country later this year. The question remains: will it find an audience?
The 9X looks as if it could rival the likes of the Rolls Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga, but at a more affordable price point and with a modern approach to powertrain technology. It’s an ambitious move for a brand with only five years of history.
Where Does the 9X Fit in the Australian Luxury SUV Market?
At 5239mm long and with a wheelbase of over three meters, the 9X is an imposing vehicle. Its expansive bodywork, huge chrome grille, and boxy roofline make it stand out. It competes with models like the Audi Q7 and the full-size Range Rover, which can cost upwards of $321,000 for three rows of seats.
While the 9X may not match the price of a Bentley Bentayga or Rolls Royce Cullinan, it aims to offer similar grandeur at a more accessible price. In China, the 9X starts from around A$95,400, suggesting a local price that could be over $100,000, perhaps even exceeding $120,000.
Power and Performance
Unlike its competitors, which are powered by everything from 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels to 6.7-litre V12s, the 9X offers a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system. This is backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack.
The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the base two variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car. It also boasts between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range without needing the engine. The 0-100km/h sprint time is as low as 3.1 seconds, making it one of the most powerful SUVs on the market.
Interior and Features
Every version of the 9X offered in China comes with air suspension and a 900-volt architecture, allowing for fast charging. The interior is lavish, with full Nappa leather trim and active noise cancellation. The cabin layout and unique steering wheel reflect its flagship role.
Space is abundant in all three seating rows, with the third row being particularly surprising. Despite the size, the 9X offers 470 litres of boot capacity and a super suave split tailgate. It also includes features like Vehicle to Load (V2L), a full-size power outlet in the cabin, and an exhaustive list of safety kit.
Driving Experience
The 9X delivers a shock and awe experience. During a 0-100km/h acceleration test, the SUV leaned back on its haunches and hurtled forward with terrifying alacrity. It was one of the most intense acceleration experiences in recent memory.
While the body feels its dimensions when rounding corners, the steering feels a bit more detached than that of the 8X. However, the 9X stayed composed during the ‘moose test’ and rode relatively flat. The air suspension plays a significant role in maintaining stability.
The enormous monoblock-style wheels transmitted a noticeable amount of thud to the cabin before the adaptive suspension adjusted to the speed bump test. However, the sheer weight and size of the 9X appear to be its primary drawback, making parking a challenge in urban areas.
Verdict
Zeekr aims for maximum shock factor with its flagship 9X, and it doesn’t miss the mark in terms of visual appeal or touch and feel. It silences doubters with its terrifying, thunderous electrified performance.
Various factors will be key in determining its success, including price and the invasiveness of safety features. For those who appreciate its over-the-top look and are brand agnostic, the 9X could replace classic European favourites in high-income driveways.
