Who said people movers have to be boring?
Zeekr clearly missed the memo, because the all-wheel drive 009 is far from your average family shuttle.
To begin with, it’s powered by two electric motors producing 450kW and 693Nm. No, that’s not a typo and yes, that makes it more powerful than a Porsche 911 GT3.
Beyond bonkers performance, the 009 also offers all the latest tech and an interior more luxurious than some penthouse apartments.
It’s not cheap though. At nearly $140k before on-road costs, the six-seat version on test here is the most expensive Chinese car available in Australia right now. But you know what? It might just be worth it.
Note: The images used throughout this review are from the Zeekr 009 media kit, as our press vehicle got a puncture and subsequently had to be returned before we could photograph it
How much does the Zeekr 009 cost?
The Zeekr 009 is positioned at the upper end of the people mover market, sitting below only the Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz V-Class on the price spectrum.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 Zeekr 009 7-Seat FWD | $115,900 |
| 2026 Zeekr 009 7-Seat AWD | $135,900 |
| 2026 Zeekr 009 6-Seat AWD | $139,900 |
On test here is the flagship all-wheel drive with a six-seat layout, valued at $139,900 before on-road costs. That’s in line with lower-spec versions of the V-Class, and some $25,000 less than the equivalent Lexus.
However, you can save an additional $24,000 by dropping down to the base 009 FWD, which loses all-paw traction and features a less powerful 250kW/373Nm single-motor powertrain.
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
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What is the Zeekr 009 like on the inside?
Australians flock to European brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi for a luxurious automotive experience, but Zeekr deserves a seat at the table.
The Chinese automaker mightn’t have the runs on the board, but the 009 makes a massive statement as an ultra-premium people mover that can hold its own against just about anything, regardless of price.
Starting up front, the 009 doesn’t treat its driver as a second-class citizen, even if they’re not the main focus.
Professional steerers and busy parents are often forced to spend long periods behind the wheel, and the cabin is designed to limit the discomfort and stress associated with that.
For example, the Nappa leather seats are both soft and supportive, with a wide base cushion and sculpted headrests that caress the back of your head. Both front pews also offer a wide range of electric adjustment, as well as heating, ventilation, and five different massage programs. As such, it’s easy to get comfortable and stay that way during long driving stints.
The 009 also benefits from a premium selection of interior materials that boost its credentials as an upmarket option. Beyond plush seats, it boasts a lovely smooth steering wheel with pronounced thumb grips, while other high-traffic areas are generously padded and trimmed in either leather or suede. Hard plastics barely feature at all.
In fact, it seems Zeekr has reserved its worst finishes for the few physical buttons that you’ll find in the 009. The steering wheel buttons and window switches feel quite cheap, which is a shame considering how often the driver is likely to interact with them.
Thankfully there aren’t more buttons then, as operation of the 009 relies heavily on use of the 15-inch infotainment screen.
Positioned well within reach, the large rectangular touchscreen serves as the control centre of the 009, providing easy access to all key functions.
These include basic features such as smartphone mirroring and climate controls, plus extras you don’t see elsewhere.
For one, the position of all front- and second-row seats can be adjusted through the screen, and there are several preset layouts to suit every occasion. Chauffeurs will likely appreciate the ‘First Class Executive’ mode, which slides the front passenger seat forward to give the second-row passenger maximum legroom. It’s also possible to activate rear seat heating, ventilation, and massage from the driver’s seat.
If that’s not enough to impress your special guests, you can spoil them further by remotely operating the rear window blinds and ceiling-mounted entertainment screen.
The configurability described above serves to benefit those in the second row, but there’s also plenty on offer for the driver, including native navigation, an app store and internet browsing through Vivaldi. Who needs apps in their car, you might ask? Well, it’s not that hard to imagine a paid driver indulging in some YouTube between jobs, or a businessperson tuning into a Zoom meeting post-school drop-off.
All these features have the potential to clutter an infotainment system, but Zeekr has done well to ensure it remains user-friendly. Shortcuts to popular functions line the edges of the screen, each clearly labelled and logically positioned. So, while there’s no escaping the volume of icons present at any one time, you quickly learn how to pick your way through them.
