Affordable Luxury Chinese SUV, Zeekr 9X, Bears Similarity to Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Priced Significantly Lower
The dazzling Zeekr 9X, the latest offering from the Chinese luxury automaker, is about to shake up the market, giving traditional heavyweights like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes a run for their money. This SUV, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, is even compared to the enormous Rolls-Royce Cullinan, albeit at a fraction of its cost - a remarkable £50k compared to the £300k commanded by the Roller equivalent.
But the 9X's appeal isn't merely about the price. Equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, it boasts over 186 miles of electric-only driving and supercar performance, promising to disrupt the established Western luxury SUV market with its lavish interior and practicality on par with Range Rover. As of now, it's unclear if or when the 9X will make its way across the pond to the UK, but the brand plans to start selling in the UK from 2026[1].
It's worth noting that Zeekr, owned by Shanghai-based Geely, is no stranger to the automotive world. It shares roots with renowned brands such as Polestar, Volvo, and Lotus[1]. This innovative SUV, measuring 5,290mm long - longer than the Range Rover's 5,252mm - offers six or seven seating options, ensuring maximum comfort for big families[2]. For those seeking a roomy limo, there's an option for four spaced-out chairs with 'executive-style' seating[2].
The exterior design of the 9X takes noticeable cues from the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, featuring chrome detailing, a large imposing waterfall grille, and hints of the Rivian R1S, Range Rover, and Jaecoo 9HS[2]. It also flaunts a unique 'Ring Screen Star Diamond' taillight assembly, complementing the 9X's front-end design[2].
The 9X's 900V architecture supports 480kW ultra-rapid charging, ensuring 310 miles of charge can be attained in just nine minutes[3]. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, the 9X boasts a combined range of 932 miles[3]. With its 'Super Electric Hybrid' technology, the 9X promises impressive efficiency and performance[3].
Intriguingly, the 9X also features the G-Pilot intelligent driving solution, building on Zeekr's Level 3 autonomous driving architecture, and using ZEEA 3.0 central computing digital architecture for improved communication[4]. It equips the 9X with five LiDAR units, ensuring four layers of 360-degree perception capabilities[4].
Although the 9X isn't yet confirmed for right-hand markets such as Australia or the UK, it is expected to follow after Zeekr's UK launch next year, given that it utilizes the same SEA architecture as its sister brands, Volvo, and Polestar[2].
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Sources:
- Guess who's going to be at Goodwood this year?
- Zeekr UK: new recruit takes the helm as brand prepares to sell cars in UK from 2026
- Zeekr 9X price, specs and UK release date
- Zeekr 9X: Chinese luxury SUV to rival Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover
- Zeekr UK to launch next year with processor-on-chip and G-Pilot level 3 autonomous driving system
- The Zeekr 9X, with its competitive pricing, could be an attractive insurance option for those in the market for luxury SUVs, potentially saving thousands compared to traditional brands like Rolls-Royce.
- The 9X's hybrid drivetrain and impressive efficiency make it a practical choice for the eco-conscious consumer, aligning well with the current trend towards energy savings in the lifestyle industry.
- In the financial realm, the entry of Zeekr into the UK market could create a stir, potentially challenging the dominance of established luxury brands and invigorating the industry with fresh business opportunities.
- The Ducati enthusiast might find the 9X's arrival a welcome addition, as the brand shares roots with Volvo - a company known for its cutting-edge technology and collaboration with other innovative brands in the automotive world.
- For tech-savvy sports enthusiasts, the 9X's G-Pilot intelligent driving solution and Level 3 autonomous driving architecture present an intriguing blend of sports-like performance and futuristic technology.
- Chen, the new recruit at Zeekr UK, might find himself in the driver's seat of a potential sports-luxury crossover, given the brand's ambitious plans to bring the 9X to the UK market in 2026.
- As the 9X shapes up to challenge the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover, the SUV industry could be in for a shake-up, with consumers entertained by a diverse array of offerings that cater to various savings, luxury, and sports-oriented lifestyles.
