ZEEKR 9X 2026: Inside the 1,381-HP Plug-In Hybrid SUV

A New Flagship With Serious Firepower

ZEEKR, the luxury arm of China’s Geely Holding Group, rolled out the 9X in September 2025, and it’s not shy about its ambitions. This SUV is built to go toe-to-toe with segment heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and Range Rover.

The 9X rides on ZEEKR’s SEA-S platform, a variant of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture. Under the skin sits a plug-in hybrid setup called SEA Super Hybrid, running on a 900-volt electrical architecture that’s still rare in this class of vehicle.

Power Numbers That Turn Heads

The top-spec version of the 9X puts out up to 1,030 kW, or 1,381 horsepower. That’s enough grunt to launch the SUV from 0-62 mph in just 3.1 seconds, a time that would embarrass plenty of dedicated performance cars.

In the UAE, where deliveries kick off in October 2026, ZEEKR confirmed three trims. The Ultra runs dual electric motors and makes 885 horsepower, hitting 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds.

The Hyper and Obsidian trims step up to a triple-motor setup and 1,380 horsepower, matching the 3.1-second sprint of the flagship China spec. All three trims come standard with all-wheel drive.

Battery Range and Fast Charging

A 70-kWh battery pack gives the 9X up to 236 miles of electric-only range on China’s CLTC cycle. Worth noting: CLTC figures tend to run more generous than EPA numbers, so real-world range in the US would likely land lower.

Charging speed is where the 900-volt architecture really pays off. ZEEKR claims a 20-to-80% charge in just 9 minutes, a figure that would put most EVs and PHEVs on the market to shame.

Chassis and Ride Quality

The 9X uses ZEEKR’s Haohan AI Digital Chassis, which pairs air suspension with active roll control. Step up to the Hyper or Obsidian trim and you also get a 48-volt active suspension system designed to keep body motion in check through corners and hard braking.

Cabin Tech and Comfort Features

Inside, the China-spec 9X seats six across three rows, with Zero Gravity rear seats that rotate and recline almost like business-class airline seating. The dashboard is dominated by a 17-inch OLED touchscreen, and audio duties go to a 3,800-watt Naim sound system.

The Obsidian trim adds 22-inch forged wheels and blacked-out Obsidian trim, giving the range-topper a noticeably more aggressive look than the standard 9X.

Safety Tech ZEEKR Is Highlighting

ZEEKR points to what it calls the Haohan Safety Armor system, which includes crosswind stabilization and automatic body lift in the event of a side impact. The automaker also references a four-direction crash test conducted at 105 km/h, though it hasn’t released independent validation from agencies like the IIHS or NHTSA.

Pricing and Where the 9X Is Headed

In China, launch pricing ranged from RMB 465,900 to RMB 599,900. In the UAE, the Ultra starts at AED 369,900, the Hyper at AED 409,900, and the Obsidian at AED 439,900, with a non-refundable AED 10,000 reservation deposit.

There’s no official word yet on whether the 9X will make it to the US, and ZEEKR hasn’t released fuel economy figures, long-term reliability data, or independent crash-test results for the model.

Should Buyers Be Watching This One?

The 9X signals that ZEEKR has bigger plans than just selling EVs at home. Between the horsepower figures, the fast-charging tech, and a cabin built for comfort over long distances, this SUV puts the brand squarely on the radar of anyone shopping the luxury segment.

Do you think a plug-in hybrid SUV like the ZEEKR 9X has what it takes to compete with the established players in this class? Let us know what you think.