Exactly one year ago, the new Chinese brand Zeekr, which operates within the Geely Holding group alongside Volvo, Geely and Lynk&Co, entered the Croatian market. Although the brand has been present for only about five and a half years, it has developed 11 models during that period and plans to be present in more than 20 European markets by the end of the year. Global sales currently stand at 850,000 units.
In Croatia, Zeekr had previously been represented exclusively by electric models, but the launch of the 9X changes that. The new SUV brings the Super Hybrid, a powerful plug-in hybrid system. The vehicle is 523.9 centimetres long, 181.9 cm high and 202.9 cm wide without mirrors, or 229 cm with mirrors. The platform has a wheelbase of 316.9 cm, and the vehicle mass is 2,900 kilograms. The load capacity is 595 kg, and the towing capacity is 2,000 kg.
According to David Milan of Zeekr, the 9X leaves no room for compromise. The design is signed by Stefan Sielaff, who leads Geely’s global design centre in Sweden and was the chief designer at Bentley for years. Due to its appearance, which irresistibly resembles the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the model has been nicknamed the Chinese Rolls-Royce. Geely Holding has owned Volvo for years.
The interior features two seats in each row, and the seats in the middle row can be converted into a sort of bed, similar to an airline business class, in so-called zero gravity mode. There are also seat massage options, a large 17-inch OLED screen, a ThermaLux thermal box that allows temperatures from -6 to +50 degrees Celsius, an advanced driver assistance system with LiDAR, and a Naim audio system with 32 speakers. Two 16-inch 3.5K OLED screens are located in the front section, and a 47-inch head-up display with augmented reality is also expected.
The drive is handled by the Super Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid that combines a two-litre petrol engine with one electric motor on each axle. The driver can choose from one of three basic driving modes and seven modes intended for off-road driving. The electric motors are powered by a lithium-ion NMC battery with a gross capacity of 55.1 kWh. The powertrain develops a maximum power of 660 kW, or 897 hp, and 935 Nm of maximum torque. The declared electric range is up to 179 kilometres, while the total range is 737 km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.1 seconds, and the top speed is 240 km/h. The vehicle is built on a 900V platform, and the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 9.5 minutes.
Only two trim levels are offered. The initial Ultra costs €126,500, while the Black Line costs €133,500. The Black Line brings mainly visual changes in line with its name, comes exclusively in a black exterior finish, while the base model is essentially in a white exterior. For an additional €1,900, a black or grey exterior colour can be selected. The basic interior is black, and for €1,600, a brown/blue version can be obtained, available exclusively with a black exterior. The basic front grille is a satin chrome version, and for an additional €2,000, it can be obtained in the vehicle’s colour. On the Black Line model, an additional €5,100 is possible for a high-gloss front grille finish. The standard 9X comes on 22-inch Galaxy wheels, while the Monoblock wheel finish is an additional €1,200. A comparison with the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS and the new Audi Q9 will have to wait a little longer.
