Peter Lyon
October 17, 2024
A new competitor challenges the existing status quo in the world of luxury MPV mobility, where German emblems like Mercedes Benz and the popular Toyota Alphard and Vellfire rule supreme. With its elegant appearance and state-of-the-art technology, the Zeekr 009, which is currently on display in Malaysia, offers a convincing substitute for anyone looking for a genuinely exceptional and opulent experience.
The Zeekr 009 offers a fascinating blend of luxury and space at a surprisingly affordable price point, with an estimated price tag undercutting RM370k. It is a sensible choice for purchasers looking for both luxury and value because it drastically undercuts its rivals in the luxury MPV market here in Malaysia, including the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire twins.
The 009 breaks stereotypes regarding MPV performance by taking only 4.5 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Its dual-motor system, which produces an gutsy 612 horsepower and 693 Nm of torque—more than a Porsche 911 Carrera—is responsible for this accomplishment.
The Zeekr MPV boasts a striking front fascia with a distinctive arrangement of chrome highlights that resemble a conventional grille lending a sense of refinement and luxury. With the headlights perfectly incorporated into the lower bumper, the front is finished with a pair of streamlined, extended daytime running lights that give the vehicle a futuristic look.
Entering the Zeekr 009 is like entering a sleek, technologically advanced studio. Together with a 15.4-inch touchscreen entertainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, the driver’s seat is a surprisingly nice place to be, given that it’s an MPV.
Numerous comfort elements and an OLED 17-inch display positioned on the ceiling provide an immersive experience for backseat passengers. A 30-speaker Yamaha sound system, power sliding doors, an 8.6-liter small fridge, and massaged and ventilated seats provide a genuinely luxurious trip for everyone. By comparison the ultra-luxurious Lexus LM only has 23 speakers.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
To be honest, the 009 is certainly a stand-out MPV. But whether it’s a better-looking option than a Mercedes or a Toyota, with its ultra-concept car-like front end, is debatable. With its combination of performance, luxury, and affordability, the new kid on the block—the 009—definitely poses a serious threat to the market leaders in the premium MPV market. For discerning consumers looking for an alternative to the typical German brands or the industry-standard—Toyota Alphard, it presents an almost-too-good-to-ignore option.