Navigating this elaborate system is made easier by its visual quality, and how responsive it is to touch inputs.
The slick infotainment screen is complemented by a neatly integrated digital driver display that shows all the information you could possibly need and nothing more. Handily, navigation mapping can be viewed here, and basic directions are also shown on the above head-up display.
Rounding out the technology suite is a 30-speaker Yamaha sound system that nails the task of filling the 009 with high-quality audio. Speakers in the front and rear head restraints help to create a really immersive soundscape, and the entire system can be tuned to suit all manner of preferences.
Storage space is another strength. The door bins are wide enough to swallow a large drink bottle, and there’s a roomy tray with USB-C connectivity under the centre bridge. It’d be nice if the glovebox was a little bigger, though.
A wireless charging pad can be found under the infotainment screen, but it can only house a smartphone after you’ve first tapped the key card to start the vehicle.
All in all, it’s a pleasure to sit up front in the 009. However, I’d argue it’s even more of a privilege to sit one row back.
The rear doors slide open to reveal a light, airy compartment dominated by a pair of opulent captain’s chairs, each with dedicated armrests and an enviable list of features – heating, ventilation, massage, electric recline, adjustable headrests, sliding seat bases and powered leg rest extensions.
Even before any adjustments, passenger space is more than adequate. Use of the third row doesn’t change that, either. Comfort isn’t an issue, then.
And you needn’t worry about a lack of amenities. It’s hard to know where to start, but the 17-inch OLED entertainment system is as good a place as any.
The rear screen folds down from the ceiling and gives passengers access to YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, and internet browsing – everything you need for a mobile cinema session, or some streaming on the go. My partner and I even settled in for a concert movie date night, such is the quality of the atmosphere generated by sensational sound quality and dynamic ambient lighting that pulses with a beat.
In some ways, the setup in this Zeekr is actually superior to your local cinema. For one, the 009 affords the kind of privacy you can’t enjoy when surrounded by herds of rowdy teenagers. And, last time I checked, Hoyts and Village don’t provide a small fridge to keep your drinks or snacks cool, either.
Now, back-seat screen time might not be your thing and that’s ok, because this super-van has more to offer. Work-oriented passengers can pop out their tray table and tackle that urgent project, while tired travellers can simply recline, put up the window shades and get some shuteye.
Traditional amenities are plentiful, too. USB-C outlets are scattered throughout the second row, as are storage cubbies of various shapes and sizes. Small details like classy analogue-style clock displays in each door complete the package.
Moving back further, the third row is among the best you’ll find in any people mover.
Electric adjustment for the second-row seats aids access, and despite standing at six-one, I was able to find a comfortable seating position with my knees just touching the back of the seat in front. Headroom doesn’t pose a problem either.
As is the case in the second row, there are heaps of features to keep everyone happy – USB-C outlets, cupholders, reading lights, air vents, window shades and armrests, to name more than a few. And, importantly, passengers in the third row have a clear view of the entertainment screen.
Boot space is capped at 574 litres with all three rows of seating in place – less than what you get in a Mercedes-Benz EQV or Kia Carnival, but five times the capacity of a Lexus LM. That number grows if you drop the third row, which unfortunately can’t be removed or folded anywhere close to flat.
An additional 29 litres of cargo space can be found under the bonnet, while a tyre repair kit takes the place of a traditional spare.
| Dimensions | Zeekr 009 |
|---|---|
| Length | 5209mm |
| Width | 2024mm |
| Height | 1812mm |
| Wheelbase | 3205mm |
| Cargo capacity | 574L (behind third row) 2979L (behind first row) 29L (under-bonnet storage) |
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
All-wheel drive versions of the 009 come with a 116kWh battery pack and a 450kW/693Nm dual-motor electric powertrain that’s claimed to rocket this big bus to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
| Zeekr 009 AWD | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor electric |
| Battery | 116kWh lithium-ion (NMC) |
| Power | 450kW |
| Torque | 693Nm |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2870kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.5 seconds |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 19.5kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as tested) | 28.2kWh/100km |
| Claimed range | 582km |
| Max AC charge rate | 11kW |
| Max DC charge rate | 205kW |
That level of performance is unheard of for a people mover, and the 009 backs it up with a claimed range of 582km.
