Nigeria’s luxury automobile market took a decisive step into the electric mobility era recently as BBA Motors unveiled the Zeekr 9X in Lagos, marking the model’s first appearance in Africa.
A statement from the firm stated that the launch, held at the company’s newly opened flagship showroom, also featured the delivery of the first unit in Nigeria to music star D’banj, signalling the formal entry of the premium electric SUV into the country’s growing high-end automotive segment.
The event attracted business leaders, executives from the financial and leasing sectors, ride-hailing partners and other industry stakeholders, including renowned economist Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka.
BBA Motors said the unveiling reflects Nigeria’s growing relevance as a strategic gateway for advanced electric vehicles in West Africa while strengthening automotive trade links between Africa and Asia.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BBA Motors, Rebecca Jia, described the launch as a major milestone in the company’s expansion drive in Nigeria.
She said the firm’s mission was to introduce world-class Chinese automotive technology to the Nigerian market while providing services tailored to local needs.
“The debut and first delivery of the Zeekr 9X represents our entry into the high-end new-energy vehicle segment in Nigeria,” Jia said. “We are committed to bringing advanced automotive technology and thoughtful localised services to Nigerian customers.”
She added that the company intends to offer a wide range of mobility solutions, from commuter vehicles to luxury models, while also supporting corporate fleet procurement, leasing and maintenance services for businesses and ride-hailing platforms.
The Zeekr brand is the premium electric vehicle arm of China’s Geely Holding Group, known globally for its advancements in battery technology and intelligent driving systems.
At the unveiling in Lagos, product specialists said the Zeekr 9X had been optimised for African operating conditions, including rough road terrain and high temperatures.
The all-electric SUV is equipped with a high-capacity ternary lithium battery capable of delivering up to 560 kilometres of pure electric driving range and about 1,250 kilometres combined range. Its ultra-fast charging technology enables the battery to charge from 30 to 80 per cent in about 28 minutes.
Engineers also fitted the vehicle with a dual-motor intelligent all-wheel-drive system producing 310 kilowatts of power and 680 Newton metres of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just over four seconds.
To cope with varying road conditions, the SUV features reinforced chassis architecture and a ground clearance of 185 millimetres designed for both city driving and rougher terrain.
Inside, the Zeekr 9X offers a luxury cabin equipped with Nappa leather aviation-style seats, panoramic digital displays and a multi-screen intelligent cockpit powered by an AI-driven voice interaction system.
The vehicle also comes with advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring, automatic parking assist, blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree panoramic imaging.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the first Zeekr 9X key in Nigeria to D’banj, who said the vehicle’s advanced technology and the company’s local support services influenced his decision.
Industry observers believe the launch could signal the gradual expansion of premium electric vehicles in Nigeria as interest in sustainable mobility grows alongside the country’s high-end automobile market.
BBA Motors said its Lagos showroom would serve as a hub for vehicle sales, after-sales service, fleet solutions and ride-hailing partnerships as the company plans to introduce more electric and hybrid models tailored to African markets.
