2026 Zeekr 9X flagship launched, attracting 40,000 orders in first hour

The 2026 Zeekr 9X large luxury SUV has been released in China priced from ¥465,500 ($A99,429) for the entry-level version of the brand’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – and it’s almost certain to arrive in Zeekr Australia showrooms in 2026.

The first Zeekr PHEV since the brand was launched in China in 2021 – and in Australia in 2024 – is a flagship SUV that has a Rolls-Royce like stature, and loads of tech including air suspension – but not a Rolls-Royce price tag. 

Its sub-$100,000 starting price in China is lower than that of the Zeekr 009 luxury electric people mover, which costs ¥500,000 in its domestic market but is sold in Australia for $135,900 before on-road costs.

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That means the six-seat 9X should also be cheaper than the 009 in Australia, putting the 5.2m-long large SUV – which rides on massive on 22-inch wheels – squarely in the price range of the Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV ($133,490 before on-road costs) and even the upcoming Toyota LandCruiser Hybrid, pricing for which is yet to be announced. 

Zeekr Australia boss Frank Li has previously told CarExpert the 9X is under serious consideration for Australia and confirmed the company plans to add hybrid models to its hitherto electric-only model range. 

Zeekr has also confirmed an additional SUV will join its Australian lineup in 2026, but is yet to officially announce any further details. 

The current Zeekr lineup in Australia comprises three electric vehicles (EVs): the 009 people mover, the X small SUV and its latest release, the Tesla Model Y-rivalling 7X mid-size SUV launched here earlier this month. 

The cheapest 9X PHEV variant offered in China, the 9X Max, kicks off the four-grade model range and comes with an 660kW powertrain incorporating two electric motors and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, plus all-wheel drive.

Zeekr claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.1 seconds and a range of 1200km (CLTC), with a 55kWh battery providing up to 300km (CLTC) of electric driving.

Apart from that imposing front grille, the base model features LED headlights, 22-inch alloy wheels, continuous damping control and air suspension offering up to 288mm of ground clearance. 

The cabin includes a pair of 16.0-inch screens plus a 17.0-inch screen mounted in the ceiling for rear-seat passengers, which are arranged in a two-plus-two layout. 

For ¥485,900 ($A103,757), the 9X Ultra adds second-row ‘captain’s chairs’, which can rotate 180 degrees, as well as a 70kWh battery to extend electric range to 380km (CLTC) and overall touring range to 1250km (CLTC).

The 9X Hyper and the flagship 9X Obsidian Black variants add a third electric motor to deliver a total output of 1030kW and 1250km of CLTC range, priced at ¥559,900 ($A119,558) and ¥589,900 ($A125,944) respectively. 

Zeekr says it took 42,667 orders for the 9X in the first 60 minutes after order books opened in China. 

MORE: Explore the Zeekr showroom