Zeekr 9X 5-Seater Launched, Priced 14,000 Yuan Lower Than the 6-Seater Starting at 471,900 Yuan

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr officially launched its flagship large SUV, the Zeekr 9X, in a 5-seater configuration on July 28, opening reservations at the same time. The company took the unusual approach of not holding a formal launch event, instead choosing to release the details and pricing directly. The lineup consists of three trims: the 5-seater Ultra priced at 471,900 yuan (approx. 9.4 million yen), the 5-seater Hyper at 545,900 yuan (approx. 10.9 million yen), and the 5-seater Youhei Edition at 585,900 yuan (approx. 11.7 million yen).

Pricing Strategy

Compared to the 6-seater version, the 5-seater Ultra, Hyper, and Youhei Edition are each priced 14,000 yuan (approx. 28,000 yen) lower. However, the 6-seater lineup includes a Max trim priced at 465,900 yuan, which remains the entry-level option. Since there is no equivalent grade in the 5-seater lineup, the overall price range of the Zeekr 9X is not significantly reduced. According to a report by Chen Shichen from Aifaner, Zeekr positions the 5-seater model not as a “budget version” of the 6-seater but as an independent option catering to a different travel style. The relatively small price difference supports this stance.

To celebrate the launch, special offers are available until midnight on August 31. During this period, customers who pay a deposit of 20,000 yuan will receive a 10,000-yuan insurance subsidy and a 10,000-yuan trade-in subsidy. Moreover, a Naim-branded sound system, wing-style sliding screen, electric side steps, and a lifetime subscription to the advanced driver assistance system “Thousand Miles Vast G-ASD” are included as complimentary perks.

Redesigned Rear Cabin

The standout feature of the 5-seater model is its 2+3 seat configuration. The body dimensions and wheelbase remain the same as the 6-seater version, measuring 5,239 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width, 1,819 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,169 mm. The exterior design remains unchanged, but two new interior color options, “Explorer Brown” and “Burgundy Red,” are now available.

By removing the third-row seats, the interior space has been reallocated to provide more room for the second row and the luggage area. The left and right seats in the rear can now switch between “zero-gravity mode” and “Eames chair mode,” with a maximum legroom of 1.4 meters, according to the manufacturer.

An electric, foldable center armrest has been added to the second row. With a single touch, it transforms the bench into a seating arrangement reminiscent of dual independent executive seats. The armrest features an integrated crystal knob and multifunctional buttons to control the sunshade, reading lights, and entertainment volume. It also houses a 50W wireless charging pad and a retractable 100W Type-C charging cable.

The seats in the second row are equipped with an integrated rotation mechanism. By adjusting the backrest to a comfortable angle and tilting the entire seat backward, pressure on the lower back typically caused by the rotation axis of standard zero-gravity seats is avoided. Additionally, the second-row seats are equipped with 22 massage points. To enhance comfort, the front passenger seat’s headrest can be removed, and the seat can be fully reclined to connect with the second row, creating a luxurious reclining chair with up to 34 massage points. Combined with a 17-inch 3K OLED wing-style sliding screen, the rear cabin offers an unparalleled entertainment experience.

However, the design of the electric armrest and the rear seats indicates that the 5-seater 9X is still primarily designed for two passengers in the rear. The armrest is intended to remain in its lowered position most of the time, with the center seat only serving as a shared space when the vehicle is fully occupied.

Expanded Luggage Space

Another major benefit of removing the third-row seats is the expansion of luggage space. In its standard configuration, the 5-seater 9X offers 1,082 liters of luggage capacity, enough to store four 28-inch suitcases and four 20-inch suitcases simultaneously. Even without folding the seats, it provides ample everyday storage. When the second-row seats are folded down, the storage capacity increases to 2,473 liters, with a length of over 2.2 meters, effectively creating a mobile bedroom.

The luggage compartment includes a removable, foldable privacy divider that blocks the view from the rear window while creating separate storage compartments. The upper and lower split tailgate design allows for independent opening and closing, with the lower gate supporting a load of up to 300 kilograms. This not only facilitates easy loading of luggage but also doubles as a seat for camping.

