The Zeekr 9X has launched in Europe as the brand’s first luxury SUV, using a Super Hybrid powertrain that pairs a 900V dual-motor system with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine acting as a generator. Zeekr claims up to 897hp, 737km of combined range and 10 to 80% DC charging in 9.5 minutes.

The powertrain choice is the story. Zeekr entered Europe as a battery electric brand, and its first move into the luxury segment carries a combustion engine, which extends range and also sits outside the duties the EU applies to battery electric vehicles built in China.

The specification is preliminary. Zeekr states the figures are indicative estimates for the 9X Ultra AWD and have not been homologated, with combined consumption of 28.5kWh/100km and 77g/km of CO2, so the range claim should be treated as provisional.

Chief Executive of Zeekr Europe Lothar Schupet said in a statement that the car was designed in Europe for European roads. He described it as a direct answer to what luxury buyers now want from a car.

The 9X is Zeekr’s fifth European model in three years, and the brand now sells across 16 European markets. Cabin equipment includes a 17-inch ceiling-mounted screen, a 32-speaker Naim system and a refrigerator between the second-row seats.

Source: Zeekr