- Exterior Design and Visual Presence
- Interior and Luxury Experience
- Power and Performance on the Road
- Technology and Innovation
- Pricing and Financial Differences
As the Chengdu Auto Show 2025 kicks off, two luxury SUVs have stolen the spotlight to become the center of attention: the Chinese Zeekr 9X, bringing a bold vision of modern luxury and advanced technology, and the British Rolls Royce Cullinan, which continues to embody timeless elegance and classic prestige.
In the following lines, we explore the similarities and differences between these two icons, with a closer look at what matters most to Gulf drivers seeking comfort, exclusivity, and distinction on the road, balancing the allure of future luxury with the heritage of traditional refinement.
Exterior Design and Visual Presence
The Zeekr 9X enters the luxury SUV arena with a bold and imposing design that radiates authority at first sight:
A tall chrome vertical grille reminiscent of Rolls Royce, framed by sleek horizontal LED headlights and a starry daytime running light strip that creates a dazzling night effect.
Massive dimensions (length 5239 mm, width 2029 mm, height 1819 mm) place it firmly in the full size SUV category, complemented by a floating roof and hidden door handles for enhanced aerodynamics.
Available with huge 22 and 23 inch wheels that emphasize its strong character on the road, along with a sculpted clamshell hood and illuminated 3D emblem that highlight its prestige.
On the other side, the Rolls Royce Cullinan 2025 (Series II) maintains its royal identity while receiving refined updates that amplify its majestic presence:
The iconic Pantheon grille now comes illuminated, ensuring a distinctive glow even at night, paired with new vertical LED light signatures.
A redesigned front bumper with bold V shaped air intakes and a rear bumper featuring gloss black accents with polished exhaust outlets.
A striking new 23 inch forged aluminum wheel design that modernizes its stance without sacrificing its classic Rolls Royce character.
In summary, the Zeekr 9X steps in as a daring modern contender that blends contemporary luxury with hints of traditional inspiration, while the Cullinan continues to project unmatched royal authority on the road.
Interior and Luxury Experience
Zeekr 9X enters the world of interior luxury with a futuristic design that emphasizes comfort and advanced technology:
A spacious cabin accommodating six passengers in a 2+2+2 layout, with independent Captain Chairs in the second row.
Zero gravity function for the second row seats offering full relaxation modes with electric leg rests.
A floating 17.3 inch central display powered by ZEEKR OS 5.0, complemented by an augmented reality head-up display.
A Yamaha surround sound system with 32 speakers creating a cinematic audio atmosphere.
Premium materials including fine wood trims and eco-friendly bio fabrics, enhanced with ambient lighting and smart fragrance systems.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan 2025 represents the pinnacle of classical luxury with meticulous handcrafting:
The finest natural leather upholstery, soft lambswool carpets, and rare wood veneers.
A full width glass dashboard integrating digital displays with the Spirit infotainment system, which can be hidden behind elegant décor when not in use.
Rear seats designed to mimic first class air travel, available with a refrigerated compartment and crystal glasses.
A starlight headliner with thousands of fiber optic lights creating a celestial ambiance, paired with an 18 speaker premium audio system.
Picnic tables integrated into the trunk area, offering a refined outdoor experience for special moments.
Power and Performance on the Road
The Zeekr 9X reveals a supercar like character despite its massive size:
A hybrid setup combining a 2.0 liter turbo engine (275 hp) with three electric motors for a total output of 1381 hp.
Astonishing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h.
Weight exceeding 3.1 tons balanced by an adaptive air suspension that can raise the body up to 288 mm for smooth transitions between highways and desert terrain.
A driving experience designed for GCC drivers who want both sporty performance and off road confidence.
By contrast, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan follows a different philosophy:
A 6.75 liter twin turbo V12 engine producing 563 hp (592 hp in the Black Badge edition).
0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, delivering smooth and refined performance rather than aggressive speed.
Advanced air suspension supported by road scanning cameras to deliver the signature Rolls Royce “magic carpet” ride.
Genuine off road capability, even though most owners prefer to enjoy it as a symbol of urban luxury.
Technology and Innovation
The Zeekr 9X bets on the future with bold and advanced features:
G-Pilot autonomous driving system supported by 5 LiDAR radars and Nvidia Thor processors with up to 1400 TOPS of computing power.
Semi autonomous driving capability at Level 3 for highway conditions.
70 kWh battery with ultra fast charging from 20% to 80% in just 9 minutes.
Pure electric range of up to 380 km and a combined hybrid range exceeding 1000 km.
Comprehensive safety and driver assistance including lane keeping, 360 degree surround view, and AI-powered voice commands.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, on the other hand, focuses on hidden technology that enhances comfort and elegance:
A new full glass dashboard integrating digital displays with the Spirit infotainment system.
Practical innovations such as infrared night vision and adaptive cruise control.
Independent rear screens allowing passengers to view different content or even hold video meetings.
A philosophy of keeping technology discreet, ensuring the cabin remains serene, elegant, and free from visible distractions.
Pricing and Financial Differences
The Zeekr 9X starts at around 479,900 yuan (about 246,420 AED), making it an attractive value proposition considering its advanced technology and high performance.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan 2025 starts at approximately 1.50 million AED (over 410,000 USD) in GCC markets, reinforcing its status as the choice of elites seeking the pinnacle of traditional luxury.
