When it comes to luxury driving, the Maybach name is among the crème de la crème. However, one TikToker compared the features offered by Chinese-based automaker Zeekr to see if it can be mentioned in the same name as the longtime opulent Mercedes-Benz sub-brand. Forrest Jones (@forrestsautoreviews) posted a clip putting offerings from the two brands head to head, along with the respective price tags that they carry.
Jones begins his video standing in front of a Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS and a Zeekr 009. He asks his viewers at the top of his video and in its caption if folks would prefer a luxury vehicle manufactured by the iconic German brand or the Chinese newcomer.
He starts with a comparison of the Maybach and Zeeker engines: “Gas powered 550 horsepower, electric powered 536 horsepower.” He then shows off the vehicles’ air suspensions and compares the Maybach’s launch control functionality against the Zeekr’s fast acceleration, which is a trademark of electric vehicles.
Next, he shows off the soft-closing doors of both cars, highlighting that because the Zeekr is a minivan, it sports sliding rear doors, versus the Benz’s hinged doors. Inside the Maybach, Jones points to its expansive panoramic moonroof, adjustable headrests and supple-looking leather seats that come with heat, ventilation and massage features. Additionally, it has heated and cooled cupholders, along with a lumbar pillow, champagne holders, a wireless charging slab and a built-in cooler in the armrest.
The ride also sports a pop-out tablet passengers can utilize to engage with all of the car’s features, as well as a capacious storage bin and fully reclining seats, including a footrest.
The Zeekr also gives folks sitting in the back seat a large moonroof, along with speakers in their headrests. Heated, ventilated, massaging leather seats also come packed in the Zeekr’s offering, and they can also recline. There’s a digital clock embedded into the doorjamb for passengers that features air conditioning controls.
Like in airplane seats, the Zeekr’s back-row armrest has a collapsible table that can pop out, along with a remote control for a TV set that is situated in the middle of the car’s roof, right behind the front driver side seating area.
The Zeekr minivan also sports a third row with reclining capabilities, including oscillating vents so those riding in the back can stay comfortable.
Drivers up top in the Maybach get many of the same amenities afforded to those seated in the back. Wood accents are used to decorate the dash, which features a large Android Auto/Apple CarPlay infotainment system. Additionally, it’s outfitted with ambient lighting, so folks can set the mood while they’re cruising around.
The Zeekr also sports many of the same features upfront, minus the wood trim. Further rounding out the luxurious cabin for both cars are scent pods that drivers can swap out, which filter select aromas throughout their interiors.
Reviews And Price
At the end of his clip, Jones posted the MSRPs of both vehicles, and the difference is massive. The Maybach GLS’s asking price is a whopping $178,000, while the Zeekr comes in a full $100k less at $78,000. According to China Crunch, depending on the trim level selected for the 009, the cost of the vehicle ranges from $71,200 to $84,000.
However, although reports indicate that Zeekr sales have flourished worldwide, the cost of bringing one to the United States may make purchasing one a tall order for many Americans due to tariffs on Chinese products. Carbon Credits writes that a 100% tariff on Chinese-imported EVs would effectively double the cost of getting Zeekr’s offerings stateside. This, coupled with the difficulty of finding a Zeekr dealer to work on a vehicle in the event that anything goes wrong, could dissuade many U.S. buyers from getting their hands on one.
Motor Trend writes that the technology Zeeker showed off at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show “could make Western carmakers nervous.” And while there aren’t any Zeekr dealerships in the United States, in January InsideEVs reported that the brand planned on opening an office in Arizona.
Furthermore, Google’s self-driving taxi service, Waymo, is reportedly partnering with Zeekr to create robotaxi fleets. If the deal goes through, this could help Zeekr permeate the U.S. market.
Reviews of the Zeekr 009 seem to be generally positive. AutoApp Singapore praised the car’s handling and luxurious features. At least two YouTube videos have said the luxury offered with the 009 could be comparable to legacy automotive brand Rolls-Royce. InsideEVs has also written about Zeekr’s attempts to court luxury car buyers with a special edition 009 that comes outfitted with gold plating.
InsideEVs has reached out to Jones via TikTok comment and Mercedes-Benz and Zeekr via email.
