by Zeekr plans to conquer off-road and pickup truck markets
Chinese premium brand Zeekr, part of Geely, is not resting on its laurels in the luxury electric and hybrid vehicle segment. The company has announced its intention to enter the off-road SUV market and is also considering the possibility of creating a pickup truck. None of these decisions are final yet, but both directions are being actively discussed.
Currently, the Zeekr model lineup includes models such as the X, 7X, 8X, 9X, and the electric minivan 009. In an interview with the Australian publication Drive, Zeekr Vice President Mars Chen confirmed that the company is exploring the possibility of creating an off-road SUV, but did not provide specific details regarding series production.
“A heavy-duty off-road SUV is definitely one of the directions. We are conducting research, but whether we will create something in the style of the G-Wagen, a boxy shape? That is not clear. But the current 9X and 8X — they are not bad off-road. Perhaps they are not so extreme, but they definitely have certain capabilities,” Chen noted.
Competition with BYD Fangchengbao
If Zeekr decides to create a new SUV, it could pose serious competition to the Fangchengbao models, one of BYD’s brands. Currently, Fangchengbao offers two competitors to the Land Rover Defender — the Bao 5 and Bao 8, which are also sold under the Denza brand in some markets, including Australia. Both models are well-equipped and have a significantly lower price compared to their European counterparts.
Pickup truck as a new challenge
SUVs are not the only idea that interests Zeekr. During the same interview, Chen hinted that the company is also considering entering the pickup truck segment, potentially creating a competitor to the BYD Shark 6.
“We just had an internal discussion; it’s only a discussion. We want to rethink every segment. We will test how disruptive we can be if we enter,” Chen said when answering a question about a pickup truck.
Current Zeekr flagship
Currently, the most premium and luxurious Zeekr vehicle available for purchase is the 9X model. Introduced last year, it looks like something between a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Range Rover and is sold exclusively as a plug-in hybrid. The base version is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that works together with two electric motors, providing a total output of 885 hp. An even more powerful version with three electric motors is available, producing 1381 hp.
Zeekr is actively exploring opportunities to expand its model lineup, and the potential entry into the off-road SUV and pickup truck segments testifies to the brand’s ambitious plans. Utilizing Geely Group technologies, including hybrid powertrains, the company could create competitive models that will challenge not only BYD but also traditional market players. For now, this is just a discussion, but the very fact of such plans indicates that Zeekr aims to become a versatile player capable of meeting diverse customer needs, from luxurious urban crossovers to true off-road vehicles.
