An industrial-looking, square-shaped Chinese 4×4, cloaked in technology, that could challenge the Mercedes-Benz G-Class myth? That’s the idea being explored at Zeekr, Geely’s premium brand, according to several Chinese and European outlets. The automaker would be working on a large luxury SUV, either fully electric or a plug‑in hybrid. A model designed for off‑road capability as much as for brand image. But at this stage, it remains a gestation project, without industrial validation and without a fixed design.
Early estimates point to possible series production between 2028 and 2029, i.e., at the very end of the decade. Zeekr has not confirmed anything officially. The brand had already shown interest in hardcore 4x4s and image‑driven models. This future Zeekr 4×4 would be conceived as a direct rival to the Mercedes G‑Class or the BYD Yangwang U8. It would cap a lineup already rich with luxury SUVs and sedans. The question is what we really know about this project, and how far Zeekr is willing to go to shake up European icons.
A Zeekr Luxury 4×4 to Take on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class
And yet, behind the closed doors of the design offices, things are moving. According to the Chinese outlet Auto Time, cited by several specialized sites, Zeekr has begun consulting suppliers. The objective is a large square‑lined off‑roader. The project is in the so‑called “supplier matching” stage. The brand outlines its technical needs and suppliers propose solutions; nothing is final yet. No formal approval has been given, and no internal code name has leaked.
For now, this Zeekr 4×4 remains a dossier for engineers rather than a finalized upcoming model. Industrial sources cited in China push for a serial production entry between 2028 and 2029. Zeekr has not confirmed this window. It’s a possible timeframe, not an official launch schedule. China would logically be the first market targeted. European arrival, and especially France, remains a hypothesis. The brand already sells several models in Europe, including the 9X, announced in France at about €119,500.
Architecture and Technology: Zeekr Bucks the G‑Class Trend
Technically, early leaks describe a large SUV built on a unibody or semi‑unibody architecture. It would not rely on a traditional ladder frame. That choice stands in contrast to the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class, which sticks to an established, traditional chassis. A configuration already seen in the latest Land Rover Defender. Such an architecture makes it easier to integrate a large floor‑mounted battery, boosts overall rigidity and interior space, and can still be credible off‑road if the suspension keeps up. Zeekr would study a high‑travel air suspension, electronically controlled. It would be paired with individually driven electric motors. An “intelligent recovery” function would also help the vehicle free itself if it bogs down in sand or gets stuck.
Several European outlets are already speculating about an impressive spec sheet, extrapolating from the brand’s current lineup. Some talk about a Zeekr off‑roader equipped with four electric motors and a power approaching 900 hp. They base their predictions on the 900‑V platform of the Zeekr 9X SUV and on the quad‑motor tech of the 001 FR. The exact drivetrain configuration isn’t settled yet. Fully electric, plug‑in hybrid, or range‑extender solutions are all being explored. What is certain is that this 4×4 would aim higher than the 9X. The latter is already offered in China at a price well north of 530,000 yuan. That translates to roughly $78,900 and about €73,000. Zeekr has announced more than 85,000 units of the 9X delivered. The brand has moved 320,887 vehicles in the first ten months of the year, signaling accelerated momentum in the upscale segment.
