On the 28th, the Shanghai Tower in Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone, the largest downtown area of Shanghai, China. Zeekr's flagship store was located on the first floor of this building, a representative Shanghai landmark that rises 632 meters. Zeekr is a premium brand operated by Geely Automobile Holdings and is set to enter Korea in the second half of this year.
A Zeekr official said, "China's wealthy are now turning their attention from European luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW to high-end local Chinese cars." The official noted that as technology and design have advanced markedly in recent years, and as technologies related to eco-friendly vehicles such as electric cars and plug-in hybrids have risen to the world's top tier, the number of consumers seeking Chinese luxury brands has increased significantly.
At Zeekr's Shanghai flagship store visited that day, a total of five vehicles were on display: two 8X midsize sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the large SUV 9X, the large multipurpose vehicle (MPV) 009, and the high-end, specialized 009 Grand. All are models among Zeekr's lineup that are particularly popular with the local wealthy and high-income earners in China.
The model that drew the most attention from visitors to the flagship store was the 009 Grand. Launched at the end of 2022, the 009 is the world's first pure electric MPV built on the SEA, Geely's electric vehicle platform. The vehicle was designed at Zeekr's global design center in Gothenburg, Sweden, and underwent a facelift in 2024.
The 009 Grand is a four-seat version of the 009 that maximizes convenience for rear-seat passengers. Befitting its position at the top of Zeekr's premium lineup, it features seven emblems adorned with 24K solid gold on the front and rear exterior and the wheels, and gold side lines applied through more than 30 hours of handcrafting.
A standout feature of this vehicle is its interior space design. The 009 Grand installs a partition behind the first row with the driver's seat to secure a private space for rear-seat passengers. The rear seats are engineered to adjust in 24 directions. It also features a large LED smart screen covering the back of the first row and a Yamaha surround sound system with 31 speakers.
A Zeekr official said, "Chief executive officers (CEOs) or senior executives can work on the move in the most comfortable posture, holding video conferences via the large screen," adding, "The 009 Grand is a perfect 'chauffeur-driven' MPV for rear-seat passengers." A chauffeur-driven car is a luxury vehicle in which a driver operates the car and the owner rides in the back seat.
Unveiled earlier this year as the world's first, the midsize SUV 8X is a high-performance model built as a plug-in hybrid. The combined output of its dual motors is 660 kW (897 horsepower), and the range-extending motor produces 145 kW (197 horsepower). It takes just 3.7 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kph. The maximum range is 1,416 km, and it can travel up to 410 km in pure EV mode.
Zeekr said it also focused on enhancing comfort and convenience befitting a premium brand SUV, along with driving performance. The 8X features a closed dual-chamber air suspension, as well as dual-valve variable-control dampers and active stabilizers. The second row offers lounge chairs and a Naim audio system.
The large SUV 9X emphasizes an imposing exterior reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The vehicle is said to be inspired by the podium style of grand palaces from China's ancient imperial architecture. A bold, integrated grille is applied to the front, and a large clamshell hood with a seamless, cohesive look also accentuates the 9X's massive presence.
The interior area of the 9X reaches 6.3 m2, comparable to the dressing room of a 30-pyeong apartment. It is equipped with a power side step used in luxury brand SUVs such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, doors that open up to 90 degrees, and a one-step access function that improves entry to the third row.
It also comes with various convenience features. Befitting a large SUV for rear-seat passengers, the second row is fitted with cloud lounge seats finished in Nappa leather. The seats support four modes: zero gravity, lounge chair, 180-degree rotation, and professional massage. A 17-inch 3K OLED display supplied by Samsung Display is also installed.
The 9X is also a plug-in hybrid model. Through three drive motors, it delivers a maximum output of 1,030 kW. It is paired with an ultra-high-efficiency 2.0T engine with a thermal efficiency of 46%. As a result, it can reach 100 kph from a standstill in just 3.1 seconds. It also features a 70 kWh battery pack that enables up to 380 km of driving in electric mode.
However, the midsize SUV 7X, which is scheduled to make its domestic debut in the second half of the year, was not on display. A Zeekr official explained, "The Shanghai flagship store is operated to attract the attention of the wealthiest consumers in China, so the 7X, which is relatively a mass-market model within the lineup, was excluded from the exhibit."
Starting with the 7X, Zeekr is reviewing plans to sequentially introduce the 8X, 9X, 009, and 009 Grand in Korea. In particular, for the 009 Grand, which is aimed at being a chauffeur-driven MPV, Zeekr expects to secure considerable demand domestically by concentrating high-end features for rear-seat passengers. The key will likely be what price level is set.
An official at a finished car company said, "Zeekr's weakness may be that it is a Chinese brand, but it also has the strength of having secured EV and plug-in hybrid technologies that surpass European cars," adding, "Because it is a brand that has won approval from China's demanding wealthy, if pricing is set at a reasonable level, it could become very popular in Korea."