Jobaaj Stories
Zeekr, a Geely-owned brand, has unveiled the first official images of its 9X luxury SUV ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. The bold and distinctive design of the 9X is stirring up conversation, drawing comparisons to high-end luxury SUVs like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover. However, this luxurious SUV comes with a much more accessible price tag.
Zeekr 9X Design Inspired by Luxury SUVs
Zeekr's 9X SUV showcases a design that is hard to ignore. With angular lines and a commanding presence, it draws inspiration from some of the most prestigious brands in the luxury SUV segment. Notably, it has strong design similarities with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Range Rover, and even Rivian's R1S.
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Distinctive Grille: Zeekr's signature "waterwall" grille is even larger than the Rolls-Royce Cullinan’s Pantheon grille.
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C-Pillar and LED Light: The silver C-pillar treatment and rear LED light arrangement echo elements from the Cullinan and Range Rover.
However, despite these impressive features, some critics feel the overall look of the 9X appears a bit outdated compared to European luxury rivals. It lacks features like flush door handles and rear-hinged doors, and the surface finishes aren't as refined as those of high-end European luxury brands. Despite these drawbacks, the 9X still exudes a sense of presence, which is vital for luxury SUVs in this segment.
Inside the Zeekr 9X
The interior of the Zeekr 9X remains a mystery for now, but there are strong indications that it might draw inspiration from Zeekr's own 009 minivan. High-end versions of the 009 feature luxuries like fully reclining rear seats and a massive 43-inch cinema screen, and the 9X could offer similar amenities to compete in the luxury SUV market.
We’ll have to wait until the Shanghai Auto Show reveal to see if the 9X adopts these features, but it’s clear that Zeekr intends to offer more than just striking exterior design.
Zeekr 9X Hybrid Powertrain with Performance to Match
Zeekr is known for its electric vehicles (EVs), but the 9X appears to take a different approach. While Zeekr has yet to confirm the powertrain, visible exhaust tailpipe trims suggest that the 9X will be a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). This would differentiate it from pure EVs, adding versatility and a longer driving range for consumers.
In terms of performance, the 9X is expected to deliver impressive acceleration, with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time in the 3-second range, putting it on par with other high-performance luxury SUVs.
Zeekr 9X Pricing and Availability
Zeekr is positioning the 9X in a competitive price range, likely to cost between ¥500,000 (approximately $68,000) and ¥1,000,000 (approximately $136,000). This puts the 9X in direct competition with models like the BMW X5, making it a more affordable option compared to higher-end competitors like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover.
Zeekr 9X Specifications
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Conclusion
Zeekr’s 9X is set to challenge established luxury carmakers by offering a bold design and high-performance features at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury SUVs. With its powerful hybrid powertrain and distinctive style, the 9X is poised to make waves at the Shanghai Auto Show and could be the next big thing in the world of luxury SUVs.
