Zeekr's G-Class rival could reach production in 2028-29

Zeekr's proposed rugged off-road SUV could enter mass production in 2028-2029, according to people familiar with the project cited by the Chinese outlet Auto Time on Wednesday. That timeframe is an estimate from supply-chain sources, not an officially announced schedule from the premium Geely brand, and the project has yet to receive formal approval or even an internal codename.

Suppliers involved in early discussions refer to the vehicle as "Zeekr's proposed Mercedes-Benz G-Class rival," the report said. Zeekr has approached multiple suppliers to discuss requirements for a boxy SUV, which would compete for high-end buyers against the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BYD's Yangwang U8.

What is confirmed and what is not

The distinction matters. Zeekr has confirmed nothing about the model publicly. The project sits at the supplier-matching stage (the phase where an OEM and vendors align on parts requirements before program approval), and the design remains undecided.

According to the report, Zeekr is weighing several technical directions: unibody or semi-unibody construction, independently controlled electric drive systems, air suspension travel, and intelligent recovery technology. None of these specifications is final.

Why the segment fits Zeekr's trajectory

The off-road plan would extend a lineup that currently covers urban SUVs (9X, 8X, 7X and X), MPVs (009, MIX), sedans (007), shooting brakes (001, 007 GT) and derivatives such as the 001 FR and 009 Grand series. Zeekr has never offered a dedicated rugged off-road model.

The brand has signaled the direction before. In interviews with overseas media in May, Zeekr International vice president Mars Chen said hardcore off-road vehicles were a clear direction, with sporty sedans and even sports cars as further potential avenues.

The commercial logic shows in the numbers. On October 21, Zeekr said cumulative deliveries of its flagship 9X hybrid SUV had exceeded 85,000 units at an average transaction price above 530,000 yuan ($78,890). Zeekr launched a 5-seat version of the 9X on July 28, expanding the range beyond the original 6-seat variant to serve differing space needs among luxury SUV buyers. An off-road flagship would push the brand further upmarket still.

The delivery backdrop

Zeekr delivered 32,483 vehicles in October, up 51.63 percent year-on-year but down 12.72 percent from September, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. That ended a streak of six consecutive monthly delivery records.

For the first ten months of the year, deliveries reached 320,887 vehicles, up 94.45 percent year-on-year. The exchange rate referenced in the source report is $1 = 6.7180 yuan.

What to watch next

The decisive milestone is formal program approval and the assignment of an internal codename, which would move the project from supplier discussions to committed development. Watch also for any official Zeekr statement confirming the 2028-2029 production window, and for supplier contract announcements tied to air suspension and independent drive components.