Geely has trademarked a trio of new model names with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) pointing to an expansion of models under its Zeekr sub-brand. The simple alphanumeric names are 9S, 8X, and 9X, all filed under Nice Classification 12 for motor vehicles, specifically electric vehicles.
Geely, or Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd, as it’s formally registered has a plethora of sub-brands beneath it: Geely Auto, Gelly Galaxy, Geely Geometry, Lynk & Co, Proton, and Zeekr. The Chinese firm also has stakes in Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus.
However, we’re able to identify which brand these new names will be applicable to based on a recent August 30 announcement of a new Zeekr model, the Zeekr 7X. This is the only model within Geely’s broader umbrella to use the number ahead of the letter.
Deciphering Model Segments From A Two-Character Name
Fortunately for us, alphanumeric names tend to follow strict logic when it comes to how they are assigned, with the numeral representing the size of a vehicle and the letter representing a body style; at least that’s how Geely typically operates in the Chinese market.
In the case of the Zeekr 7X, the X indicates a crossover body style, and based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) – shared with the Smart #5 electric crossover – we know the 7 falls into the compact vehicle category.
With that as a baseline, we can infer that the Zeekr 8X and 9X will be larger SUVs, with the latter likely to be a three-row large luxury SUV while the former sticks to two rows of seating and occupies the midsize segment.
As for the 9S, this will sit at the larger end of the spectrum, with S expected to represent a sedan body style.
Plenty Of Powertrain Options Available
Depending on which version of the SEA platform these models use, Geely has a vast range of powertrains at its disposal. All three are likely to be electric, but with SEA-based models including the Lotus Eletre and Emeya at the upper end of the spectrum, as much as 905 horsepower/675 kW could be deployed through a dual-motor powertrain.
Instead, Zeekr could go all-out and leverage the Zeekr 001’s powertrain options, which range from a mild 268 hp/200 kW single-motor RWD version to a fiery 1,248 hp/930 kW in the Kimi Raikkonen-developed 001 FR.
With the 7X launching in China in mid-September, 2024, these new models are likely to follow in early 2025.
