A Zeekr 9X SUV was involved in a collision with a telephone pole in China while operating in assisted driving mode. The incident, which was featured on Chinese state media, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the vehicle’s advanced LiDAR-based safety systems.
Incident Overview
Chinese state media program “The First Help Team” reported on a Zeekr 9X owner’s complaint after his full-size new-energy SUV crashed into a telephone pole while using its assisted driving system. The owner had recently purchased the 9X for $79,244 (~AUD 114,074) and was utilizing its advanced driver assistance features at the time of the incident. Although there were no injuries, the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage.
LiDAR and Assisted Driving Capabilities
The Zeekr 9X is equipped with five LiDAR units, which the manufacturer claims provide advanced 360-degree detection and safety. According to Zeekr, these sensors are capable of “detecting any 0.75 m object within 300 m.” The SUV features the ‘Qianli’ (G-Pilot) assisted driving system, which was demonstrated to stop the vehicle safely when obstacles are detected.
Despite these claims, Zeekr’s after-sales staff told journalists that the telephone pole’s round cross-section could scatter the LiDAR’s pulsed laser beams, potentially affecting object detection. When questioned about the system’s detection capabilities, Zeekr staff did not provide further comment.
Consumer Complaints and System Limitations
Consumer complaints about the Zeekr 9X’s assisted-driving system have been documented on the 12365auto platform. One report described the SUV failing to detect other vehicles during lane changes in NZP (Navigation Zeekr Pilot) mode, resulting in near-collisions. Another complaint stated that during a diagnostic test drive, the 9X came into contact with a plastic container without any warning from the safety system.
A separate complaint indicated that the vehicle’s safety systems switch off during acceleration, which led to an incident involving an e-bike. Zeekr responded that this was expected system behaviour.
Sales Performance and Model Updates
Zeekr has begun pre-sales of a five-seater variant of the 9X. The SUV is priced between $68,497 (~AUD 98,603) and $88,197 (~AUD 126,963) in China. According to China EV DataTracker, Zeekr delivered 9,058 units of the 9X domestically in May 2026.
Why this matters
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in the development and real-world performance of advanced driver assistance systems, even in vehicles equipped with multiple LiDAR sensors. The case has drawn attention to the limitations of current detection technologies and the importance of clear communication about system capabilities and limitations.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering the Zeekr 9X or similar vehicles should be aware that advanced driver assistance features may have limitations, especially in detecting certain objects or under specific conditions. It is important to remain attentive and understand the operational boundaries of these systems, even in vehicles marketed with high-tech safety features.
Key Specs
- Retail Price (China): $68,497 (~AUD 98,603) to $88,197 (~AUD 126,963)
- LiDAR Units: 5
- Detection Capability: Detects objects >0.75 m within 300 m
- Assisted Driving System: Qianli (G-Pilot)
- May 2026 Deliveries: 9,058 units (China)
Source
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, motorwatt.com
