A new luxury contender will break cover on July 29, and the livestream invitation hints at something far more ambitious than a simple trim update. Zeekr plans to broadcast a reveal at 09:00 CEST, placing European design and advanced technology at the center of its next chapter. Three executives will anchor the presentation: Lothar Schupet, CEO of Zeekr Europe, Jon Radbrink, head of exterior design, and Jennie Strom, who leads projects at Geely Technology Europe. Putting both a design and project chief on stage strongly suggests a full vehicle debut.
What remains unconfirmed is the exact model. All signs point toward one of two large luxury SUVs, the 8X or the 9X. Yet Zeekr has a habit of bringing different badges and specifications to Europe than those sold in China. The 9X launches in its home market the day before, which makes it the obvious frontrunner. Still, dismissing the 8X outright would be premature.
Should the 9X materialize under the spotlight, European buyers will encounter a proposition that defies convention. The Chinese version runs on a 900V architecture with a tri-motor SEA Super Hybrid setup. Peak output lands around 1,400 hp, and the sprint to 100 km/h clocks in at a claimed 3.1 seconds. A dedicated 2.0-liter turbo engine contributes roughly 279 hp and achieves over 46 percent thermal efficiency. Combined range stretches to 1,250 km, with 6C charging capable of lifting the battery from 20 to 80 percent in nine minutes. All those figures come from the Chinese market, however, and European homologation or a smaller battery pack could rewrite them.
Inside, Zeekr targets chauffeur-driven luxury rather than electric novelty. Second-row passengers get up to 1.4 meters of legroom, symmetrical zero-gravity seats with an Eames-inspired recline, and a powered central armrest. A 17-inch 3K OLED screen adjusts through five tilt positions. Other appointments include a Naim audio setup, a 9-liter temperature-controlled fridge, a 6.5-liter electric privacy box, and folding executive tables. New paint and trim choices, such as Tan Wild exterior and Burgundy Red interior, reinforce the upmarket brief.
Zeekr’s European momentum continues to build. Its presence at the Paris Motor Show and the shared retail operation with Lotus in Gent signal a network taking shape. A plug-in super-hybrid flagship also dodges the heaviest tariffs hitting pure battery-electric imports from China. Whether the badge reads 8X or 9X on July 29, the message remains the same. The pace of luxury no longer belongs exclusively to the old guard.
