The electric vehicle (EV) market in China is a highly competitive arena, and Zeekr, a premium brand under Geely, is making its mark with the five-seat version of its flagship hybrid SUV, the Zeekr 9X. This move comes in response to the recent launch of a five-seat variant by its domestic rival, Nio, which has already begun deliveries across over ten Chinese cities. The Zeekr 9X's five-seat configuration is set to officially launch on July 28, with firm orders opening at 10:00 a.m. Beijing Time, an unusual step in China's auto industry. This decision to skip the traditional launch event highlights Zeekr's strategic approach to entering a crowded market.
The five-seat 9X is a significant offering for Zeekr, as it targets buyers in the premium large SUV space, a segment that founder and CEO William Li estimates to be roughly three times the size of the three-row segment. This move is a direct response to the competitive landscape, where rivals like Nio, Aito, and XPeng have already expanded into five-seat configurations. The 9X's hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with electric motors, sets it apart from fully electric competitors like the Nio ES8. While the ES8 boasts a 102-kWh battery and 655 km of CLTC range, the 9X offers a shorter pure-electric range but significantly longer combined driving distance.
In terms of dimensions, the 9X is remarkably close to the ES8, with only minor differences in length and wheelbase. However, the five-seat configuration provides a cargo advantage for the 9X, offering more space than the six-seat variant. The interior of the five-seat 9X is finished in brown leather, featuring zero-gravity seats in the second row with powered leg rests, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Legroom is impressive, stretching up to 1.4 meters, and the centre armrest houses physical controls, cup holders, and wireless phone chargers.
Zeekr has not disclosed separate specifications for the five-seat variant, but it is expected to carry over the powertrain from the existing six-seat 9X. Built on Geely's SEA-S platform, the 9X utilizes a full-stack 900-volt high-voltage system. Entry-level trims produce a combined 660 kW (885 hp) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Higher-trim versions add a third motor, boosting output to 1,030 kW (1,381 hp) and reducing the sprint to 3.1 seconds. Battery options range from 55 kWh to 70 kWh, delivering pure electric ranges of 300 km and 380 km, respectively, with a combined range of approximately 1,200 km on the larger pack.
The 9X's G-ASD H9 assisted driving system, powered by 1,400 TOPS of compute, supports up to five LiDAR sensors. Cumulative deliveries of the 9X are approaching 70,000 units since its launch in September 2025, with June deliveries at 6,382 units, down 24.4% from May. The first half of the year saw 46,869 units delivered, and across its full lineup, Zeekr delivered 35,169 vehicles in June, a new monthly record. The brand's first-half deliveries reached 178,370, an impressive 96.6% increase from the previous year.
The premium large SUV market in China is indeed crowded, with competitors like Aito's M9, Nio's ES8 and ES9, Leapmotor's D19, XPeng's GX, and Li Auto's L9 all vying for market share. However, Zeekr's hybrid 9X offers a unique proposition, combining the benefits of both electric and combustion powertrains. The company's strategic move to launch the five-seat variant without a traditional launch event showcases its confidence in the product and its understanding of the competitive landscape. As the EV market continues to evolve, Zeekr's 9X is poised to make a significant impact, offering a compelling alternative to fully electric SUVs in this competitive segment.
