Zeekr will soon introduce its new flagship SUV, the Zeekr 9X, in Malaysia. Measuring over 5.2 metres in length and producing more than 1,300hp, this is the brand’s top-of-the-line model, positioned to take on rivals such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Range Rover.
While Zeekr is best known for its premium EVs, the 9X is the brand’s first model to feature an internal combustion engine. As a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the inclusion of an engine would be beneficial for Malaysian buyers, not just for extended range for long distance drives but also road tax.
Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia General Manager Eddy Lu revealed that the Zeekr 9X is expected to launch in Malaysia as early as the end of this year, or maybe in early 2027.
He said the timing depends on the engineering progress of converting the Zeekr 9X from Left Hand Drive (LHD) to Right Hand Drive (RHD). In addition, they also need to ensure that the vehicle complies and satisfies European regulations.
Eddy shared that the decision is not just about what kind of product they should be launching into the Malaysian market but it is about the whole RHD market.
He emphasised that Zeekr isn’t a brand that’s looking to launch so many products as that can cause confusion for customers. He said they are not seeking to use massive production to earn the market and that’s not what they are going to do. They aim to do things properly and to do things right.
Zeekr believes the right thing to do is to launch the right product at the right timing.
Zeekr 9X: Geely’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Zeekr 9X is positioned as the brand’s most advanced and luxurious SUV to date, built around a premium six-seat configuration that prioritises rear-seat comfort. You can think of it as the SUV version of its current Zeekr 009 with more performance, more luxury and it offers off-road capabilities. With its boxy design and bold front grille, it is no surprise that this SUV is given the nickname “Hangzhou Cullinan”
As mentioned earlier, this is a PHEV and it comes with a 2.0L turbocharged “Super Hybrid Dedicated Engine” that produces 205kW (275hp). For its electric motors, the 9X comes in either a dual-motor and triple-motor AWD variants.
The dual-motor version delivers 660kW (885hp) and 935Nm of torque, while the triple-motor version boasts an insane 1030kW (1381hp) and 1,410Nm of torque. The range topping model can propel this beast from 0-100km/h in just 3.1 seconds.
This ultra-luxury SUV comes with either 55kWh and 70kWh battery packs which delivers up to 300km and 355km of CLTC-rated pure electric range respectively.
For the premium consumer, range isn’t going be a concern as the Zeekr 9X boasts up to 1250km combined CLTC-rated range for the dual-motor + 70kWh battery configuration, or up to 1165km combined CLTC-rated range for the triple-motor + 70kWh battery combo.
The Zeekr 9X also features a 900V electrical architecture that boasts ultra-fast 6C charging. This means a quick 20-80% charge of its 70kWh battery takes about 9 minutes with a high-powered DC charger, which is just nice for a quick coffee and toilet break.
The Zeekr 9X also features dual-chamber air suspension and 48V active anti-roll bar, to enhance ride comfort and minimise body roll.
As you would expect from a premium Zeekr product, the 9X has a well equipped interior which includes a sliding 17″ OLED display for rear occupants, built-in smart fridge with heating function and a 32-speaker 3868W Naim sound system. The second row features two powered captain seats that offer massage, heated and ventilated function. Even the third row comes with powered seats with its own physical adjustment buttons.
The second row seats can also rotate 180 degrees to face the third row for a lounge configuration, similar to the Zeekr MIX.
Zeekr 9X expected to be priced above RM500,000 in Malaysia
In China, the Zeekr 9X is officially priced from CNY 465,900 (about RM264,523). Here are the variants available in mainland China:
- Zeekr 9X Max (Dual Motor 55kWh) – CNY 465,900 (about RM264,523)
- Zeekr 9X Ultra (Dual Motor 55kWh/70/kWh) – CNY485,900 (about RM275,808)
- Zeekr 9X Hyper (Triple Motor 70kWh) – CNY 559,900 (about RM317,813)
- Zeekr 9X Obsidian Black Edition (Triple Motor 70kWh) – CNY 599,900 (about RM340,457)
Since this is a PHEV, it won’t enjoy the low excise duties imposed on fully electric vehicles imported from China. Eddy Lu says consumers can expect it to be priced way above the current Zeekr 009 which is currently going for RM359,800 for the Ultra-Luxury 6-seater version.
While Zeekr Malaysia has yet to confirm which variants are coming to our market, it is safe to say that we can expect the Zeekr 9X to be priced above RM500,000. For an SUV with this amount of power, features and technology, it is quite a bargain compared to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Range Rover which are priced well above RM2,000,000.
However, on the flip side, being a PHEV does has its own benefits. If this model were to be a fully electric SUV, the 1030kW power output from the triple-motor would be slapped with the highest annual EV road tax of RM20,000.
Since there’s an engine, the road tax for the Zeekr 9X would be similar to other SUVs with a 2.0L engine. This means, the annual road tax would be around RM430-RM440 per year.
