2025 Zeekr 9X is a cut-price Cullinan

The 2025 Zeekr 9X has been unwrapped at the Shanghai motor show, revealing a full-size luxury SUV inspired by the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

And it hasn't been ruled out for Australia.

Pricing is unknown but it could easily eclipse a quarter of a million dollars if it makes its way Down Under.

The Zeekr 9X is built on the SEA architecture also utilised by other Geely Auto brands such as Volvo and Polestar, something that paves the way for right-hand drive production.

However, Mars Chen, the CEO of Zeekr International, was cautious not to officially confirm the vehicle for Aussies just yet.

“The number four car [for Zeekr in Australia] is open,” said Chen, who also pointed to another large SUV in the Zeekr product pipeline, albeit one smaller in stature than the 9X.

He said Australia would get either that car or the 9X, but “not both - I have to be practical”.

“Between that one and 9X we will have the right model,” he stated.

While neither is likely to deliver big sales volumes, Chen said they provide the still-growing brand with a hero car that can showcase the capabilities of a car-maker trying to muscle in on the luxury space. 

Already Zeekr has the 009 people mover, a high-performance three-row vehicle priced from $135,900 plus on-road costs. 

“009 is our big brother in the family, maybe 9X will be also be the big sister,” said Chen. 

“This shows your capability, halo model.” 

Said to preview a new design language that will go on to inspire all future Zeekr models, the Zeekr 9X mirrors the ultra-luxurious Roller's imposing boxy lines and features an even-bigger take on the Cullinan's chrome multi-bar grille. 

Along its flanks, the Zeekr features clean lines and a subtle chrome strip below the sill, plus an unusual gold paint on the rear C-pillar. 

Other unique design details reserved for the 9X includes a double rear light bar and two vertically stacked lamps that contain 43,343 individually diamond-cut facets for a distinct light signature at night. 

We've yet to see pictures of the Zeekr 9X's luxurious cabin but expect the interior to be fit for a royal with a pair of airline-style recliners, a likely option for the second row. It also comes with a 43-inch rear seat screen with 6K resolution.

As for tech, the flagship Zeekr will not disappoint as it is the first Zeekr to come with its G-Pilot intelligent driver assist aids. 

Capable of Level 3 autonomy (hands off the wheel and eyes off the road), the new big Mercedes-Maybach SUV rival comes with the firm's most powerful ZEEA 3.0 digital and computing architecture. 

To ensure its advanced driverless ability the 9X comes with no less than five LiDAR units that includes one long-range LiDAR and four short-range items to provide 360-degree vision for the computers. 

Beneath the bonnet the 9X introduces Zeekr's next-gen Super Electric Hybrid powertrain tech that is claimed to blend the best attributes of an electric car, plug-in hybrid and range-extender powertrain, although the Chinese brand has yet to reveal full details. 

Despite its size, Zeekr says the 9X can launch from 0-100km/h in around 3.0 seconds. 

Tipped to be priced from between 500,000 yuan ($107,000) to almost 1 million yuan ($A215,000) for the top of the range Grand Edition - at that money the latest full-size luxury SUV represents a decent saving over the $700,000+ charged for the entry Rolls-Royce Cullinan. 

Currently in Australia Zeekr only offer just two models - the X compact SUV and the larger 009 minivan but that changes this September when it will roll out the 7X mid-sized SUV that's been designed as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y. 

- with Toby Hagon