Imagine a vehicle that fuses spaceship-inspired design with the acceleration of a V8 Ford Mustang, all while cocooning you in business-class luxury—and it’s fully electric. A decade ago, I’d have scoffed at the idea of reviewing a $136,000 Chinese-made people mover that blasts to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds despite weighing nearly 3 tons. Yet, the 2025 Zeekr 009 is here, and it’s a game-changer. Built by Zeekr—a Geely-owned brand with Volvo and Polestar in its family tree—this ultra-luxury MPV is packed with tech, style, and surprises. As a seasoned car reviewer who’s tested everything from Teslas to Bentleys, I’m diving deep into its design, performance, and practicality to see if it lives up to the hype. Let’s roll.

Meet the Zeekr 009: A Quick Rundown

The Zeekr 009 isn’t your run-of-the-mill family van. It’s a fully electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designed to shuttle passengers in unparalleled comfort. Here’s the gist:

• Powertrain: Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive
• Battery: 116 kWh, delivering a claimed 600 km range (WLTP)
• Performance: 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
• Dimensions: 5.2 meters long, 3.2-meter wheelbase
• Price: $136,000 (before on-road costs in Australia)

Zeekr may be new to markets like Australia, but Geely’s track record lends credibility. This isn’t a cheap knockoff—it’s a premium contender taking on the Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz EQV. So, what’s it like up close? Let’s break it down.

Exterior Design: Bold, Futuristic, and Unmistakable

The Zeekr 009 doesn’t blend in—it demands a double-take. Its exterior is a masterclass in bold design:

• Front End: A sleek, color-coded grille replaces the chrome overload seen in China, paired with claw-shaped LED headlights that pierce the night. Vertical chrome strips add flair, though the low bumper might scrape on rough roads.
• Wheels: Massive 20-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires—gorgeous but a pain to clean. They scream performance and grip.
• Sides: Huge windows flood the cabin with light, while electric sliding doors (both sides) make entry effortless.
• Rear: A full-width LED light bar ties it together, though it’s less flashy than the front. Functional, not flamboyant.

At 5.2 meters long, it’s an imposing presence—perfect for turning heads at a hotel drop-off or a business meeting. I’ve seen my share of luxury rigs, and this one’s cosmic styling stands out even among German heavyweights.

Interior: A Business-Class Haven on Wheels

Step inside, and the Zeekr 009 feels like a private lounge. The mid-row Captain’s chairs are the crown jewel, especially in the 6-seat version (7-seat option available). Here’s what you’re getting:

• Seating: Nappa leather Captain’s chairs with 14-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Add a leg rest, and you’re in full recline mode.
• Tech Highlights:
• 17-inch ceiling-mounted screen with 5G streaming (Netflix, YouTube, TikTok)
• Touch-panel climate controls that double as a clock
• Yamaha 30-speaker audio system for immersive sound
• Extras: Mini fridge, panoramic sunroof, manual sunshades, and USB-C ports everywhere.

The driver’s cockpit is just as plush, with a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital driver display. Visibility is stellar thanks to a huge windshield and split A-pillars. You can tweak air suspension or rear climate from the screen, and the 360-degree cameras make parking a breeze. Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and even video games keep everyone happy.

Minor Gripes: The steering wheel feels plasticky, and the key slides off the wireless charging pad at every turn—poor design for a luxury ride. Light interior colors (four options) look stunning but pick up grime fast, as I noticed after just a few kilometers.

Third-row seats are comfy but cramped unless the mid-row slides forward. Still, this cabin rivals the best I’ve tested—think Mercedes S-Class vibes in an MPV package.

Practicality: Luxury Over Load-Hauling

The Zeekr 009 prioritizes passenger pampering over cargo space, and it shows:

• Boot: Compromised by air suspension components—no deep, flat floor like a Kia Carnival. Fold the rear seats, and space improves, but it’s not a family hauler’s dream.
• Frunk: Tiny—room for a tire repair kit and a few small items, nothing more.
• Access: Electric sliding doors and sliding mid-row seats make entry/exit a cinch.

If you’re chauffeuring two VIPs with light luggage, it’s perfect. For seven people and their gear? Look elsewhere. I’ve hauled gear in everything from SUVs to vans, and this one’s clearly built for comfort, not camping.

Performance and Handling: A Silent Speed Machine

Don’t let the “people mover” tag fool you—the Zeekr 009 is a beast. Here’s the breakdown:

• Acceleration: Dual motors deliver a claimed 4.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint. There’s a slight delay off the line, but rolling acceleration is explosive—think 3-ton rocketship.
• Top Speed: I hit 170 km/h on a closed track, and it stayed eerily quiet.
• Handling: Dual-chamber air suspension keeps it flat through corners, defying its heft. Michelin tires grip like glue, though it’s floaty at high speeds—best for cruising, not carving.
• Braking: Strong and composed, even from triple digits.

Charging specs are solid: 205 kW DC fast charging gets you 10-80% in 30 minutes, while an 11 kW AC setup takes 13.5 hours for a full charge. I’ve driven EVs with worse stats, and this holds its own.

Ride Comfort: Plush, But Floaty

From the back, it’s a dream. With the front passenger seat folded, I stretched out under the panoramic roof—legs up, massagers on. The ride is soft and cushy, soaking up city streets, but highway bumps send a floaty bounce through the cabin. Motion sickness could be an issue post-champagne lunch.

Up front, the touchscreen overload (mirrors, vents, everything via menus) distracts from driving. Physical buttons would be safer—I’ve seen better ergonomics in cheaper cars. Still, as a passenger, it’s pure bliss—ideal for airport runs or theater nights.

Comparison Table: Zeekr 009 vs. Rivals

Notes: Prices are approximate and vary by region/market. The Zeekr 009 undercuts premium rivals while offering unmatched tech and power, though it sacrifices practicality.

Who’s It For?

At $136,000, the Zeekr 009 isn’t a mass-market buy. Families needing cargo space will pass, but luxury hotels, chauffeur services, and businesses wanting a standout ride will bite. It’s cheaper than a Lexus LM, flashier than a Mercedes EQV, and leagues ahead of the LDV MIFA 9 in refinement. In Australia, where EVs are gaining traction, its novelty could win fans—I’ve seen brands like BYD thrive here on less.

Verdict: A Luxury MPV Masterpiece?

The Zeekr 009 is a revelation. It’s got head-turning style, blistering performance, and a mid-row experience that shames most luxury SUVs. The tech is jaw-dropping, the comfort is elite, and the price feels fair for the package. Practicality lags—boot space and rear-seat folding are weak points—but if you’re after a statement vehicle, it’s a non-issue.

I’ve tested hundreds of cars, and this one’s a unicorn. I’d love to see it ferrying VIPs from airports or five-star hotels—it’s that good. What do you think? Is $136,000 worth it for this electric luxury hauler? Would you trust a newbie like Zeekr? Drop your thoughts below, and subscribe for more straight-talk car reviews!