Zeekr 009 2024 launched – new FWD version, 7 seats; up to 789 PS, 900 km CLTC range; RHD for HK from RM453k
The Zeekr 009 update launched simultaneously in China as well as in Hong Kong, the latter a country with close ties to the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire. Zeekr’s decision to also introduce the refreshed electric MPV, which it labels as “all-new,” in Hong Kong (a right-hand drive market), reinforces the Chinese automaker’s plans to expand globally and penetrate more markets.
Malaysia is also on the expansion list as we are set to receive both the Zeekr 009 and X this year. Local pricing and launch date are yet to be announced, but local pricing will be competitive with Toyota’s MPV. Officially, the latest 009 retails in China for between 439,000 and 469,000 yuan (about RM283,000 and RM302,000), so post your educated guesses on the Malaysian pricing in the comments section below.
It should be noted that the price of the new 009 is actually less than beforeas the previous base WE variant was priced at 500,000 yuan (RM322k). However, the older variant line-up is no longer applicable to the new model due to the updates introduced.
In addition to the dual-motor setup that continues to be offered, a single-motor powertrain is now added to the lineup. Contrary to previous reports, front-wheel drive is being added instead of rear-wheel drive.
This version has an electric motor rated at 421 PS (416 hp or 310 kW) and 440 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h. Meanwhile, the dual-motor option gets a power upgrade to match the 009 Grand launched earlier this year, now with 789 PS (778 hp or 580 kW) and 810 Nm for a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a similar top speed of 230 km/h.
Both the FWD and AWD powertrains come standard with a 108 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that can be DC fast-charged from 10-80% charge in just 11.5 minutes thanks to its 800V architecture. This is considered 5C charging, with the “C” denoting how many times the battery can be charged in an hour.
On a full charge, the FWD option offers a range of up to 740km on the extremely generous CLTC standard, while the AWD offers up to 702km. As an option, buyers can also opt for a 140kWh battery for 50,000 yuan (RM32k) that increases the range – depending on the powertrain – to up to 900km, but switches to a 400V high-voltage system instead of the default 800V system.
Note that these specs are for China. The global (RHD) version of the 009, which will be introduced first in Hong Kong, will feature a 400V architecture with a 116kWh battery, a range of up to 582km on the more common WLTP standard, and dual motors. Available in six- and seven-seat configurations, the Hong Kong-exclusive 009 starts at HKD755,000 (RM453k), including local taxes.
In terms of styling changes, the new 009 looks pretty much identical to its predecessor despite the 1,366 components that are said to have changed, although you’ll notice more chrome trim on the front grille, which could also be body-coloured as are the lights. There’s also a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, which followed the four-seat Grand version that debuted in April and is now being rolled out to more affordable variants.
The overall length of the new 009 is now 8mm longer at 5,217mm, but the width (2,024mm) and wheelbase (3,205mm) remain unchanged. However, the car’s height has been reduced by 36mm to 1,812mm due to the removal of the shark fin antenna, which is instead integrated into the rear spoiler.
Step inside and the familiar feel is once again there, with a simple dashboard featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display, but the touchscreen infotainment system up front has been revised to a 15.05-inch OLED display with a 2.5K resolution. The roof-mounted display for rear passengers has also been changed to a 17-inch OLED display with a 3K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
These displays, along with a 35.95 AR head-up display, are powered by a pair of Qualcomm 8295 chips that carry advanced AI capabilities, enabling large-scale language modeling and predicting user needs based on their habits. For example, when parked at home, the car can predict the next day’s battery needs based on travel habits and proactively remind the owner to charge the battery on time.
The cabin also gets more premium, soft-touch materials, with notable changes including ‘Sofaro’ seats that use Nappa leather and come with headrest speakers, ventilation, massage and heating functions. There’s also an Ultrasuede headliner and stitching.
As before, the 009 can be had with six seats (a 2+2+2 layout) or four seats in the tauke-focused Grand. For 2024, a new seven-seat option has been added, no doubt to make the 009 more appealing to those looking for a people mover.
Arranged in a 2+2+3 configuration, the seven-seater has executive seats in the second row, although they are not as wide as the six-seater, creating a central aisle for easy access to the third-row bench. The seven-seater can be had with FWD or AWD, but the six-seater is only available with a dual-motor setup.
The rest of the equipment list is pretty comprehensive, with all variants getting CCD electromagnetic dampers and Zeekr air suspension, one-pedal driving mode, matrix LED headlights with adaptive headlights and cornering lights, electric sliding doors and tailgate, dual sunroof, 30-speaker Yamaha sound system, 50W wireless charging pad, multiple high-power USB-C ports, three-zone air conditioning, CN95 and PM2.5 filters, new refrigerator, UWB smart key support and infotainment system.
In terms of advanced driver assistance systems, the newly added LiDAR works with other sensors and the Mobileye EyeQ5H chip to provide full-speed adaptive cruise control, AEB, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, cross-traffic alert, and automatic parking assist. Other features that enable Level 2+ autonomous driving are available as an additional cost option.
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