Can this luxury van carve out its own niche market?
The Autohub Group just gave the local automotive market a spark of excitement with the official arrival of the Zeekr 009, positioned as a luxury all-electric MPV that promises to shake up the country’s premium vehicle segment. Unveiled last May 20th at The Fifth at Rockwell by Zeekr Philippines under the Autohub Group, this new player targets discerning Filipino buyers looking for futuristic design, high performance, and unmatched cabin comfort, all wrapped in a zero-emission package.
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle arm of China’s Geely Group, held its public debut last April at the Manila International Auto Show at the World Trade Center. It brings more than just a new badge to the Philippine market. The newly-unveiled 009 model isn’t simply an EV, it is an opulent executive lounge on wheels. Available in six- and seven-seater configurations, the MPV features Sofaro first-class airline seats, a 30-speaker Yamaha surround sound system, and OLED displays. Comfort, entertainment, and design are fused seamlessly in a cabin clearly designed for those used to being pampered.
Powering the Zeekr 009 is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering a powerful 777 horsepower and 810 N-m of torque. With a 0–100 km/h sprint time of just 3.9 seconds, it’s considered to be the fastest MPV on Philippine roads, outpacing even many performance sedans. The range anxiety is also unlikely to plague owners, thanks to its 108 kWh battery offering a range of up to 702 kilometers (CLTC) and support for ultra-fast charging up to 560 kW.
The introductory price starts at ₱3,999,000. Its value-driven price point can be compared with traditional luxury staples like the Toyota Alphard, Lexus LM, and Mercedes-Benz V-Class. The Zeekr 009 offers smart features include a 720-degree active safety warning system, Mobileye’s intelligent driving solution, LiDAR-based object detection, and even millimeter-wave radar for in-cabin vital sign monitoring—a feature unheard of in its class. It also introduces an “Intelligent Privacy Sound Shield,” which acoustically isolates rear passengers, a subtle but significant nod to high-end executive mobility.
While Zeekr has a clear value proposition—performance, innovation, and luxury at a compelling price—it faces the daunting challenge of brand recognition. Toyota and Lexus have decades-long reputations and widespread dealership networks that translate into customer trust and robust resale values. Zeekr, despite its global backing by Geely and local support from the Autohub Group, is a newcomer.
However, the Philippine market is evolving. The growing interest in electrification and the appetite for luxury experiences—especially among younger, tech-savvy buyers can play well into Zeekr’s hands. If Autohub can deliver on its promise of strong aftersales service, including an eight-year battery warranty and 24/7 emergency assistance, Zeekr could become a strong contender in this emerging premium EV space.
The Zeekr 009 is a bold, electric statement. By combining jaw-dropping performance, avant-garde tech, and premium comfort, it redefines what Filipino buyers can expect from an electric luxury vehicle. While it remains to be seen whether it can topple long-established names in sales charts, it has certainly changed the conversation. And that, in itself, is a powerful start.
