Zeekr to unveil large PHEV SUV in 2025

A large and luxurious plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV will sit at the top of Zeekrs expanding line-up by the end of 2025 as the Chinese newcomer continues its global expansion.

The new electrified SUV will be the first PHEV model from a brand that only built its first car in 2021 and has thus far centred its entire existence around EVs.

But the large SUV – tipped to be called the 9X – is not yet locked in for Australia.

Zeekr head of product, Allan Li, said the model would initially be built in left-hand drive only and that the company still had to crunch the numbers as to whether it makes sense to build a right-hook version.

“It’s not a decided yes or no,” he said, adding the decision “depends on the volume.”

“All our products can be enabled for left- and right-hand drive.”

Little is known about the new PHEV other than the fact it will debut in the second half of 2025.

Li said the model would be “very, very high-end”, no doubt incorporating some of the lighting technology and in-cabin luxuries that have been shown on vehicles like the Zeekr X compact SUV and soon-to-arrive 7X mid-sized SUV.

It will use what Li describes as a new hybrid powertrain – it’s also been referred to an “innovative super hybrid” system – likely to be shared with other vehicles in the Geely Group.

He added plug-in hybrids are an important part of the electrified mix for Zeekr, but clarified BEVs will still be the main focus.

The recent acquisition of fledgling brand Lynk & Co – each is owned by Geely, along with Volvo, Lotus and Polestar – means executives can forge future product portfolios that take in mainstream, youth-focused cars as well as the prestige market that Zeekr is trying to tap into.

“Zeekr will be a little bit higher (positioned) and mostly focus on the EV solution,” Li said.

“Lynk & Co will be more plug-in [hybrids].”

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