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Zeekr Launches Its First Hybrid SUV: The 9X Steps Into the Spotlight
Geely’s premium electric vehicle brand, Zeekr, is about to break new ground with the highly anticipated Zeekr 9X Hybrid SUV. Scheduled for its official pre-sale launch at the Chengdu Auto Show in late August 2025, the 9X ushers in a bold era for hybrid SUVs, signaling Zeekr’s new commitment to electrified performance for the upper end of its lineup.
Market Positioning and Launch Timeline
According to Zeekr’s latest Q&A session, the company is positioning the 9X as a large-sized, performance-oriented plug-in hybrid SUV. While Zeekr continues to focus its mid- and large-size vehicles on fully electric architectures, the 9X adopts the brand’s newly unveiled “super electric hybrid” strategy, balancing electrifying performance with outstanding efficiency. Pricing details remain under wraps and will be announced closer to market release. Zeekr confirmed there are currently no plans to introduce a pure battery electric (BEV) version of the 9X, though the platform allows for this option depending on market demand.
Breakthrough Specifications & Advanced Technology
Built on the innovative SEA-S (Haohan-S) modular platform and leveraging advanced SEA Hybrid (Haohan Hybrid) technology, the Zeekr 9X sets new benchmarks for plug-in hybrid SUVs. Its formidable powertrain features a 2.0-liter turbocharged ICE engine paired with three high-efficiency silicon carbide electric motors. This sophisticated hybrid setup delivers a combined output of 1,030 kW (1,381 hp), catapulting the 9X from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and reaching a maximum speed of 240 km/h. Notably, Zeekr promises consistent acceleration, with only a 0.2-second variance even as battery charge depletes—establishing a new standard for hybrid SUV driving dynamics.
The hybrid system features a massive 70 kWh CATL Freevoy battery—one of the largest ever fitted in a plug-in hybrid passenger vehicle. Thanks to 6C fast charging on a robust 900V electrical architecture, the 9X can recharge from 20% to 80% in roughly 9 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime on longer journeys. CLTC testing rates electric-only driving range at an impressive 380 km, with total range exceeding 1,000 km, providing both eco-minded commuting and long-distance flexibility.
Efficiency and Performance That Redefine the Segment
The newly developed 2.0T turbo engine boasts a thermal efficiency above 46%, achieving fuel consumption figures 5–10% lower than typical 1.5T hybrids on the market. This efficiency does not come at the cost of performance, making the Zeekr 9X a compelling option for those seeking both power and sustainability in a full-size hybrid SUV.
Expected Arrival and Future Outlook
Zeekr is slated to introduce the 9X to the Chinese market in the third quarter of 2025, following its high-profile debut at the Chengdu Auto Show. While there’s no battery electric version planned at launch, Zeekr affirms it is technologically poised to respond quickly should the demand for a fully electric 9X materialize in the future.
With its advanced engineering, class-leading performance, and luxurious design, the Zeekr 9X is set to shake up the global SUV market, providing car enthusiasts with an electrified flagship that doesn’t compromise on either efficiency or excitement.
Source: carnewschina
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