Zeekr 009

First Impressions

Walking up to the Zeekr 009 Grand at the Motor Expo, I immediately felt this wasn't just another Chinese EV trying to punch above its weight — it genuinely looked the part. The blacked-out front end with chrome accents is understated rather than shouty, and the overall silhouette carries a sense of occasion that you'd expect from something positioned against the Lexus LM.

What caught my eye first were the wheels. They're forged, hand-polished, and coated ten layers deep. The finish has a depth to it that photographs can't capture — when they spin, the facets catch light in a way that's clearly deliberate. Whether you love the design or not is personal taste, but the craftsmanship is undeniable.

Interior & Luxury

This is where the 009 Grand earns its name. Stepping into the rear cabin feels like entering a private lounge. The four individual seats are wrapped in exquisite leather, and the recline goes flat enough to genuinely sleep in — full first-class airline territory. The headrest cushioning alone is remarkably soft.

The materials are what stunned me most. The trim pieces are real Himalayan stone — not synthetic, not printed — actual stone. The control knobs are crystal. The floor carpets are made from yak wool and are absurdly plush. Between the seats sits a refrigerator for champagne, and there's even a built-in safe. A 43-inch entertainment screen dominates the front partition, and ambient lighting offers around 64 colour options. There's a privacy partition glass that switches between opaque and transparent, adjustable curtains, wireless charging, and USB-C ports everywhere.

Tech & Features

The Yamaha sound system fills the cabin beautifully, and every function — climate, seat adjustment, lighting, entertainment — can be controlled from the rear touchscreen or individual seat-side panels. The 360-degree camera system is standard, and the panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light.

The display unit I saw was running Chinese software, so YouTube and Netflix weren't loaded yet, but I'm told the Thai-market version will have full streaming capability. Karaoke is built in too, which is a fun party trick for this kind of vehicle.

Powertrain & Chassis

Haven't driven it yet, so I can't speak to real-world dynamics. On paper it runs dual electric motors on an 800-volt platform with all-wheel drive and air suspension. The 009 Grand is heavier than the standard 009, which should actually help with ride composure and that planted, substantial feel you want in a luxury shuttle. Range should be adequate for city and intercity use with a chauffeur behind the wheel.

The Big Question: After-Sales

Here's the elephant in the room. Zeekr can build a gorgeous, feature-packed vehicle — that much is clear. But luxury isn't just about the product; it's about the ownership experience. Can Zeekr match the white-glove service that Lexus delivers? That's completely unproven in this market. Time and actual customer experiences will be the judge. Right now, it's a leap of faith.

Final Verdict

The Zeekr 009 Grand is a legitimate contender in the ultra-luxury four-seat MPV space. The materials, technology, and sheer ambition on display are enough to make every established player nervous. It's the real deal in terms of equipment and craftsmanship.

But a car like this isn't just bought — it's lived with. And until Zeekr proves it can deliver luxury-grade ownership support, it remains a brilliant newcomer that hasn't yet earned the trust that comes with time. If you're the kind of buyer who values being ahead of the curve and wants an electric alternative to the usual suspects, this deserves your attention. Just go see it in person — the cabin alone will make your jaw drop.