Zeekr planning electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class rival – report

Zeekr might soon add an off-road-capable car – or at least a model that looks ready to head off the beaten track – to its growing lineup, with the company reportedly prepping a rival for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

According to Future Car Daily (via Car News China), Zeekr is seriously considering an off-road-focussed model.

The publication claims the vehicle is in the feasibility assessment stage, with the automaker matching technical requirements with potential suppliers. Although the car has yet to be given internal approval or a development code, it could apparently be unveiled as soon as 2028 or 2029.

While the G-Class has a body-on-frame design, Zeekr is planning to go down the same route as Land Rover with Defender, and base the SUV on a monocoque architecture. It's unknown at this stage whether the G-Class rival would use an existing platform from the Geely stable, or whether Zeekr will come up with something new or heavily modified.

The Chinese publication believes the SUV will have a motor for each wheel, allowing for electric torque distribution and obviating the need for items like locking differentials and transfer cases.

Given the brand's positioning, it's likely the new SUV will have a significant number of kiloWatts to its name. It also seems likely the vehicle will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, saving the company from building out charging infrastructure near popular off-road tracks, like Rivian has done with its Adventure Network in the US.

It's possible this unnamed SUV might use the 900V electrical architecture from the plug-in hybrid 8X and 9X SUVs.

In base spec, the 8X and 9X come with a 660kW dual-motor layout paired to a 55kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, while top-shelf versions utilise a tri-motor system boasting a total output of 1030kW and a larger 70kWh battery.

All 8X and 9X models have a 205kW/410Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet. Currently there's no four-motor setup available in the 8X or 9X.

If the G-Class rival is given the go-ahead, it won't be the first four-motor model in Zeekr's range. That honour belongs to the all-electric, track-focussed 930kW 001 FR fastback.

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