2024 ZEEKR 009 Ultra Luxury Review

Currently, the premium pure electric MPV market in Malaysia is gradually heating up, with many family and business users turning to this type of vehicle that balances space and environmental friendliness. As a new player in this segment, the Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury has attracted considerable attention upon its launch with its impressive 612PS power, first-class six-seat cabin configuration, and official 582km range. This time, we got a test drive vehicle, and our main goal is to verify whether its actual driving and riding performance matches its "Ultra Luxury" positioning, and to see if its sense of luxury, practicality, and dynamic performance can meet the needs of local users.

From the exterior, the design style of the Zeekr 009 leans towards grand and stable, with overall sharp lines that align with the functional positioning of an MPV. The front features the iconic "Light Spring" LED daytime running lights, a through-type design complemented by vertical light clusters on both sides, resulting in high recognition; the sides of the vehicle are devoid of unnecessary complex lines, and the door handles adopt a hidden design, combined with a width of 2024mm and a wheelbase of 3205mm, giving it a notably elongated visual appearance; the rear's through-type LED taillights echo the front design, while the rear bumper design is simple and without excessive decoration, providing an overall sense of business elegance and refinement. The lighting system comes standard with LEDs across the lineup, and automatic headlights and rear fog lights are not omitted, ensuring convenience in daily use.

Sitting inside the car, the first thing you notice is the genuine effort put into the interior materials. The entire cabin is primarily covered in soft-touch materials, with the upper part of the dashboard and inside of the door panels wrapped in Nappa leather, offering a delicate feel. The dashboard layout is clear, with a 15.05-inch OLED touchscreen taking center stage visually, boasting high resolution and smooth operation; a few physical buttons are retained below, primarily for controlling the air conditioning and seat functions, making blind operations convenient. In terms of core configurations, HUD heads-up display, a 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster, keyless entry/start are all standard; the YAMAHA 30-speaker audio system is a major highlight, providing impressive surround sound effects that significantly enhance the driving and riding experience.

Space is one of the core advantages of the Zeekr 009. Its dimensions, at 5209mm×2024mm×1812mm, with a 3205mm wheelbase, directly determine its spacious interior. The front seats are made of soft Nappa leather with good rebound cushioning, featuring 12-way electric adjustment, massage and ventilation functions, and support for three memory settings, ensuring long drives remain comfortable; the second row is the highlight of the vehicle, equipped with Sofaro first-class seats, also made of Nappa leather, offering 1.1-meter long electric sliding, 4-way electric leg rests, electric footrests, and seat cushion support, along with massage and ventilation features. Additionally, both left and right sides are equipped with independent armrests, hidden cup holders, and small tables, fully meeting the needs of business receptions or family long-distance travel; the third-row seats also offer ample space, with about two fists of legroom for a 175cm tall passenger. These seats also support one-touch entry/exit and 180° folding, providing good flexibility. The trunk has a standard capacity of 574L, enough for three 28-inch suitcases, and folding the third-row seats can further expand the space, significantly enhancing practicality. Additionally, air conditioning vents and power outlets are available for both the front and rear rows, with the rear row having an independent air conditioning control area, showing careful attention to detail.

In terms of power, the ZEEKR 009 Ultra Luxury is equipped with dual permanent magnet synchronous motors, delivering a combined system power of 450kW (612PS) and a peak torque of 693N·m. It boasts an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds, which is quite impressive for a large MPV. During actual driving, the power response is rapid during the start, with almost no delay; a gentle press on the accelerator provides noticeable thrust. Switching to sport mode offers more aggressive power output; pressing down the accelerator deeply for overtaking allows the vehicle to speed up quickly and effortlessly, even on highways. However, the comfort mode is sufficient for daily driving, providing more linear power output and a smoother ride for passengers.

The handling and chassis performance exceeded our expectations for an MPV. The combination of front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort while maintaining good support. When encountering common bumpy roads in Malaysia, the suspension absorbs most of the fine vibrations, keeping the body stable; when crossing speed bumps, there is no obvious harsh feedback, and rear passengers experience minimal jolts. The steering wheel is precise with little play. Although the car is over 5 meters long, its turning radius is well managed, making urban U-turns or parking relatively agile. The inclusion of an all-wheel-drive system enhances the vehicle's stability, especially on wet roads during rainy weather, with balanced power distribution and no skidding issues.

Range and charging are key indicators for electric vehicles. The ZEEKR 009 is equipped with a 116kWh NMC battery, offering an official pure electric range of 582km. During our testing under various road conditions (60% urban and 40% highway with air conditioning set to 24°C), the actual range was approximately 510km, achieving about 88% of the claimed range, which is considered above average. Energy consumption was around 23.5kWh per 100km, close to the official figure of 22.3kWh, which aligns with the energy consumption level of large electric MPVs. For charging, the fast charging mode allows for the battery to go from 30% to 80% in just 0.5 hours, making it very efficient for recharging at highway service areas. For regular home use, slow charging takes about 7-8 hours for a full charge.

The attention to detail in driving and passenger comfort is also commendable. The vehicle's noise control is excellent, with tire noise and wind noise barely noticeable at speeds under 100km/h, and the sound of the electric motors is almost negligible. After exceeding 120km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not interfere with conversations inside the cabin. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels: the low level provides a gliding sensation similar to a fuel vehicle without significant drag, making it easy to adapt; the high level enhances range, suitable for experienced electric vehicle users. The third-row seats are also well-padded, and with the panoramic sunroof and rear sunshades, even long journeys in the back row do not feel stifling.

Overall, the ZEEKR 009 Ultra Luxury stands out with its prominent highlights: the 612PS high-performance output leaves almost no rival in its class of MPVs; the six first-class seats and 30-speaker sound system enhance the sense of luxury, and the 582km range is sufficient for the daily needs of most users. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Alphard Hybrid or Denza D9 EV in the same class, the ZEEKR 009 has notable advantages in performance and technological configuration while being more competitively priced; however, as a new player in the market, ZEEKR still needs time to build brand recognition.

The target audience for this car is very clear: first, users who value quality family travel, as the 3205mm wheelbase provides spaciousness and comfortable seating, meeting the needs of the whole family for long trips; second, small and medium business owners who require business reception, as the first-class second-row seats and luxurious interior reflect high reception standards; third, tech enthusiasts who like to try new things, as the rich intelligent features and pure electric power offer a unique driving experience.

In summary, the Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury is a "no-compromise" high-end all-electric MPV that combines power, luxury, space, and range exceptionally well. If you are looking for an all-electric vehicle that can cater to both family needs and business scenarios, it is definitely a top choice to consider.