This massive Range Rover-rivalling SUV from China is coming to Europe

► New Zeekr 9X SUV launches in Europe ► Massive, hybrid SUV is filled with tech ► It’s coming for the Range Rover…

Zeekr has announced that its enormous, monolithic 9X SUV is going on sale in Europe. The Range Rover-sized range extender has already made a splash in its home market, with Zeekr bringing it to Europe as a new, rather bold, flagship. This SUV follows on from other Zeekr models like the 7GT and 7X already available here.

The 9X is a three-row SUV with a design that’s clearly been inspired by the best-in-class contenders: the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, full-size Range Rover and Mercedes GLS. It’s 5239mm long, 2290mm wide and 1819mm tall, making it a smidge shorter than a Rangie but a touch wider than the already-large new Audi Q9. It’s an imposing sight out on the road.

As well as an impactful front grille that can be trimmed in a range of metal colours, big monoblock-style or multi-spoke wheels can be specified and you can have both black or tan Nappa leather interior choices.

Other than that, though, that’s your lot for specification choices. The 9X has just one trim in Europe – Ultra AWD – which has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. It’s a six-seater with two ‘co-pilot’ armchairs in the middle row that can fully recline with footrests, and comes with a 17-inch display attached to the headliner that folds out for passengers to use.

There’s also a fridge inside, active noise cancelling to keep things quiet and a Naim audio system – the kind you get in a Bentley. Headrest speakers and a ‘theatre mode’ allows your passengers to watch movies on the go, too.

As for the powertrain, it’s a range extender that uses two e-motors, a 55.1kWh battery pack and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. There’s a 900-volt electronic architecture that enables 330kW DC charging speeds, with Zeekr claiming a rather baffling sub-10-minute 10-80 per cent charging time. In all, it’s got a 457-mile range when using the battery and combustion engine combined.

Performance-wise, the 2900kg 9X has 885bhp available, allowing it to sprint to 62mph in as little as 4.1 seconds. There are also three on-road and seven off-road driving modes, with dual-chamber air suspension managing the almighty bulk.

This powertrain and platform will also be used by the Geely Galaxy Battleship that’ll launch in the UK and Europe by 2028, previewed by the Galaxy Cruiser concept.

Prices in Europe are due to be announced soon, but you can visit Zeekr’s website and submit an expression of interest in ordering one now.