A closer look at the Zeekr X and 009

Never in the history of the Malaysian car market have so many new brands and models appeared within a span of 2 years. Every month, it seems that there’s a new model, if not a new brand, being launched – all from China.

A new one to make its debut in the near future is Zeekr, one of the many brands in the Geely Group. Zeekr (full name: Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Ltd) is presented as a premium brand and like many Chinese brands, it is focussed on fully electric vehicles.

Though it has been having good demand in the domestic market in the 3 years since it launched its first model, Zeekr is also starting to enter overseas markets where, like other Chinese brands, it is something of a ‘disruptor’ to the premium segment with its value proposition.

For the Malaysian market, Sentinel Automotive Sdn Bhd (Zeekr Malaysia) will import two models – the Zeekr X and 009. Both are already being displayed and bookings accepted with the X expected to cost less than RM180,000 and the 009 likely to be RM370,000 or less (duty-free and without insurance).

We had a chance to get a closer look at both models – the X is a compact crossover SUV and the 009 is a 6/7-seater MPV.

Zeekr X
To be offered in two versions – Premium and Flagship AWD – the X design is the work of Stefan Sielaff, who was at Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley and Mercedes-Benz before joining Geely Auto in 2021.

The ‘urban aesthetics’ Sielaff has used give the car a minimalist design with features like a frameless door and frameless door mirrors. To eliminate elements that impact the aesthetics, there is a a ‘hidden’ window trim design usually seen on top luxury models.

Attention to detail is impressive and can be seen in many areas. For example, the brand badge on the bonnet is of nickel metal, and through micro-scale electroforming, its thickness is sculpted to half of its original, giving a more refined metallic relief texture. The daytime running lights have a distinctive signature, something which you see in many of the Chinese models.

The profile of the X has what in design terms is known as the ‘Golden Ratio’ that gives ‘visual perfection’. It is achieved by having proportions where the longer part of the body divided by the shorter part gives 1.618. In many cars which are highly praised for their design, this ratio is likely to be present.

The Golden Ratio is not only for aesthetics but also enhances aerodynamic performance, which is also helped by features like the small frontal area and door handles that are flush with the bodywork when not needed.

As with many models in the Geely, Group, the X is built on and around the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by the automaker. It is a versatile architecture for EVs which can be used for compact models like the X and even larger models like the 009.

The overall length of 4450 mm puts the X between the Proton X50 and X70 and about the same width as both the Proton SUVs. It does, however, have a long wheelbase of 2750 mm which would benefit interior space.

Zeekr Malaysia has provided details of the powertrain with dual motors which would be for the Flagship AWD version. This has maximum output of 313 kW (426 ps)/543 Nm going to all four wheels. A 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds is claimed, making it almost as quick as a smart #3 BRABUS.

As for the X Premium, this presumably has a single motor (shown above) powering the rear wheels. This motor generates 200 kW (272 ps)/343 Nm, with a claimed time of 5.6 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h.

Both versions use a battery with (NMC) nickel manganese cobalt chemistry to store up to 66 kWh. The range is said to be 420 kms for the dual-motor version and up to 440 kms for the Premium. If DC fast-charging is available with a 150 kW supply, the time to go from 10% to 80% can be within 30 minutes.

An interesting feature which is also an industry-first is the Intelligent B-pillar interactive system (only on the Flagship AWD).While the vehicle is being charged, a small screen on the pillar will show the charging status and some other modes, allowing users to check the status from outside the vehicle.

The minimalist approach of the exterior is also evident inside the X, with premium materials very much in evidence. Charcoal Black and Stone Grey trim is the only interior theme available but there are 5 exterior colours. Metallic rose gold finishing is also used in some areas, adding a touch of class.

Overhead is a large 1.21 square metre panoramic sunroof to allow outside light to fill the cabin. Effective insulation in the glass prevents sunshine heat from also getting in so the environment will remain cool and comfortable.

The driver is kept informed with an 8.8-inch LCD panel ahead of the steering wheel and with the Flagship AWD, there is also a head-up display enhanced with augmented reality. The infotainment system and other functions of the vehicle are managed on the 14.6-inch touchscreen in the middle, set only in landscape format.

