Chinese automakers embrace luxury, innovation, and design flair with the Zeekr 9X and MG Cyber X
MG Unleashes Retro-Futurism with the Cyber X
MG took the spotlight at the Shanghai Motor Show with the unveiling of the Cyber X, the latest in its edgy ‘Cyber’ series.
This new model follows the stylish footsteps of the Cyberster sports car, but breaks new ground with an assertive SUV design and retro-inspired pop-up headlights, which disappear when the ignition is turned off.
The Cyber X looks every bit the urban rebel, with sharp lines, a high-riding stance, and a dramatic smoked black finish.
It’s the work of famed designer Jozef Kaban, known for his time at Volkswagen and Bugatti, and marks a shift toward more expressive design language for MG.
Kaban explained that the Cyber X is meant to show the brand’s diverse capability and creative ambition.
Zeekr 9X Enters the Ultra-Luxury SUV Battlefield
Across the show floor, Zeekr debuted the 9X, its first-ever hybrid and a bold new player in the ultra-luxury SUV segment.
Poised as a more accessible alternative to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga, the 9X is expected to start around $70,000 — a fraction of the price of its Western rivals.
Despite the price difference, the 9X doesn’t hold back on opulence.
It boasts a 43-inch rear cinema screen, ultra-comfy reclining seats, and an immersive luxury experience designed to pamper.
Adding a technological edge, the 9X will be the first model to feature Zeekr’s G-Pilot autonomous driving system, offering Level 3 autonomy in compliant markets — meaning hands off the wheel, eyes off the road.
China’s Luxury Shift: From Foreign Flair to Domestic Brilliance
The unveiling of the Cyber X and 9X comes at a time when China’s appetite for premium Western brands is declining.
Recent reports show slowing sales for Porsche and Ferrari, as well as luxury goods like watches and wines.
Younger Chinese buyers are turning toward homegrown innovation, expecting digital-first experiences and fresh design perspectives.
Western automakers are responding in kind, with Audi launching a China-only sub-brand and Mercedes-Benz showcasing futuristic models designed specifically for the Chinese market.
MG and Zeekr Go Global
While both MG and Zeekr are rooted in China, their ambitions stretch far beyond domestic borders.
MG’s Cyberster has already earned international praise, and the Cyber X is expected to follow with a global production version likely.
Meanwhile, Zeekr continues its rapid European expansion, offering high-tech, stylish vehicles that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established luxury names.
Even if the massive 9X doesn’t hit roads worldwide just yet, it sends a clear message: Chinese automakers are no longer playing catch-up — they’re redefining the luxury car game.
Final Thoughts
The Shanghai Motor Show 2025 is more than a showcase of electric mobility — it’s a declaration that Chinese brands like MG and Zeekr are now global contenders in design, luxury, and innovation.
From pop-up headlights to autonomous plush rides, this new wave of vehicles reflects a confident, future-focused Chinese auto industry that’s ready to lead.