With the EV landscape in North America largely being a sea of two-row crossovers, it seems that China is having way more fun when it comes to electric vehicles. Ones that float, ones that jump, ones with billionaire doors, and a gold-plated minivan with more grunt than a Ferrari Enzo. This is the Zeekr 009 Grand Collector’s Edition and it’s certifiably bonkers.
Let’s start with the powertrain. A 108 kWh NMC battery pack and two electric motors give the 009 Grand Collector’s Edition a whopping 778 horsepower and a zero-to-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, an absurd figure for a minivan. We’re talking about a vehicle the shape, size, and weight of a postwar cinderblock single-car garage that can keep up with a BMW M2 in a straight line, although it’s likely inadvisable to deploy full thrust, lest you decant whatever’s in the cool box.
Ah yes, despite the whopping 205.4-inch length of the Zeekr 009 Grand Collector’s Edition, it’s only a four-seater, set up like a full executive express. Rear passengers are pampered by 24-way massaging thrones with pillows, wraparound headrests, proper footrests, and an entertainment system that makes the 31.3-inch screen in a BMW 7 Series seem a bit small. It’s a 43-inch 4K display that’s part of a partition wall, sealing off the rear occupants from their hired driver. Add in a 31-speaker Yamaha sound system, and the recipe’s here for one hell of an entourage vehicle.
However, that’s not even the peak of the ridiculousness. For one, all manner of exterior trim including the greenhouse brightwork and the door handles is covered in 24-karat gold. Yes, gold. We haven’t seen gold accents in full force since the ’90s, and it’s about time we brought them back. Real gold on a minivan might not be the most tasteful thing in the world, but it has a certain presence to it that’s hard to ignore.
Then there are the carpets in this particular special edition, which are made entirely of alpaca wool. Not only are alpacas less spiteful than llamas, their fleece is globally renowned for its softness and warmth. It’s also naturally hydrophobic and hypoallergenic, everything you want for carpet in a six-figure minivan.
Oh yeah, the price. Obviously, 778-horsepower luxury machines with enormous rear seat entertainment systems aren’t cheap, but on face value, the Zeekr 009 Grand Collector’s Edition does seem like good value. In China, it costs 899,000 yuan, or about $123,151 at current conversion rates. That’s a bargain compared to a BMW i7 M70 or a Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV.
Is the Zeekr 009 Grand Collector’s Edition a bit ridiculous? Sure, but what do we have that’s this over-the-top? There’s something wonderful about a market for a seriously powerful four-seat electric executive minivan with real gold existing, something that could take over local duties of the upfitted Sprinters preferred by the rich and famous.
Top graphic image: Zeekr
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While it’s not exactly my cup of tea, I do agree we need more variety and, dare I say, more whimsy in EVs. Around here I just see generic CUVs, F150 Lightnings (why do they think that unibrow looks good?!) and the odd Cybertruck with a Canadian flag hanging off the side (????).
The Zeekr 009 is easily the most ostentatious out of all the Chinese EV superMPVs and I kinda love that (there’s several equally ostentatious non-BEV options from the humbl-ish Buick GL8 to the Lexus LM). When it’s blacked out like this, it ends up looking almost like some kinda slammed Ford Transit or something; the normal versions look even more over the top to me. Also note that the most common trim of this is probably the one with 540hp to the front wheels (lol)
Is there a non-“collector’s edition” version of this that does actual minivan stuff?
Yup, it’s available in more normal 6 and 7 seat trims, but evem the base versions of this particular model still feel aimed to be a S-class/Alphard-like executivemobile than a family workhorse.
Quick, someone please let The Donald know this exists. It may be the best way to get the crazy Chinese EV tariffs (and the rest) resolved.
My first thought was – “this is the next presidential limo”
Ugly and useless. Pass.
I really hope in 7 years when it’s time to replace my Odyssey there is a good EV van option. EV power climbing the Sierras would be so nice.
The luxury minivan is just a class of vehicle we don’t get in the States. I recall seeing similar gas thing on my last trip, the Lexus LM.
They basically bridge the role of the traditional limo and large SUV, without the inherent spatial compromises of said SUV. Actually, I’m surprised this kind of Minivan hasn’t appeared here yet.
Lucid Gravity, but not quite
I certainly dig it, appearance-wise anyway.
Though I’m not a huge fan of the luxury chauffeured van concept. I mean, it looks nice but I guess there’s little to no chance I’m being chauffeured anywhere, unless it’s in the back of an ambulance. It’s certainly not for me, or really most anyone.
Aside from the fact that you can’t buy one or legally import one to the USA, if you were to import one, the Trumpiffs (Trump tariffs) alone would be another $152,830.39 on top of the purchase price. That’s almost $276,000 once the tariffs are factored in. Also, assuming that you could legally import it, you’re still on the hook for tax, title and registration in your state. At least you don’t get hit with the gas guzzler tax.
Yikes. And you thought that having to pay $50 for a Temu hoodie was bad.
An EV gold-trimmed minivan from China would shatter ‘merican masculinity like a crystal teacup under a post war cinderblock.
Anyone else think it looks hideous? Good thing you don’t have to see it when you’re in it.