Zeekr 9X Packs 1,381 HP and the Largest Battery Ever in a PHEV originally appeared on Autoblog.
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle brand under Geely, has officially unveiled its first plug-in hybrid — and it’s making a statement in both numbers and ambition. The Zeekr 9X is a full-size flagship SUV with the largest battery ever fitted to a PHEV, at 70 kWh, paired to a hybrid system producing a staggering 1,381 horsepower. It weighs over three metric tons, accelerates like a supercar, and is packed with cutting-edge driver-assist and connectivity tech.
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From the 001 to the 9X
Zeekr’s rapid growth has been one of the fastest in the EV sector. In 2021, the brand debuted with the Zeekr 001, a long-range electric shooting brake that set the tone for its tech-forward, premium positioning. Just four years later, the 9X expands Zeekr’s lineup into the high-performance hybrid space.
Built on Geely’s new SEA-S platform, the SUV boasts torsional rigidity of 41,600 Nm/degree, air suspension with up to 11 inches of clearance, and a 48V active anti-roll system to keep its considerable mass stable in corners.
Performance, Range and Tech
Under the skin, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 275 horsepower works alongside three silicon-carbide electric motors. The system’s combined output of 1,381 hp gives the 9X a claimed 0–62 mph time of just 3.1 seconds — performance normally reserved for dedicated supercars.
Top speed is limited to 149 mph. The 70 kWh CATL Freevoy battery offers 188 miles of electric range on the CLTC cycle, while a smaller 55.1 kWh option will also be available. Thanks to its 900V electrical architecture and 6C charging capability, Zeekr says the larger pack can be recharged from 20–80% in about nine minutes.
The cabin is as ambitious as the drivetrain. The 9X debuts Zeekr’s ZEEA 3.0 electronics platform, paired with its G-Pilot H9 advanced driver-assistance system. Five LiDAR units, millimeter-wave radar, 13 cameras, and dual Nvidia Thor-U processors with a combined 1,400 TOPS of computing power enable Level 3 autonomous driving features.
The system supports automated lane changes, evasive maneuvers, and advanced parking functions. Connectivity is equally strong, with OTA software updates and full integration for both Chinese and global app ecosystems.
Market Context
Zeekr is launching the 9X into one of the most competitive premium SUV markets in the world. China’s PHEV segment has been booming, but it’s also under pressure from the ongoing EV price war, which has pushed average discounts to record levels and left only a handful of automakers operating profitably.
Zeekr’s luxury positioning and high-spec engineering help shield it from the most aggressive pricing battles, but margins remain tight.
Global Perspective
While the 9X is launching first in China, Zeekr’s export ambitions are clear. That said, U.S. buyers shouldn’t expect to see it in showrooms any time soon. As we’ve explained in our analysis of why America isn’t being overrun by Chinese EVs, tariffs, trade rules, and regulatory hurdles keep most Chinese-built vehicles out of the States.
Zeekr will instead focus on domestic demand and select overseas markets where Geely already has a presence.
The Road Ahead
Pre-sales for the 9X begin at the Chengdu Auto Show in August, with deliveries expected in Q3 2025. Pricing is estimated at around CNY 600,000 (roughly $83,500 USD). With its blend of record-breaking battery capacity, ultra-fast charging, extreme performance, and luxury features, the 9X is one of the most technically ambitious plug-in hybrids ever built — and a clear signal that Zeekr intends to compete with the very best in the global premium SUV market.
Zeekr 9X Packs 1,381 HP and the Largest Battery Ever in a PHEV first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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