Chinese Luxury SUV Zeekr 9X Poised for European Debut, Challenging Established Brands

Chinese automaker Zeekr has confirmed that its large, luxury SUV, the 9X, will be released in European markets this year. The vehicle, which has drawn comparisons to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan due to its substantial size, imposing grille, and large wheels, has already achieved significant success in its domestic market. Zeekr aims to challenge established European luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Range Rover by offering a blend of advanced technology, craftsmanship, and opulent features at a competitive price point.

The company reports that the 9X has captured over a third of luxury car orders in China exceeding ¥500,000 (£55,000) since its debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. This success has coincided with a notable impact on the sales and profits of German luxury manufacturers in China over the past year, with BMW recently announcing job cuts in response to market pressures.

While exact European pricing has not been released, industry rumors suggest a starting price around €100,000 (£85,750), a significant reduction compared to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan's £345,000 price tag. The Zeekr 9X is a plug-in hybrid SUV measuring 5.2 meters long and 2.3 meters wide, featuring a 3.2-meter wheelbase. It weighs approximately 2.9 tons and stands 1.8 meters tall.

Lothar Schupet, CEO of Zeekr Europe, described the 9X as a response to the evolving demands of luxury consumers, aiming to offer more than just transportation. "Despite its commanding size, this car is extroverted and elegant simultaneously," Schupet stated. "The Zeekr 9X is not luxury borrowed from another era. Instead, this is a new era of luxury, beyond convention."

The 9X is powered by a plug-in hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a 55kWh battery. This setup delivers 884 horsepower, enabling a 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds, comparable to performance vehicles like the VW Golf R. The vehicle also boasts a 900V electrical architecture, allowing for rapid charging from 10% to 80% in nine minutes with a compatible DC fast charger. Zeekr claims a combined electric-only range of 110 miles and a total range of 458 miles on a full charge and full tank.

Inside, the Zeekr 9X is designed as a luxury lounge on wheels. It features adaptive air suspension, active noise cancellation, and seats with massage, ventilation, and heating functions. The cabin is adorned with premium materials, including leather upholstery, real wood paneling, and what Zeekr describes as "jewellery-grade faceting." Technology includes a 13-inch digital instrument cluster, a 47-inch head-up display with blind-spot camera integration, and dual 16-inch OLED center console screens. Rear passengers have access to a 17-inch OLED display that extends from the ceiling, alongside a 32-speaker Naim sound system and an onboard refrigerator.

Initially, the 9X will be offered in a six-seat configuration in Europe, with other versions, including seven-seat and four-seat executive layouts, likely to follow. The SUV also features a split tailgate, similar to the Range Rover, and has a towing capacity of 2,000kg.

Zeekr is scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom in late 2026, with initial models like the 7GT shooting brake and 7X electric SUV expected to arrive earlier. A company spokesperson indicated that the 9X is anticipated to be among the models offered in the UK, although a specific timeline has not yet been confirmed.