Cover The Zeekr 009 is slated to enter the Malaysian market later this year
The Zeekr 009 is slated to enter the Malaysian market later this year
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From its plush interior to its predictive air suspension, the incoming Zeekr 009 redefines what it means to drive a luxury MPV
As electric vehicles (EVs) slowly gain acceptance in the roads of Kuala Lumpur (and Malaysia eventually), the market is seeing an influx of new models, predominantly sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. For its Malaysian debut, Geely’s premium EV brand, Zeekr, aside from the nifty and nimble Zeekr X, the carmaker aims to corner the luxury MPV market with the Zeekr 009.
Coined as a luxury MPV, the Zeekr 009 marks an exciting new chapter for local EV enthusiasts and families. Ahead of its introduction to Malaysia, I had the opportunity to test drive a 009 at the Ningbo International Circuit in China. Simply put, the car did not disappoint.
On the get-go, the Zeekr 009 promises a fusion of style, comfort, and performance that sets it apart from the competition. It offers an opulent and beautiful cabin, superb ride quality, and effortless power from its electric drivetrain, all while feeling distinct from many other MPVs.
Above The Zeekr 009 features an intelligent front grille
Above The customisable light system puts on a light show when unlocking and locking the car
The Zeekr 009 features an intelligent front grille
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Despite its boxy appearance, the Zeekr 009 makes a strong first impression with its bold and sophisticated design. Equipped with a large intelligent front grille, the customisable light system are actually LED strips that put on an exciting light shows when unlocking and locking the car. The MPV’s side profile is long, square, and functional, with darkened pillars that create the illusion of a floating roof, complemented by chrome accents, including on the door handles.
Above Despite its size, the car handles well
Above Its predictive air suspension system lets the car anticipate imperfections on the road and adjust accordingly
Despite its size, the car handles well
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In terms of drive, this luxury MPV is rather impressive. For its size, it handles remarkably well, remaining compliant when cornered hard and capable of keeping up with urgent driving. This is partly due to the predictive air suspension system, which anticipates imperfections on the road and delivers plush, magic carpet-like comfort.
Touted as the world’s quickest MPV, the Zeekr 009 is extremely quick off the mark, boasting a 4.5-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint time. This performance is courtesy of its dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, which provides 536 bhp and 846 Nm of torque. The conventional Zeekr 009 offers a CLTC comprehensive operating range of up to 822 kilometres while the Zeekr 009 Grand (the four-seat variant) offers a CLTC comprehensive operating range of up to 702 kilometres
See also: Datuk Shahrol Halmi on how MyEVOC is helping push the nation’s electrification agenda
Above The Zeekr 009 features leather seats that offer maximum comfort to its passengers
The Zeekr 009 features leather seats that offer maximum comfort to its passengers
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Stepping inside the Zeekr 009, you’re immediately greeted by an array of premium materials that solidify its status as a top-notch vehicle. The cabin is awash with Nappa leather, micro suede, and metal touch points, exuding class and comfort. Inspired by the styling cues of the Zeekr 001, such as the steering wheel and gear selector, the car unsurprisingly feels sporty but with an upscale ambience.
The Zeekr 009 Grand, its four-seat variant on the other hand features a slightly redesigned interior with enhanced privacy protection amdhigher-quality materials to make the model more luxurious.
Above The 10.2 inch panel at the driver seat
The 10.2 inch panel at the driver seat
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In the front, the driver enjoys a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a 15.4-inch central LCD touchscreen. The central infotainment screen is snappy and well-laid out, ensuring easy access to all functions. There’s also a 5G connection, plenty of USB-C ports, and a wireless phone charger, which are becoming standard in China’s premium and even mid-level EVs.
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Above The conventional Zeekr 009 features a 15.6 inch central ceiling screen
Above The conventional Zeekr 009 features six seats that offer multiple heat, ventilation, massage, and adjustment options for maximum comfort
The conventional Zeekr 009 features a 15.6 inch central ceiling screen
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Above The Zeekr 009 Grand features a 4K 43-inch LED smart screen
The Zeekr 009 Grand features a 4K 43-inch LED smart screen
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For the conventional Zeekr 009, passengers can indulge in luxury with 20 Yamaha Hi-Fi speakers that offer up immersive soundscapes throughout the spacious interior. In terms of entertainment, the 009 also features a 15.6 inch central ceiling screen that can keep the passengers occupied throughout the ride.
Meanwhile the Zeekr 009 Grand features a 4K 43-inch LED smart screen paired with a 31-speaker Yamaha Surround Sound system transforms the rear cabin into a cinematic masterpiece. Passengers can enjoy a premium audio-visual feast that rivals movie theatres. Further enhancing comfort, the Zeekr 009 Grand features a refrigerator with an 18-litre capacity that includes both cooling and heating capabilities, ideal for long rides.
All seats in both variants offer multiple heat, ventilation, massage, and adjustment options for maximum comfort. Tray tables are standard, but a digital clock on the side is also a touchscreen for adjusting climate control, intuitively placed near the armrest for easy operation.
Above The Zeekr 009
The Zeekr 009
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While specific details on the Malaysia-bound Zeekr 009s are still unavailable, my brief acquaintance with the vehicle was more than enough to have us eagerly anticipating an unrivalled first-class experience.
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Credits
Photography: Zeekr
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