The provision of 13 speakers from Yamaha is highlighted and the listening experience is enhanced by 17 Ice Block ambient lights that move in sync with the music. The Zeekr AI Mate assistant, activated by a ‘Hi ZEEKR’ command can be used for handsfree control of music, navigation, air-conditioning, and other systems.

The X has already been tested by EuroNCAP and Green NCAP, with both independent organisations in Europe giving a full 5-star rating for safety. The top rating is achieved with a lot of advanced technology, with the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) having 5 cameras, 5 millimetre-wave radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors to scan all round the vehicle.

This system provides ADAS Leve 2+ intelligent driving assistance that includes such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering control, lane keeping assist, automatic parking assist, autonomous emergency braking, and active blind spot detection. A press of a button can command the X to park by itself, with the driver not having to touch the steering wheel or accelerator.

Zeekr 009
At first glance, the unique frontal appearance of the 009 may put off some people. But this sort of styling seems typical for Chinese vehicles and certainly give them distinctiveness. While the appeal may not be there initially, it is often the case that, over time, as familiarity starts, the styling issue is no longer an issue and just accepted.

Once you get past that, you will find that the 009 a very premium MPV that can rival the market- leading Toyota Alphard – and for less money. As we said earlier, this MPV and others from China are going to disrupt the market as they offer a new value proposition that will eventually force the established brands to reconsider their pricing strategies.

Asian car-buyers tend to like large vehicles and the Chinese certainly want them long and big (when they can afford it). The Chinese automakers would know that and so do the Europeans who produce longer versions of some of their models just for China.

With the 009, the 5209 mm length and 2024 mm width make it even larger that the Alphard, with the wheelbase 205 mm longer at 3250 mm. Like the X, the 009 also uses the Geely Group’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform but a larger version. This shows just how versatile the platform is as it can be used for a compact crossover and a large MPV.

All the variations of the SEA place the battery pack in between the front and rear axles so it keeps the centre of gravity low for stability. Notably, the 009 has dual-chamber air suspension with the ride height and damping rate adjusted in real-time as surface conditions change.

Although there are two seating configurations available, the powertrain is same for both. This has two motors which generate a total of 450 kW (612 ps)/693 Nm to all four wheels giving stable handling with optimum grip.

While it is likely that the owner will be fine cruising along at a brisk speed, should there be a need to rush, the 693-Nm output makes it possible for the 009 to get from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds. That’s pretty quick for a vehicle that weighs around 2,800 kgs. and it would outrun many other cars leaving the traffic lights.

The NMC battery has 116 kWh of storage capacity which allows a range that is claimed to be up to 582 kms. So if you trust that figure enough, then you can go all the way from Kuala Lumpur to the northern border with Thailand or southern border with Singapore without stopping to recharge.

If you do need to recharge, it should take 30 minutes at a DC fast-charger with 150 kW supply. However, with such a long range, the recharging time needed would probably be less since just a ‘top-up’ would be needed… just in case.

Stepping in, the 009 has a typical premium MPV ambience with seating layouts of 2-2-2 or 2-2-3. Given the expansiveness (7.4 square metres) of the cabin, which you enter through smoothly powered doors on either side, fitments like the ceiling mounted monitor are a large 17 inches. The instrument panel is 10.25 inches, the infotainment screen is 15.05 inches and there is an augmented reality HUD that measures 35.95 inches.

The second row seats are designed along the lines of first-class seats in an aircraft, with multiple adjustments to get the perfect seating or resting positions. There are massage and ventilation functions for the first and second row, while access to the third row (which can accommodate 2 or 3 persons) is easy with the one-touch powered slide of the second row.

There’s so much space in the cabin that the interior designers have even installed a fridge that has an 8.6-litre capacity. It can keep drinks cool and if you want to keep your KFC warm, the temperature can be increased.

Like the X, the little details in the 009 impress and one of them is the small digital information screen in the door. This shows a clock as well as provides adjustment of the climate control temperature. Then there’s a small HD camera on the ceiling (next to the display) pointed rearwards. This is for the driver to keep an eye the kids behind but adults can deactivate it if they don’t like the voyeurism.

Like the X, the audio system of the 009 uses Yamaha speakers – 30 of them – strategically positioned around the cabin to give a real concert hall performance.

New Zeekr battery can be charged in 10.5 minutes (10% – 80%)