However, we weren’t able to achieve the efficiency required to hit such a number. Rather, our energy consumption was 45 per cent worse than Zeekr’s claim, casting doubt over the real-world relevance of that figure.
The 009’s sub-par payload, on the other hand, is highly relevant. With a carrying capacity of 560kg, the 009 leaves little room for luggage once you have six or seven adults onboard. Having said that, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX – a more family-focused vehicle – is even less capable in this regard.
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the Zeekr 009 drive?
In its flagship all-wheel drive form, the Zeekr 009 is unlike any people mover I’ve ever driven.
Because, while I’ve steered electric vans before, none can claim to be quite as capable as this 450kW/693Nm monster.
The performance of the 009 really does set it apart from all other alternatives in this segment. Firm throttle inputs are met with the kind of brutal acceleration that you simply don’t expect from a 2.9-tonne behemoth like this.
The way the 009 picks up speed is impressively smooth and predictable, too – it doesn’t break traction from a standing start, nor does it lift at the front end like a speedboat. Both pedals are easy to modulate, and alongside the smooth acceleration, the braking system has also been calibrated to ensure ease of operation.
There’s a strong argument to be made that no chauffeur vehicle/family chariot needs to be this quick. But, at the same time, it’s not like you’re obligated to use all the power all the time. And you’d much rather have access to some grunt than be stuck with a sluggish bus that struggles to get going, as many do.
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Worst case, you can switch the 009 into ‘Comfort’ mode to dumb down the throttle response if it all becomes too intimidating. Or just buy the cheaper single-motor variant.
And opting to drop down to the FWD doesn’t diminish the driving appeal of the 009, as it’s no one-trick pony.
Regardless of motor count, the 009 demonstrates the virtues of an electric people mover. It runs in near-silence and effectively eliminates outside noise, which is exactly what you want from a luxury model, particularly one that allows passengers to watch movies in the back.
The quietness of the cabin also makes the 009 a relaxing vehicle to drive for long periods of time, not only on the highway but in the city as well.
That’s despite its sheer size, which isn’t as big a hurdle as you might expect. Rather, the 009 actually feels quite manoeuvrable courtesy of light steering, decent body control and excellent forward visibility.
Parking is likewise surprisingly straightforward, at least for a 5.2-metre-long minivan. The straight-edged body shape helps when lining up a space, and there’s no shortage of helpful cameras at your disposal. Tilting side mirrors help to prevent nasty curb scrapes.
VIPs in the back won’t care all that much about how easy the 009 is to drive or park, but they are likely to take interest in whether it rides well. On that topic, all versions of the 009 ride on adaptive air suspension, with height adjustment available through the infotainment screen.
In its softest setting, the system effectively absorbs the harshness of potholes, ruts and other imperfections, protecting occupants from any discomfort. However, the trade-off for that is an excessively bouncy primary ride, felt mainly over speed bumps and longer undulations. At times it can feel a bit like you’re driving a jumping castle on wheels, which can be nausea-inducing in large doses.
As such, I preferred to drive the 009 in ‘Sport’ mode, which tightens up the suspension travel just enough to make the whole driving experience feel a bit more controlled without sacrificing comfort. It also improves the handling of the vehicle considerably, reducing body roll through corners. With that said, the chassis never feels overly wobbly.
In addition to several pre-configured drive modes, the 009 allows for adjustments to the intensity of regenerative braking. That comes in handy when transitioning between city and highway driving – a pattern many drivers follow.
There’s also a full suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) onboard, not all of which actually assist in practice. The driver attention monitoring system is quite sensitive by default, though the warning chime isn’t overly loud, while vehicle proximity warnings sound more frequently than desired. The best way to combat that is by disabling some of the safety aids through the infotainment system.
But even then, there’s nothing that can be done about the heavy-handed semi-autonomous driving tech that constantly makes micro-corrections and wrenches the wheel around in your hands. Lane centring is an important feature for chauffeurs running people to and from the airport, so Zeekr will need to fine-tune this system going forward.
