Zeekr 9X Grand will be the brand’s first hybrid

Zeekr, a Chinese conglomerate Geely’s sub-brand, has revealed some winter testing photos of its upcoming flagship SUV. The Zeekr 9X will be the brand’s first ‘Super Hybrid’ after initially offering only BEVs. It will be available in two variants: the 9X and the even more luxurious 9X Grand.

Zeekr first announced the arrival of its plug-in hybrid flagship in August 2024, which was known until now as the EX1E, coming in the second half of 2025. Now, the company has shared official photos of the model during winter testing, along with its final name: Zeekr 9X. That places it above the Zeekr 7X in the hierarchy, which was recently launched in Europe and on the same level as the minivan 009.

Range Rover-like design

The Zeekr 9X in the photos is still covered in camouflage, but the overall shape can be clearly seen. It’s a stately SUV with a rectilinear design, echoing other luxury models like the Range Rover and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Details include flush door handles, a LiDAR on the roof, and blocky headlights.

Along with the pictures, Zeekr released a short teaser video of the 9X powering along an icy track. The drifting action makes it clear that the model will feature a powerful drivetrain with four-wheel drive, and it will be the first of its kind for the traditionally all-electric brand.

Super Hybrid

The Zeekr 9X will be the first to feature Zeekr’s ‘Super Hybrid’ technology, a plug-in hybrid or range-extended electric drivetrain meant to offer excellent performance and range while minimizing fuel consumption, even on the highway – traditionally not the strong point of hybrids.

Zeekr’s switch to hybrid power comes as a result of the demands of the Chinese and international markets, which have not adopted full-electric vehicles as quickly as hoped and are now looking again at hybrids (PHEV) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) to reduce emissions without losing flexibility.

Over 1 million RMB?

Exact details of the new Super Hybrid drivetrain are not yet known, but according to earlier info, it will be the first of its kind within the Geely group.

The Zeekr 9X will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, including an ultra-luxury 9X Grand version, which is rumored to cost more than 1 million yuan (€126,700). A Grand version of the Zeekr 009 minivan is also coming to serve the high-end market.