The Zeekr 9X comes fitted with L3-ready capabilities, which allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel but require them to stay ready to intervene.

"We will make advanced intelligent driving a must-have for users in the era of intelligence", Chen Qi, a vice president at Zeekr, said at an event in Hangzhou.

Geely-owned Zeekr will debut the new SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show next month, with deliveries slated for the second half of this year.

The Zeekr 9X will be equipped with a new G-Pilot system, which uses artificial intelligence to avoid obstacles and locate empty parking spots, the company said.

The announcement comes after Tesla last month said it had started offering advanced self-driving functions for its cars in China.

The functions described, including autopilot on city streets, are similar to those the company offers in the United States -- which are meant to be used under driver supervision.

Chinese automaker BYD, a top rival for domestic EV brands, also recently announced that it would introduce advanced self-driving technology for nearly all its cars.

mya/rsc

Geely

BYD COMPANY