Powertrain and Trim Levels

The 5-seater version retains the same powertrain and chassis as the 6-seater model. It features a 900V high-voltage hybrid architecture, a 2.0T engine, and 6C ultra-fast charging capabilities. Other features such as air suspension and CCD electromagnetic damping are also maintained. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and boasts a CLTC combined range of 1,250 kilometers. Charging the battery from 20% to 80% takes as little as nine minutes.

The three trims differ primarily in their powertrains, battery capacities, and exterior designs. The Ultra trim is equipped with a 55 kWh battery and a dual-motor system, serving as the entry-level option for the 5-seater lineup. The Hyper trim upgrades to a 70 kWh battery and a triple-motor system, achieving a combined output of 1,030 kW and adding a 48V active stabilizer bar. The Youhei Edition is based on the Hyper trim but features a unique exterior package and interior design while maintaining the same powertrain and battery specifications.

The Ultra trim is positioned for everyday use, the Hyper for enhanced performance, and the Youhei Edition as a personalized version.

The Shift Back to 5-Seater SUVs

In the large new-energy SUV market, 6-seater models have dominated in recent years. With bodies exceeding 5 meters in length and wheelbases over 3 meters, these SUVs often offer ample space for three rows of seats. However, as the three-row market becomes saturated, automakers are increasingly shifting their focus back to 5-seater configurations for the same large vehicle platforms.

For instance, the third-generation NIO ES8 added a 5-seater version after launching its large three-row model, offering a luggage capacity of 1,334 liters. Similarly, the AITO M9 provides both a large 5-seater and a 6-seater option, along with a “Zun 4-Seater” package based on the 5-seater Ultra trim. ONVO employs a product family approach, with the L90 offering 6- and 7-seater configurations, while the similarly sized L80 caters to demand for large 5-seater vehicles.

This shift doesn’t signify the demise of the 6-seater trend. The 2+2+2 seating layout in 6-seater SUVs allows for two independent seats in the second row, offering comfort without sacrificing the ability to carry more passengers. The aisle between the second-row seats also facilitates easier access to the third row, particularly for older adults and children. By sacrificing one seat, the second row becomes more comfortable, and access to the third row improves—key factors behind the rapid rise of 6-seater large SUVs.

In contrast, a 5-seater model in the same size class embodies a sense of “luxury.” Using a large SUV with a wheelbase exceeding 3 meters exclusively as a 5-seater may not be economical in terms of passenger capacity per unit area. However, it allows for full allocation of space to the second row and the luggage compartment. This eliminates the compromises between third-row access and multi-passenger seating in the second row, while also providing a larger luggage area that doesn’t require frequent adjustments between passenger and cargo configurations.

For users who typically travel with 2 to 4 passengers, opting for a 5-seater over a 6-seater with a similar budget offers a more spacious and comfortable ride along with enhanced cargo capacity. This is the practical reasoning behind automakers introducing 5-seater versions after their 6-seater counterparts.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, the introduction of the Zeekr 9X 5-seater is likely to accelerate the segmentation of product lineups in the large SUV market. The strategy of offering both 6- and 5-seater models on the same platform could serve as a new market entry point for existing 6-seater products, a tactic other manufacturers are likely to emulate. In China, where many users typically travel in groups of two to four, demand for 5-seater models is expected to reach significant levels.

From a long-term perspective, the seating configurations of large EVs appear to be transitioning from a focus on “multi-passenger utility” toward “spatial luxury.” By sharing foundational technologies like the 900V architecture and 6C ultra-fast charging, while differentiating in terms of cabin experience, Zeekr’s model strategy aligns with the industry’s broader trend toward platform standardization. Going forward, competition may center not only on the number of seats but also on features like rear-seat entertainment and workspace functionality, further enhancing the perceived value of space.

A key question posed by the editorial team is how well the “luxury of space” offered by the 5-seater version will resonate with consumers. With only a 14,000-yuan price difference, what motivates buyers to forgo the practicality of the 6-seater for the 5-seater? The answer will likely become clearer as sales trends emerge in the coming months.

References

• “少一个座位便宜 1.4 万，极氪 9X 五座版上市，47.19 万起”, by 陈世琛 — 爱范儿, 2026-07-28T09:58:09.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.ifanr.com/1673295?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=