The Zeekr 9X is fitted with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, coupled with a 900V triple motor setup.
Image: Mpho Mahlangu
During our recent visit to China, we attended a private vehicle evaluation session where several upcoming and exclusive models from Zeekr and Geely Auto were put through their paces on a compact but technical test facility outside Beijing.
While the track itself was relatively short, it offered a useful glimpse into how these vehicles perform under hard acceleration, emergency braking, handling exercises, suspension testing, and, more importantly, it revealed just how rapidly Chinese manufacturers are redefining the premium EV and hybrid landscape.
I’ve dubbed this the Chinese version of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Zeekr 9X is an uber-luxurious 6-seater plug-in hybrid SUV.
The Zeekr 9X is fitted with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, coupled with a 900V triple motor setup. Combined system output is rated at 1030kW and 1400Nm of torque. This results in a 0-100km/h acceleration of only 3.1 seconds.
On the short test track, we were able to accelerate to roughly 100km/h before braking to a complete halt. To say that the Zeekr 9X accelerates in a way that is hard to comprehend would be an understatement.
The front-end lifts entirely as the large SUV puts all its power down. Stopping power is equally impressive, despite the great heft.
The test track also had a rough section, which tests the comfort levels of the suspension, and the Zeekr 9X dominated this section with ease thanks to the air suspension. The final section of the test track was a moose test, which is aimed at testing the handling of vehicles.
Despite measuring 5.2 metres, the Zeekr 9X handled surprisingly well. You won’t be taking on corners like a low-slung sports car; however, for what it is, the Zeekr 9X performs rather well in that department.
The entire test track is far too short to get a real feel for the vehicles; however, it does give somewhat of a first impression of what one may expect.
The Zeekr 7X is a mid-size premium 5-seater SUV that comes in either a single-motor or dual-motor configuration, boasting 310kW or 475kW, respectively.
Image: Supplied
One vehicle we were keen to jump behind the wheel of was the Zeekr 7X, as it’s very likely to make its way to South African shores. The Zeekr 7X is a mid-size premium 5-seater SUV that we were introduced to at the Beijing Auto Show.
It comes in either a single-motor or dual-motor configuration, boasting 310kW or 475kW, respectively.
We took the Zeekr 7X around a gymkhana track, and it felt quite poised. The gymkhana track featured tight turns, which would put the handling of a vehicle under the microscope, and to our surprise, the mid-size SUV excelled.
We were left under the impression that the sharp handling was possibly due to the fitment of rear-wheel steering, but we later discovered that the Zeekr 7X isn’t fitted with this feature.
the Geely E2 claims the crown for the most affordable EV currently in South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Having recently been introduced to the local market, the Geely E2 claims the crown for the most affordable EV.
While we couldn’t drive the E2 at the unveiling, we could now get a first taste of what it has to offer. Fitted to the Geely E2 is a 39.4kWh battery, with power output rated at 85kW and 150Nm of torque.
Around the gymkhana track, the E2 offered a fun go-karting experience. Its acceleration was brisk and instant, thanks to how light it was compared to the other vehicles we had been driving. Handling was also equally impressive.
We expect a more comprehensive drive of the Geely E2 on local soil in the weeks to come.