Toyota Alphard, brace yourself: Zeekr brings its electric flagship MPV to the right-hand drive world

© A. Krivonosov / SPEEDME

Zeekr used the Hong Kong auto show not just to display models but to launch the global strategy for its 9-series. The headline news — the right-hand drive Zeekr 009 Grand will reach the Hong Kong market in the fourth quarter of 2026.

This is a major step for the brand. Zeekr has already surpassed 800,000 cumulative deliveries, and the electric 009 minivan has sold nearly 70,000 units. The model has led China’s MPV segment above 400,000 yuan for two consecutive years and has become the best-selling luxury electric minivan in Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia.

The right-hand drive 009 Grand matters to Zeekr beyond Hong Kong itself. The city works as a showcase for markets where Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, Lexus LM and expensive corporate minivans dominate. In those countries buyers are already used to paying for second-row silence, status and service, but now Chinese brands are adding an electric platform, rapid acceleration, large displays and advanced driver assistance.

The decisive argument will not be power. In a premium MPV what matters is rear-seat comfort, ride quality, seats, sound insulation, reliability and residual value. Toyota and Lexus have a vast reserve of trust here. Zeekr counters with technology and value, but in export markets it will have to prove that Chinese luxury is not only a flashy presentation but also decent service several years into ownership.

Hong Kong is a convenient testing ground for Zeekr: right-hand drive, an affluent audience, short distances and a high concentration of expensive cars. If the 009 Grand works there, the road to other right-hand drive regions becomes easier.

Zeekr is not simply moving the steering wheel to the right. It is testing whether the global premium market is ready to accept a Chinese MPV as an alternative to Japanese luxury.