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
Name a feature, and the Zeekr 009 probably has it.
Zeekr 009 FWDequipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Colour-coded grille
- Fixed glass roof with power shade (front)
- Fixed panoramic glass roof with power shade (rear)
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automated parking assist
- Digital video recorder with 128GB of memory
- 2+2+3 seating configuration
- Nappa leather and Ultrasuede upholstery
- 12-way power-adjustable front seats
- Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with memory
- Sofaro ‘first-class aviation-type’ second-row seats
- Heating, ventilation, memory and massage functions
- 14-way power left seat with footrest
- 14-way power right seat
- Foldable single tray table with cupholders
- Retractable individual cupholders
- Remote control storage compartment
- Mobile phone open storage area x2
- 60:40 split/fold third row
- ISOFIX anchor points – second- and third-row outboard seats
- Top-tether anchor points for all second- and third-row seats
- Second- and third-row manual sunshades
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 35.95-inch augmented reality head-up display
- 15.05-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 17-inch rear-seat entertainment screen
- 30-speaker 3000W Yamaha surround sound system
- 50W wireless phone charger
- Over-the-air updates
- Virtual assistant
- Digital key
- Sentry Mode
- Child, Pet, Camp, Incognito and Stress Relief modes
- Ambient lighting
- 2x USB-C outlets up front (1x60W, 1x27W)
- 4x USB-C outlets in second row (1x100W, 3x60W)
- 2x 60W USB-C outlets in third row
- Tri-zone climate control
- 8.6L ‘fridge’ (-6°C to +50°C)
- Five years of connected services
- Remote control of certain vehicle functions via smartphone app
Zeekr 009 7-seat AWD adds:
Zeekr 009 6-seat AWD adds or substitutes:
- 2+2+2 seating configuration
- Sofaro ‘first-class aviation-type’ second-row seats
- Foldable/hidden Nappa and chrome tray tables
- Retractable mobile phone storage boxes
- Sliding outer armrest with hidden controls
- Open-type cupholders with ambient lighting
- Legrest heating
- Wider and longer armrests
- Heating, ventilation, memory and massage functions
- 14-way power-adjustable seats
- 50/50 split/folding third-row seats
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the Zeekr 009 safe?
The Zeekr 009 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 7 airbags, including a front-centre airbag and curtain airbags for all three rows
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Lane centring
- Lane-keep assist
- Parking Emergency Brake
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Safe exit warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the Zeekr 009 cost to run?
The Zeekr 009 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty, unless the vehicle is used for commercial purposes. In that case, the vehicle warranty is reduced to three years or 120,000km.
| Servicing and Warranty | Zeekr 009 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 8 years |
| Average annual service cost | $615 |
| Total capped-price service cost | $4920 |
Servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.
Zeekr also offers five-year, unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance, a service that I was able to experience firsthand after suffering a tyre puncture on the way to work.
It took about 45 minutes for a tow truck to arrive and transport my poor people mover to the closest service centre in South Yarra, Melbourne, after which Zeekr sourced a new tyre and called me to pick up the car the next day.
To see how the Zeekr 009 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Zeekr 009
As far as people movers go, the dual-motor Zeekr 009 AWD is a unique and very attractive proposition.
It’s blisteringly quick, comfortable, luxurious, and better value than the high asking price suggests, with a level of standard equipment that’s typically only associated with exotic brands like Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce.
In this sense, the 009 has more to offer than similarly positioned alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz V-Class/EQV and Lexus LM. It also presents a compelling alternative to traditional forms of upmarket family transport such as the Audi Q7, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS, none of which treat passengers to the same level of space or luxury.
Still, the 009 clearly isn’t for everyone. People movers (bar the Kia Carnival) remain relatively unpopular among private buyers, especially compared to similarly sized SUVs, and questions remain over Zeekr’s ability to provide a premium ownership experience in Australia.
For those reasons, the 009 will likely remain a rare sight Down Under. But if you’re in the market for something that’s both spacious and genuinely special, at least treat yourself to a test drive. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
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