While the Zeekr 9X might lack the prestigious emblem and heritage of a Rolls-Royce, it more than makes up for it with its striking appearance and impressive capabilities.
- Zeekr has unveiled its most luxurious model yet, the 9X three-row SUV.
- This marks Zeekr's debut model featuring a combustion engine, operating alongside two electric motors as part of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) setup.
- The pricing or availability outside of China hasn't been officially announced yet, but it is expected to be roughly $70,000.
Zeekr is a high-end Chinese automotive manufacturer, among more than ten subsidiary brands under the Geely umbrella. Zeekr aims to compete with well-established luxury car makers across various market segments. The brand provides vehicles as compact as a Tesla Model 3. However, with its newly unveiled 9X model, it aims to attract customers away from the Mercedes-Benz GLS as well. BMW X7 The 9X represents Zeekr's inaugural plug-in hybrid (PHEV), signifying a significant departure for a brand that had previously focused solely on electric vehicles.
The frontend of the 9X clearly bears resemblance to a Rolls-Royce, featuring a similarly designed grill and a boxy appearance. Nonetheless, it does not come across as an imitation. the Cullinan SUV , and positioned further towards the sides of the car, it stands out from its competitors. The brushed metal accent that runs along the top portion of the vehicle's flanks appears well-proportioned rather than excessive, enhancing the distinctive appearance of the three-row 9X.
What's truly captivating is what lies beneath the 9X's hood. This vehicle boasts a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of producing 275 horsepower, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission system. Additionally, this engine functions as a generator to recharge the battery pack—although the exact capacity remains undisclosed—which purportedly allows the 9X to achieve an estimated range of 236 miles (380 kilometers) according to China's less stringent CLTC testing standards.
The total power generated by its dual electric motors and internal combustion engine is approximately 885 horsepower. This allows this powerful vehicle to sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just about three seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).
Due to its 900-volt electric architecture, the 9X model can go from a 20% charge to 80% in just 9 minutes. Additionally, it features a 48-volt system powering all auxiliary components such as the dual-chamber air suspension. This suspension works alongside active anti-rollbars to enable the vehicle to take corners smoothly. Zeekr states that the 9X can also perform Level 3 autonomous driving, equipped with sophisticated driver aid systems that depend on lidar and camera technology.
Zeekr could have created the 9X as an all-electric model, but doing so might have significantly reduced its attractiveness. Customers looking for big, flashy, three-row SUVs Similar models usually demand extensive range capabilities; however, larger vehicles necessitate bigger batteries, thereby increasing costs. Despite well-developed and quickly growing charging infrastructures in places like China, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) become more logical for the biggest vehicle categories.
Zeekr might have alternatively designed the 9X as extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), With a combustion engine functioning exclusively as a generator. Despite the significant popularity of plug-ins (EVs and PHEVs) in China, EREVs remain scarce. The only extended-range electric vehicle from China that comes to mind is the BYD Shark pickup. Most other hybrid models typically use their engines to drive the wheels directly.
If you prefer a sleek, battery-operated Zeekr and find the SUV design unnecessary, consider choosing the brand’s electric minivan instead. the 009 , featuring real gold-plated external trim at the highest level. It also includes an opulent two-person theater in the rear. Additionally, we had the opportunity to experience what is anticipated to be the brand’s most popular model in Europe soon. the 7X , which amazed us with its opulent and thoughtfully designed cabin, comfortable ride, and overall sense of superior engineering. Evidently, Zeekr has many positive aspects to offer.
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