Can this ultra-luxury Chinese minivan make Euro carmakers up their game?

Not everyone likes the same thing, and in the case of the luxury automotive market in China, that means heritage and handling aren’t guaranteed to win over the wealthy.

Step forward Zeekr, the fledgling all-electric luxe brand from Geely (which also counts Lotus, Polestar and Volvo as part of its group). In its battle for the elite’s earnings, Zeekr’s offering is the 009, a swanky minivan that majors on space, comfort and connected tech.

But why are posh MPVs on the rise in China, when limos and large 4x4s dominate elsewhere? We sent Top Gear's Tom Ford, to find out more…