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Zeekr 9X PHEV Confirmed for Malaysia Launch by End of 2026
Geely's premium automotive brand Zeekr has officially confirmed that its flagship 9X plug-in hybrid SUV will arrive in Malaysia as early as the end of 2026. This marks a significant expansion of the Chinese luxury brand into Southeast Asia, bringing one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs currently available to the regional market.
Powerhouse Performance Specifications
The Zeekr 9X represents a remarkable achievement in hybrid powertrain engineering. The top-tier variant delivers an impressive 1,381 horsepower (1,030 kW) through a combination of a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine and three electric motorsone powering the front wheels and two at the rear. This configuration enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, positioning it as a genuine performance contender in the luxury SUV segment.
The powertrain architecture includes a 900V electrical system, which supports rapid charging capabilities. The vehicle offers two battery options: a 55.1 kWh pack providing up to 235 km of electric-only range, and a larger 70 kWh battery delivering up to 302 km of electric range. The combined CLTC range reaches approximately 1,250 km, making it practical for extended journeys without frequent charging stops.
Advanced Autonomous Driving Technology
Beyond raw performance, the 9X incorporates cutting-edge autonomous driving capabilities. The vehicle utilizes dual redundant Nvidia Thor-U SoCs delivering a combined 1,400 TOPS of computing power for its advanced driver assistance systems. Zeekr claims the system features industry-first technologies including a General Automated Evasion System (G-AES) and full-capacity Vehicle-to-Parking (V2P) self-driving functionality. The system is positioned as Level 3 autonomous driving ready, representing a significant step toward higher levels of vehicle autonomy.
Base models will be equipped with the G-Pilot H7 system, which uses a single Nvidia Thor-U SoC providing 700 TOPS of processing power, offering a more accessible entry point while maintaining advanced driver assistance features.
Luxury Interior and Design
The 9X is designed as a three-row, six-seat luxury vehicle that directly targets premium competitors like the Range Rover. The cabin features airline-style captain chairs, a 17-inch OLED touchscreen display, premium leather upholstery across all three rows, and a high-end Naim audio system. The vehicle incorporates roof-mounted LiDAR sensors for its autonomous driving functions, contributing to its sophisticated technological profile.
The exterior design maintains Zeekr's distinctive upright grille while adopting a setback cabin and roofline characteristic of traditional luxury SUVs. This design language positions the vehicle as a premium offering rather than a purely tech-forward electric vehicle.
Charging and Efficiency
The 9X's 900V architecture enables rapid charging speeds. The larger 70 kWh battery can charge from 20-80% in approximately 8.5 to 9 minutes, depending on charging conditions. This rapid charging capability addresses one of the primary concerns for plug-in hybrid owners, reducing downtime during long journeys.
The turbocharged petrol engine achieves a claimed peak thermal efficiency exceeding 46%, contributing to the vehicle's overall efficiency when operating in hybrid mode. The system intelligently manages power distribution between the electric motors and combustion engine to optimize performance and fuel consumption based on driving conditions.
Market Context and Pricing
In China, where the 9X launched in 2025, pricing begins at approximately 465,900 yuan (around USD 66,290), with the top Hyper variant reaching 599,900 yuan (approximately USD 85,350). Malaysian pricing has not yet been announced, though regional pricing typically reflects local market conditions, import duties, and distribution costs.
The vehicle's arrival in Malaysia represents Zeekr's strategic expansion into Southeast Asia, capitalizing on growing demand for premium electric and hybrid vehicles in the region. The 9X competes directly with established luxury SUVs while offering significantly higher performance specifications and advanced autonomous driving technology at competitive price points.
What This Means for Malaysian Buyers
The confirmed Malaysia launch provides local consumers access to a vehicle that combines luxury, performance, and advanced technology. The 1,381 horsepower output, rapid acceleration, and extended range make it suitable for both urban driving and long-distance travel. The autonomous driving capabilities position it at the forefront of vehicle technology adoption in the region, while the six-seat configuration offers practical family transportation with premium amenities.
The end-2026 launch timeline suggests Zeekr is preparing local market infrastructure, dealer networks, and service facilities to support the vehicle's introduction. This phased approach indicates a serious commitment to establishing the brand in Malaysia rather than a limited market test.