Cover Melissa Lim Mae Lyn and more Tatler friends gathered for a Sunday preview of the Zeekr 009

A select group of Tatler friends gathered for a Sunday preview of the Zeekr 009—an electric MPV that blends intelligent performance with first-class comfort

Last month, a select group of guests from the Tatler Malaysia community gathered for something a little different: a relaxed yet refined afternoon that offered more than the typical test drive. Organised in collaboration with Zeekr, the private event was held to introduce the Zeekr 009 to an audience of curious and discerning guests.

Read more: Review: The Zeekr 009, the ultimate electric MPV experience

The day began at Stefania Restaurant, a serene and stylish Italian restaurant tucked in the heart of the city. Guests were welcomed with canapés and welcoming drinks, setting the tone for a leisurely morning that would seamlessly blend innovation, elegance and conviviality. Outside, the Zeekr 009, the brand’s all-electric ultra-premium MPV, waited in polished silence, ready for a closer look.

Above A select group of Tatler friends gathered for a Sunday preview of the Zeekr 009—an electric MPV that blends intelligent performance with first-class comfort
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Photo 1 of 4 The Zeekr 009
Photo 2 of 4 Available in two variants, the Zeekr 009 is the brand’s all-electric ultra-premium MPV
Photo 3 of 4 The cars arriving outside Stefania
Photo 4 of 4 Guests awaiting in front of Stefania before checking out the Zeekr 009

Throughout the morning, guests were offered a guided introduction to the 009, followed by individual test drives around the city. The experience gave each attendee an up-close encounter with Zeekr’s flagship MPV—available in both six- and seven-seater configurations, and built on the brand’s advanced SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform. Beneath its streamlined silhouette lies a dual-motor setup producing over 500 horsepower, capable of propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds—impressive, especially for a car of this size and stature.

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Photo 1 of 13 Iftikhar Jami and Ishi Jami
Photo 2 of 13 Dr Ian Chong test-driving the Zeekr 009
Photo 3 of 13 Guest test-driving the Zeekr 009
Photo 4 of 13 Alex Cheah test-driving the Zeekr 009
Photo 5 of 13 Wei Tung, Dr Ian Chong, Lee Siew Sze, Veronica Choo and Roger See
Photo 6 of 13 Alex Cheah test-driving the Zeekr 009
Photo 7 of 13 Veronica Choo and Roger See test-driving the Zeekr 009
Photo 8 of 13 Chris Tan, Daryl Foong and Melissa Lim
Photo 9 of 13 Zura Zabidi and Ezamy Adlan
Photo 10 of 13 Michael Teh and Allyson Yeoh
Photo 11 of 13 Jackie Chua, Matthew Tang and Datin Yvette Kang
Photo 12 of 13 Canapes served during the beginning of the experience
Photo 13 of 13 Canapes served during the beginning of the experience

Inside, the 009 trades conventional MPV expectations for something far more elevated. A cabin defined by serenity and innovative design features six lounge-style seats (in the six-seater variant) wrapped in supple Nappa leather, laminated noise-reducing glass, a panoramic smart sunroof, and a rear cabin ambience that evokes more private jet than family car. First-class Sofaro seats in the second row offer powered recline, ottoman support, and in the six-seater, extendable tray tables seamlessly folded into the armrests.

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For the driver, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is paired with a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, while passengers in the rear enjoy a retractable 17-inch entertainment display and a Yamaha Surround Sound System with 30 speakers—some cleverly integrated into headrests and ceilings—for a truly immersive audio experience.

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Photo 1 of 19 A guest enjoying the Zeekr 009’s experience
Photo 2 of 19 Datin Yvette Kang testing driving the Zeekr 009
Photo 3 of 19 The 009’s immersive Yamaha Surround Sound System features 30 strategically placed speakers
Photo 4 of 19 Kesavan Purusotman
Photo 5 of 19 Guests in Stefania before lunch was served
Photo 6 of 19 Guests talking and sharing their experience with the Zeekr 009 in the morning
Photo 7 of 19 Lunch is about to be served
Photo 8 of 19 Gerrie Beh, executive managing director of Tatler Malaysia and Indonesia
Photo 9 of 19 Jason Wang, general manager of Zeekr Malaysia
Photo 10 of 19 Guests listening to the Zeekr representatives sharing the brand’s history and impact
Photo 11 of 19 YT Loh, head of product, Zeekr Malaysia
Photo 12 of 19 Burrata with rocket salad and Italian crumble
Photo 13 of 19 Ravioli with ricotta and spinach
Photo 14 of 19 Italian sea bass fillet with smoke cauliflower puree, fava beans, porcini mushrooms and mediterranean sauce
Photo 15 of 19 Kelvin Cheah
Photo 16 of 19 MB7 striploin, asparagus and truffle mash
Photo 17 of 19 Cyrus Law, head of marketing, Zeekr Malaysia
Photo 18 of 19 Tiramisu for dessert
Photo 19 of 19 Jason Wang and Zeekr 009

Beneath the polish, Zeekr has engineered the 009 for real-world performance and safety. An Intelligent AWD system adjusts power delivery within 0.4 seconds, while the Dual Air Chamber Suspension ensures a silky ride. Safety features are as thorough as they are reassuring: a Double A-pillar design, 70-litre side curtain airbags spanning the whole cabin, a 10-gang battery crush structure, and a roof load capacity of 13 tonnes, thanks to a single-piece die-cast aluminium floor platform. The 009’s range of up to 582km and ultra-fast charging capabilities complete the picture of an EV designed to go the distance.

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Tatler Asia
Above The guests of the lunch and driving experience

After the test drives, guests returned to Stefania for a wine-paired lunch. Plates of burrata salad, spinach ravioli, a choice of steak or seabass, and tiramisu were served in succession, inviting conversation and relaxed connection. Between courses, representatives from Zeekr shared the brand’s journey, technological ambitions, and its commitment to reshaping the premium EV space.

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Credits

Photography: Fady Younis

Topics

Sim Wie Boon
General Manager, Tatler Malaysia, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

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