Chinese conglomerate Geely has expressed interest in bringing products from some of its new brands such as Zeekr and Lynk & Co to the U.S. if market conditions become favorable.
The company showcased several of these cars at CES 2026, including the Zeekr 9X, which received a strong response, Executive Vice President Victor Yang told Edmunds in April 2026.
We had a chance to experience the Zeekr 9X at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show. Here’s what we think about the full-size plug-in hybrid SUV’s potential for the U.S. based on our experience at the event:
Design
The Zeekr 9X has a stately design and a commanding stance. Its upright nose, squarish split headlamps, and 2.15 m² (23.1 sq. ft.) clamshell hood give it a strong appearance. The large upper grille features extensive chrome detailing and extends downwards to frame the lower air intake, which incorporates active shutters.
In profile, the squared-off glasshouse, straight beltline, and flat roofline create a traditional SUV silhouette. The 22-inch full-face wheels, raked D-pillar, and boat-tail rear add a degree of sophistication and visual dynamism.
At the rear, a full-width tail light and split tailgate create a busier appearance. Overall, the exterior projects a powerful and authentic SUV image and appears aimed at customers seeking an alternative to the Cadillac Escalade rather than the BMW X7.
Interior
The Zeekr 9X focuses on passenger comfort and flexibility with a six-seat cabin and a pair of second-row captain’s chairs that can swivel up to 180 degrees. A 170 mm (6.7-inch) center aisle allows easy access to the third row, where the seats offer up to 135 degrees of recline and 140 mm (5.5 inches) of fore-aft adjustment.
The dashboard features dual 16-inch 3.5K OLED displays, a 47-inch augmented reality head-up display, and a 6.3-inch rear-mounted OLED control screen. Zeekr combines digital technology with physical controls, including seat adjustment switches integrated into the doors.
The cabin has 4.2 m² (45.2 sq ft) of glass area, including a 1.03 m² (11.1 sq ft) panoramic sunroof and a dedicated glass panel above the third row.
Other features include crystal-style controls, natural wood trim, privacy sunshades, a built-in refrigerator, and retractable charging cables. The theater-style seating arrangement positions each row slightly higher than the one ahead.
Experience in the Zeekr 9X
When I walked up to the Zeekr 9X, it immediately came across as a Cullinan-inspired design, combining technology, comfort, and ambition in a way that feels very intentional. Once I got into the front seat, the comfort was the first thing I noticed.
The seat had excellent under-thigh support, good shoulder support, a supportive headrest, soft neck cushions, and power thigh extenders. At nearly six feet tall, I had more than 4 inches of headroom, so the cabin never felt tight.
The interior quality was a pleasant surprise. The plastics, panels, armrests, and small details felt properly premium, and the crystal-style dial on the center console added a classy touch.
I also liked that Zeekr has kept some physical controls, including buttons for the glovebox, seat heating, and rear air suspension, along with a knurled roller on the steering wheel. That said, many functions still run through the massive touchscreen across the dashboard.
Visibility is not perfect, as the A-pillars are thick, which is expected in an SUV this large. The deployable side steps help with ingress and egress. The second-row captain’s chairs felt extremely comfortable, with electric adjustment, thigh extenders, and a strong massage function that I would genuinely appreciate after a long day.
With the front seat set to my position, I had around 4 inches of knee room, 3-4 inches of headroom, and enough foot space for my size-12 shoes. The third row, however, is mostly for kids, especially when the second row is occupied by a tall adult.
Specifications
The Zeekr 9X measures 5,239 mm (206.3 inches) in length, 2,019 mm (79.5 inches) in width, and 1,819 mm (71.6 inches) in height, and rides on a 3,169 mm (124.8-inch) wheelbase.
Its plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 275 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with either two electric motors producing a combined 885 hp and 690 lb-ft of torque or three electric motors generating 1,381 hp and 1,040 lb-ft of torque.
The dual-motor variant accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. Buyers can choose between 55 kWh and 70 kWh NMC battery packs, which provide a WLTC electric range of up to 146 miles and 188 miles, respectively. The corresponding WLTC combined range is up to 631 miles and 652 miles.
The tri-motor variant cuts the 0-62 mph time to 3.1 seconds while retaining the same 149 mph top speed. It comes standard with the 70 kWh NMC battery pack, which delivers a WLTC electric range of up to 174 miles. WLTC combined range is rated at up to 621 miles.
Both battery packs support 20-80% DC fast charging in 9 minutes. A vehicle-to-load (V2L) function can supply up to 6 kW of AC power, while vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging supports up to 60 kW of DC power.
Price
In China, the Zeekr 9X starts at CNY 465,900 (USD 68,863) and go up to CNY 599,900 (USD 88,669). A U.S. launch is not planned anytime soon, but with Geely planning to make the final call on its U.S. entry by 2029, the 9X may board the U.S. flight after all!
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
