Some vehicles have a strong presence on the road based just on their design and the Zeekr 009 is one such car. A bold front end leads through the boxy looking style of this large sliding-door people mover. All of which hides the stunning luxury inside along with the all-electric performance it offers.
We opted for the six-seat version to review, which features two “Business Class” seats in the middle row, as well as two collapsable third row seats.
We’ll get back to business class shortly.
Zeekr 009 Driving Range
Zeekr quotes at 686km range from it’s 116kWh battery and in our around town driving that range never looked in question. In reality this car is made for two possible reasons, a family looking for a large people mover with electric power, or a hire-car driver looking to offer a unique luxury experience.
For families the $150,000 price tag is extreme, but when you realise there are people paying that much for imported people movers you know there is genuinely a market for this car. Plus, consider the big money being spent on Landcruisers and Range Rovers in our affluent suburbs and that price tag starts to look like one many are already considering.
Of course, if you compare it to a Kia Carnival the Carnival will always offer the better value, especially as it now has a Hybrid option. But as a former Carnival owner, I can tell you the Zeekr 009 is several steps above the Carnival when it comes to luxury.
For the Hire-car market, with the third row down this is a great Airport transfer for three adults, or without or with less baggage a slick ride for five passengers.
In both those situations, that almost 700km range is outstanding – offering all you need in a week for a family, and more than a day for a HC driver.
However, I took the Zeekr 009 outside it’s comfort zone, on the Hume Highway for a 900km round trip road trip.
Despite the 0.27 low drag coefficient, this thing is a brick down the freeway. But, that’s only when it comes to range. I wouldn’t risk pushing this more than 400km at 110+km/h. And yes, I said “+” because that’s how I drive:). While I know full well I can get far better range efficiency going at 90 or even perhaps 100km/h, I want to drive like I normally drive, so you won’t be gliding past me in the fast lane.
I took advantage of fast-charging at Pheasants Nest, then at the Tesla Supercharger in Yass.
On the return journey I topped up to 90% at Yass, and would have easily made it home thanks to slower peak traffic from the outskirts of Sydney.
My hot tip – switch to the “Dynamic” range mode which shows in far more real-time the range you have based on current driving.
But my assessment of the journey was that like all EVs, Highway driving will dramatically impact your range, so please, please don’t think you can drive 600+ km away before charging.
How well does the Zeekr 009 drive?
On the highway, a pure breeze. Though I found the cruise control far too smart. I want adaptive cruise that will slow behind other cars but maintain my speeds.
In the Zeekr 009 thanks to speed sign recognition the car would slow and adjust it’s cruise control limit to the posted speed sign, not the number I was hoping to drive:)
Even without cruise control on, I got “hold the wheel” alerts which frustrated me, but the driver attention systems are top notch and not annoying. From attention alerts to driver rest alerts when you yawn – or sing along to a long note in a song:)
On city roads it’s a smooth ride, though speed bumps do feel a touch more brutal than I would have hoped.
A no point while driving this did I feel like I was driving such a large car. Head through a round-about and it’s just like any other decent drive.
Steering feel is strong and direct while acceleration is sluggish in EV terms but sensational compared to any other car of this size.
Bottom line, no major complaints that would stop me from handing over the cash – if I was in the market.
Business Class – legitimately,
However this car isn’t about the driver, be prepared to want to be driven.
The second row of this six-seater is called “Business Class”. Not in marketing, in the car. The “rear” climate controls are labelled Business Class, legit.
Why? Well, the two stunning chairs are a big part of that. Featuring a solid recline, even a basically lay flat option which elevates a leg rest and uses the back of the front passenger seat as a foot rest for a First Class experience.
Sitting up, you’ve got massage controls of different weights and styles, and – there’s even a tray table.
Honestly, this is just outstanding stuff.
Storage in the seats, the doors and plenty of USB-C charging, even up to 100W.
Plus, there’s a push button fold down screen which has web-browsing and YouTube available..
Zeekr need to work on the App store for that screen urgently, because this would be a whole extra star of passenger comfort if you could download streaming apps.
A Fridge in the Zeekr 009? Outstanding
Oh, you need a drink? Open the fridge.
Under the front centre console is a full fridge. At a guess you’d fit 8 cans in there, and using controls on the infotainment system it can be set to cool to as low as -6 degrees, for context, I put warm cans in, and they were cool to drink within two hours.
You can set the fridge to stay cool for 24 hours too!
Worried about your battery? Worry less, I left the fridge on overnight last night, from 5pm-3am and it used 2% of the cars battery.
For road trips, this is outstanding.
For school pickups, refreshments and afternoon tea are ready to go.
Zeekr 009 Price in Australia
Priced up in six seat configuration, with a private rego in metro Sydney this came up as $153,627.06.
Hefty, but strangely justifiable.
Is it worth it?
That’s a personal decision, many will argue it’s overpriced, but I think for the niche market that this serves, it’s a quick test drive and time to arrange finance.
Web: Zeekr
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
