Zeekr 009

Zeekr 009 Review

MPVs are often underrated compared to SUVs, which attract a much broader audience. But most brands still offer at least one MPV for families. Usually, these vehicles focus more on space and practicality, often at the expense of style, leaving them looking more like bulky vans than desirable cars.

The Zeekr 009 changes that. It’s a fully electric MPV with striking looks, a real road presence, and a tech-filled interior – everything you’d expect from a modern Chinese luxury car. But does it perform as well as it looks? And is it practical for long journeys compared to other MPVs, whether electric or fuel-powered?

This review takes a close look at the Zeekr 009, exploring its design, features, driving experience, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Interior and Exterior

When you walk up to the 009, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the grill. Zeekr calls this the “Fountain of Light,” and it’s wild. About 32 individual LEDs are embedded in the grille. It can do ceremonial light shows: rainfalls, pulses, and patterns. The daytime running lights are also super unique and bright. There’s no usual single light bar like a NIO, but a U-shaped, five-segment design.

You may also get the Rolls-Royce-like vibe because of its German Designer, who has previously worked for Audi and Porsche. The aerodynamics of this large car is excellent. Most people would guess something close to or over 0.3. But, would you believe, it’s 0.27, as slippery as the BMW i3? 

If we talk about sides: big fender flares stamped into the bodywork. There’s a glass insert in the A-pillars, which improves natural light and helps visibility. Door handles are traditional. There are dark chrome strips above the windows to balance the design, avoiding a “work van” look. And lastly, you get to see galactic-themed 19-inch wheels.

The rear design is much more restrained with a full-width LED taillight bar (similar to the Zeekr 001). Cameras are hidden for cleanliness. The cargo space is great too; about seven luggage cases can be put.

Now, onto the interior, starting in the front row. The driver’s seat is shockingly comfortable. Soft, supportive, and easily fits in tall people, too. There are two screens, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 15.4-inch central touch screen.  

The same luxury continues to the second row. This row features airline-style reclining seats, heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, adjustable leg rests and backrests with metal knobs and buttons, fold-out leather tables, and USB-C 60W fast charging ports.

Getting to the third row is easy, thanks to wide-opening access points. Inside, there’s tons of legroom.  There’s soft suede, and leather padding everywhere. The comfort of third-row rivals second-row seating in many SUVs.

Colors and Accessories

In China, Zeekr 009 primarily comes in two variants, ‘We’ and ‘Me’. The difference is based on the number of seats (6 or 7) and the size of the battery pack (116 or 140 kWh). Globally, they have a single 7-seater, AWD drive model with all premium features.

The global Zeekr 007 is offered in four exterior colors: Black, Blue, Silver, and White. And interior is offered in two options: Grey & White and Blue & White. The first one is personally my favorite. 

Full airbag system, safe anchoring system, a driving recorder, ABS Anti-locking braking system, HSA, HDA, Traction control, LiDAR, Mobileye, Collision warning, and a range of other ADAS features are standard in all variants (local ones).

Engine and Performance

In the Chinese version, you either have a single motor or a dual motor setup. For a single motor setup, the peak power is about 310 kW, whereas for a dual one, it goes up to 580 kW. The latter one goes from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds, pretty fast for any MPV. In reality, it’s a bit slow in that regard.

Despite the size and weight (nearly 3 tons), it handles surprisingly well thanks to dual-chamber air suspension and those Michelin tires. It stays flat through corners, though no sane chauffeur will drive it like I did on our closed track!

However, at highway speeds, it’s super floaty. You’ll need to cruise gently, not carve corners, or risk your rear passengers feeling a bit seasick.

Fuel Efficiency and Mileage

It’s built on an 800-volt system, meaning 15 minutes of DC fast charging gives you a couple of hundred miles of range.

There are about two battery options: 116 kWh or 140 kWh. For the 140 kWh model, as in the global version, the company claims an 822 km range (CLTC). That’s huge for a van and sufficient enough for day-long adventures, and sight-seeing rides. 

Competitors and Market ComparisonIn Chinese options, the xPeng X9 and Volvo EM90 are Zeekr 009’s biggest competitors. And if we consider Japanese automakers, the traditional fuel-based Toyota Alphard somewhat rivals the car. 

Here’s how all cars stack against each other.

Chinese cars - we hate or loathe – are changing the automotive world. Development cycles of these brands are fast and most develop cars in under 2.5 years, forcing the traditional automakers to innovate and do the same. 

Zeekr 009 ticks all the checkboxes: luxury, performance, tech, and practicality. So, if you need a luxury family to drive around 7 people, it’s an amazing option.