Zeekr reportedly plans rugged electric off-road SUV to rival Mercedes-Benz G-Class by 2028–2029

• The new model could enter production in 2028–2029, with Zeekr having previously signaled interest in the off-road segment.
• The project is at the supplier-matching stage and has yet to receive formal approval, while its design remains undecided.

Zeekr, the premium brand under Geely Auto (HKEX: 0175), is reportedly planning a rugged off-road SUV to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class as it seeks to expand its luxury vehicle lineup.

Zeekr has approached multiple suppliers to discuss requirements for the boxy SUV, but the project remains at an early stage, local media outlet Auto Time reported on Wednesday.

The model has yet to receive formal project approval or an internal codename, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. Suppliers refer to it as "Zeekr's proposed Mercedes-Benz G-Class rival."

Based on current progress, people familiar with the matter estimate that the vehicle could enter mass production in 2028–2029. That timeframe is not an officially announced launch or production schedule from Zeekr.

The vehicle's design has also yet to be finalized. Zeekr is considering a combination of unibody or semi-unibody construction, independently controlled electric drive systems, air suspension travel and intelligent recovery technology to deliver luxury off-road capability, according to the report.

The move could add an off-road offering alongside Zeekr's existing urban SUVs, MPVs and sedans, competing for high-end buyers with models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BYD's (HKEX: 1211) Yangwang U8.

Zeekr has previously signaled interest in expanding into the segment. In interviews with overseas media in May, Zeekr International vice president Mars Chen said hardcore off-road vehicles were a clear direction, while sporty sedans and even sports cars were also potential avenues.

Zeekr's SUV lineup in China currently comprises the Zeekr 9X, Zeekr 8X, Zeekr 7X and Zeekr X. It also offers the Zeekr 009 MPV and Zeekr MIX van, but has yet to launch a dedicated rugged off-road model.

Its lineup also includes the Zeekr 001 shooting brake, Zeekr 007 sedan and Zeekr 007 GT shooting brake, along with derivatives such as the 001 FR and 009 Grand series.

Zeekr's exploration of new segments comes as its flagship 9X hybrid SUV helps expand the brand's presence at higher price points. On October 21, the company said cumulative Zeekr 9X deliveries had exceeded 85,000 units, with an average transaction price of more than 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 version to meet luxury SUV buyers' differing space needs.

Zeekr delivered 32,483 vehicles in October, up 51.63% year-on-year but down 12.72% from September, ending a streak of 6 consecutive monthly delivery records, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

In the first 10 months of this year, Zeekr delivered 320,887 vehicles, up 94.45% year-on-year.