ZEEKR X and 009 to launch soon, bookings accepted

ZEEKR is another new brand from China which will soon enter the Malaysian market. The company (full name: Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Ltd) specializes in premium EVs and is actually within the Geely Group. It is majority owned by Geely so it is a subsidiary, unlike Proton which is also affiliated with Geely but the majority share is held by DRB-HICOM.

‘Gen Z’ + ‘geek’ = ZEEKR
The big automakers have many different brands to compete in different segments, which is okay as China is the world’s largest motor vehicle market. In the case of ZEEKR, which launched its first model in 2021, the brand is intended to compete against rivals like Tesla and NIO. The ‘Z’ in the name refers to ‘Gen Z’ which is combined with ‘geek’, so you have an idea of the target group for the brand.

ZEEKR started appearing in the ASEAN region with a launch in Thailand some months back, during which time it was also known that the brand would come to Malaysia, represented by Sentinel Automotive Sdn Bhd which will provide sales and aftersales services. This is an independent Malaysian company and not associated with Proton’s PRO-NET which handles New Energy Vehicles.

First two models
The first two models that will be launched will be the ZEEKR X and 009. Both will be imported CBU (completely built-up) from China and be offered in two variants. With the duty-free incentive by the government (till end 2025 for CBU vehicles), the X has indicative pricing of RM180,000 and below, while the 009’s indicative pricing is RM370,000 and below. Bookings are now accepted at RM2,000 for the X and RM4,000 for 009.

ZEEKR X
The X is a compact SUV and comes with a dual motor (310 kW/422 hp) for the Flagship AWD variant, while the Premium variant has a single motor at the rear with 197 kW/268 hp. Both variants with a 66 kWh battery pack that can be recharged with a DC supply of up to 150 kW. Charging time from 10% to 80% at optimum is claimed to be within 30 minutes.

ZEEKR 009
The 009, an MPV, will be the most powerful in its segment as it has high-performance motors front and rear (giving all-wheel drive) which generate up to 443 kW/603 hp and 696 Nm. This output can take the occupants in the Luxury 7-seater and the Ultra Luxury 6-seater from 0 – 100 km/h within a claimed 4.5 seconds.

Both the variants have a battery pack with a capacity of 116 kWh that can give a claimed range of up to 582 kms. Recharging from 10% to 80% with 150 kW DC supply is said to take 30 minutes.

Both models have high standards of occupant protection and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) comparable to other premium EVs in the market. The X has been tested by EuroNCAP and Green NCAP (the equivalent NCAP for EVs) and awarded the maximum of 5 stars.

Both variants of the X have 5 exterior colour choices – Crystal White, Mist Grey, Grid Grey, Palace Beige and Pine Green, with Charcoal Black and Stone Grey interior trim. The 009 can be ordered in Phantom Black, Electric Blue and Crystal White Pearl exterior colours with 3 colour choices for the Nappa leather upholstery – Black; Stone Grey & Polar White; and Midnight Blue & Polar White.

Sentinel Automotive has not indicated when the official launch will take place although it should be before the end of the year. In the meantime, if you like what you see or have read good things about these ZEEKR EVs and want to be among the first owners in Malaysia, click here to book one.

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