Zeekr X: high-end electric SUV with 560km range for just $27,600

13 April 2023

Zeekr X is finally official - the premium electric vehicle has a few surprises up its sleeves. It has some clever solutions, it is underpinned by trusted components and it definitely stands out from the crowd in terms of design. And - at least in China - it comes with a very aggressive price.

Zeekr X is built on the same SEA platform from Geely that underpins vehicles from Polestar, Volvo, and Smart among many more brands. At 4.45 meters in length, and with a wheelbase of 2.75 meters the Zeekr X is almost identical in size to Smart #3. Volvo XC40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y are very similar in size as well with the latter being positioned as the main competitor for the new SUV.

Is Zeekr aiming too high, trying to compete with Tesla? Surprisingly - not at all. While the exterior is brave, if not controversial, it makes the car unique and it’s not too “out there” so it looks futuristic but sensible at the same time. That’s the key to selling a vehicle in big numbers - to appeal to as many people as possible.

Once we jump inside though, it is a completely different world. There is no doubt that Zeekr is trying hard to be a luxury brand - and honestly, it pulls it off. Sumptuous leather seats, and an optional 4-seat layout with the seats reclining to the “zero gravity” position - these are just some of the options found on much bigger and more luxurious vehicles.

The interior is clean and uncluttered, but not empty like in Tesla vehicles. Thanks to a clever choice of colors and curves everywhere, the cabin of the Zeekr X is very welcoming. The dashboard blends into the doors with the top part of it moved further under the windshield creating a nice stepped design. Then there’s the 14.6” central screen that slides automatically from the center to the passenger side - what a neat trick.

Since the Zeekr X rides on the SEA platform, it has the same battery and electric motors we already know from Smart #1 and Smart #3. The 66kWh unit is manufactured by VREMT, which of course is owned by Geely. The battery has a CLTC rating of up to 560km depending on the powertrain.

There are two options the customers can choose from when it comes to power. There is a single-electric motor option with a 200kW (272hp) peak output. This motor powers the rear wheels (just like in the new Volvo XC40) and delivers a 0 to 100km/h sprint in just 5.8 seconds.

If that’s not enough, the dual-motor option with 315kW (428hp) will get from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. If you think that this powertrain sounds familiar, then you’re absolutely right. It’s the same setup we know from Smart #1 Brabus. The penalty for more power is a slightly lower range of 512km - these are CLTC ratings that are overly optimistic, mind.

Zeekr X comes with many clever solutions that we haven’t seen on any production car yet. There’s the thumbprint entry - no need for keys or even a phone. The rear seat cushions flip up making the rear flat floor a perfect place for a dog or simply more stuff. The doggy mode is present as well which will keep your furry friend nice and cozy on the hottest day. The interior lighting comes with different modes and includes the relaxation setup. And of course, the cinema mode which puts the front seats in the “zero G” position and slides the screen to the passenger side - perfect for a quick break while recharging the battery.

It is a lot of a car for surprisingly not that much money. Zeekr X starts at RMB 189,900 ($27,600 or €25,000) for the ME version with a 200kW electric motor. The AWD Zeekr X YOU starts at RMB 209,800 ($30,500/€27,700). The 4-seat version with a single electric motor starts at RMB 209,800 as well and the AWD version costs an extra RMB 40,000 ($2,900).

The top-of-the-range 4-seat AWD Zeekr X with automatic doors, Zero-G seats, and screens embedded in B-pillars for the thumbprint entry system costs RMB 245,800 or $35,700 (€32,400). That’s still €10,000 less than the cheapest Tesla Model Y in Europe.

The question is - will Zeekr keep the aggressive pricing it set for China? Or will it take the advantage of Europeans and hike the price? Well, we don't have to wait long to find out. The car goes on sale in China in June and it is supposed to turn up in Europe shortly after.

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