Geely's Zeekr launches record-breaking MPV

Geely's premium electric marque Zeekr launched its first multipurpose vehicle on Tuesday, marking its foray into the niche but promising segment in China.

The model, called 009, aims to "feature the spaciousness of MPVs, the power of SUVs and the handling of sports cars", said the carmaker.

The six-seat vehicle measures 5,209 mm in length, with its wheelbase reaching 3,205 mm. That offers a space of 7.4 square meters for drivers and passengers.

It is the world's first model to sport CATL's CTP 3.0 batteries. Available in two variants, the driving ranges are 700 km and 822 km respectively, the longest of electric MPVs in the world.

The four-wheel-drive, dual-electric motor model has a peak output of 400 kW. It can accelerate from zero to 100km/hour in 4.5 seconds, the fastest among gasoline and electric MPVs.

Statistics from the China Passenger Car Association show that 688,000 MPVs were sold in the first three quarters, down 15.1 percent year-on-year.

The relatively small volume was the result of fewer choices, as most of the available models were primarily designed for business use and lack cutting-edge technology and comfort features often seen in sedans or SUVs, said analysts.

They expect new electric models such as the 009 to bring about changes to the segment in the Chinese vehicle market.