- Zeekr is developing a boxy, rugged SUV to challenge Mercedes‑Benz’s G‑Class, pursuing premium off‑road demand as growth within its current segments slows and competition intensifies.
- Zeekr projects mass production in 2028–2029, plans unibody or semi‑load‑bearing structure with independent electric drive, long‑travel air suspension and intelligent off‑road recovery systems.
- Targets Yangwang, Great Wall and Stelato in premium rugged SUV space, but faces execution risks from supplier matching, formal internal approval, design finalization and a multiyear production timeline.
Zeekr is reportedly developing a boxy, rugged SUV and has begun discussing specifications with multiple suppliers, according to Chinese media reports. The project has yet to receive an internal code name. Suppliers have informally referred to it as Zeekr’s proposed rival to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
A person familiar with the matter said the project remains at the supplier-matching stage and has not yet received formal approval. Based on the current timeline, mass production is expected to begin in 2028 or 2029.
Another source said the vehicle’s design has not been finalized. The proposed approach to challenging the G-Class combines a unibody or semi-load-bearing structure with independently controlled electric drive, long-travel air suspension and intelligent off-road recovery systems.
The goal is to deliver premium off-road capability through an approach that differs from traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
The concept bears some similarities to the Yangwang U8, which uses electric drive technology and an intelligent chassis to deliver high-end off-road performance.
Zeekr has previously signaled interest in entering the rugged SUV segment.
In May 2026, Zeekr International Vice President Chen Yu told overseas media that off-road SUVs were among the product categories the brand was actively considering. Performance sedans and even sports cars were also under consideration.
Zeekr’s current lineup focuses primarily on premium SUVs and MPVs.
Its flagship SUV, the Zeekr 9X, has recorded more than 85K deliveries in the year since launch, with an average transaction price of around RMB 530K ($79.3K). The Zeekr 8X targets the RMB 350K-500K ($52.4K-$74.8K) segment, competing with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Porsche Cayenne. The Zeekr 009, meanwhile, occupies the premium executive MPV segment.
Zeekr delivered 32K vehicles in October, up 51.6% year over year (YoY). Deliveries for the first 10 months reached 320,800 units, up 94.4% YoY. The company has already exceeded its full-year target of 300K vehicles ahead of schedule.
Despite its rapid growth, Zeekr is looking for additional sources of demand. As China’s luxury vehicle market shifts toward competition for existing customers, opportunities for growth within a single vehicle category are becoming more limited. Premium rugged SUVs have emerged as another segment Chinese automakers are targeting.
BYD’s Yangwang brand has entered the million-yuan off-road segment with the U8, which relies on its e⁴ Platform and DiSus intelligent body control system. Stelato has introduced a rugged SUV to extend the Huawei HIMA lineup into outdoor-oriented driving scenarios.
Great Wall Motor’s WEY brand is also preparing to launch the second-generation Lanshan, targeting the premium boxy SUV market.
A G-Class rival could therefore help Zeekr broaden its premium lineup. By drawing on its existing chassis, electric drive and intelligent suspension technologies, the company could combine a unibody or semi-load-bearing structure with advanced off-road recovery functions, offering an alternative to conventional rugged SUVs.
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