Zeekr reportedly to launch new 9S SUV in Q1 2026, spy shot surfaces

The Zeekr 9S can be viewed as a sportier version of the Zeekr 9X SUV, with a starting price potentially around RMB 450,000 ($64,230), according to a local media report.The Zeekr 9S will be smaller than the Zeekr 9X and positioned more toward sporty performance.(A spy photo shows a vehicle suspected to be the Zeekr 9S. Image credit: Auto Home)Zeekr is developing a new model, the Zeekr 9S, an SUV (sport utility vehicle) internally codenamed "Orca," local automotive media Auto Home reported yesterday.The model emphasizes performance and can be seen as a sportier version of the Zeekr 9X, the report said.The Zeekr 9S could debut as early as January 2026 and launch by the end of the first quarter, the report cited sources as saying. Join us on Telegram or Google News Its starting price may be around RMB 450,000 ($64,230), lower than the Zeekr 9X's average transaction price of RMB 538,000, the report said.The Zeekr 9X, a luxury SUV launched on September 29, is the brand's first hybrid model with a starting price of RMB 465,900.The Zeekr 9S will be smaller than the 9X and positioned more toward sporty performance, Auto Home said.The model is a mid-to-large SUV built on the SEA-S hybrid architecture. The top-tier version is expected to feature a tri-motor powertrain and support 6C ultra-fast charging, the report noted.This marks the first mention of the Zeekr 9S. Earlier this month, multiple automotive bloggers shared the same spy photos on Weibo, identifying them as the Zeekr 8X.The Zeekr 8X is expected to debut in the first quarter next year, with pricing starting around RMB 400,000 and the main sales range projected between RMB 450,000 and RMB 500,000, according to another domestic auto media outlet Yiche on December 3.Zeekr first mentioned the 8X hybrid SUV during a conference call in May this year, stating at the time that the model would be launched in the fourth quarter of this year.The plan was delayed as Zeekr focused on multiple model facelifts in the second half of the year.Zeekr announced on December 22 that it had completed its integration with Geely Auto (HKG: 0175, OTCMKTS: GELYF) and delisted from the NYSE. Spy shots reveal Zeekr 8X SUV as debut delayed to next year The Zeekr 8X hybrid SUV is expected to debut in the first quarter of next year, with pricing starting at around RMB 400,000 ($56,580). ($1 = RMB 7.0063)