In late 2023, Zeekr expanded into Europe, introducing two fashions: the 001 giant SUV and the X compact SUV. The Zeekr X, with its smaller measurement and lower cost, is anticipated to be extra interesting within the European market. In March, I had the chance to discover this new electrical compact SUV, and I used to be eager to see the way it measures up towards its well-established international rivals. Listed here are my observations:
Design
The Zeekr X contains a daring entrance finish with sharp ridges on the hood and distinctive LED lights, which embrace geometric shapes extra aggressive than these on the Zeekr 001. The decrease a part of the entrance contains a big rectangular part that integrates the grille and bumper. This space homes the electrical automobile’s air intakes, LED headlights, flip indicators, and a front-facing digicam, all set towards a panel that matches the physique colour. Personally, I don’t discover the bug-eyed face that interesting.
Seen in profile, the Zeekr X’s design appears acquainted however nonetheless urbane with some modern touches. As an illustration, there’s a pointy kick within the belt line from the center of the rear door. Close to the identical level the place it stops rising, the roofline begins falling steeply. This jogs my memory of the Volvo EX40, particularly when seen from the rear three-quarter angle. The peculiar wheel arch trim and the sharp extension of the back lights onto the shoulder space additional emphasize the distinctive styling of the Zeekr X on the edges.
This specific Zeekr X mannequin options flush-fitted door handles much like the European-spec model. In distinction, the variations offered in China include small round buttons on the B and C pillars. I discover the flush handles not solely extra handy but in addition safer for accessing the cabin.
The SUV sports activities a placing dual-tone colour scheme with a black roof, enhancing its visible affect. Gloss black accents adorn the skin rearview mirror (ORVM) housings, wheel arches, modern LED taillights, and rear bumper. The automobile boasts a frameless door and mirror design, which boosts its modern, trendy look.
On the again, the Zeekr X has a comparatively small rear windscreen and wiper, however the sloping roofline and compact spoiler give it an elegant look. The tailgate options gloss black trim with backlit ‘Zeekr’ branding, including a contact of favor. Finishing the rear design are vertical LED strips within the bumper and a trendy diffuser on the backside.
Inside
The Zeekr X contains a clear and minimalist inside, and whereas I feel it appears upmarket and barely futuristic, structure doesn’t strike me as distinctive. Smooth dashboard with hidden AC vents and few or no bodily controls, floating screens, and a compact steering wheel have develop into the textbook recipe for EV interiors, and the Zeekr X simply performs together with the development. That mentioned, the onus is upon greater and costlier fashions to innovate.
Contemplating the Zeekr X’s value and section, it has a surprisingly premium inside. Once I sat in it on the 2024 Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present, I favored the eye to element with the indentations on the higher dashboard, door panels, and central armrest, the music equalizer-like ambient perforations within the door panels, the stylish digital door unlock buttons, and copper accents.
I discovered the middle console’s design was additionally fairly fascinating, because it had a floating armrest with a wi-fi charging pad on the highest and a lined storage field that includes a fold-out cupholder on the backside.
Zeekr equips the X with options like an 8.8-inch driver data show, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AR-HUD with a 24.3-inch projection space, a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system, and so forth. My solely gripe with this inside is that nearly each management relies on the touchscreen infotainment system.
I’d’ve discovered sure capabilities extra handy to entry if there have been easy buttons, switches, or knobs. I additionally seen that the switches on the door panels didn’t have any markings, one thing studying drivers might discover complicated.
Additionally See: First Look Evaluate: The Zeekr 009 minivan makes an attempt to do all of it!
Specs
Primarily based on the SEA devoted EV platform, the Zeekr X measures 4,432 mm (174.5 in.) in size, 1,836 mm (72.2 in.) in width, and 1,566 mm (61.7 in.) in top. It has a wheelbase of two,750 mm (108.2 in.). It’s out there in Europe in a 200 kW (268 hp) single-motor RWD and 315 kW (422 hp) dual-motor AWD variants. A 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash takes 5.6 seconds within the former and three.8 seconds within the latter, however the prime pace is identical: 180 km/h (112 mph). Each configurations permit towing as much as 1,600 kg or 3,527 lbs.
The Zeekr X has a 66 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery again, which operates at 400 volts. Charging it from 0 to 100% SoC utilizing an AC charger takes as little as 4 hours. With a DC charger, charging from 10 to 80% SoC takes 28.75 minutes. On a full cost, the 66 kWh battery pack offers the Zeekr X a WLTP vary of 445 km (277 miles) within the single-motor RWD variant and 425 km (264 miles) within the dual-motor AWD variant.
Value
In Sweden, the Zeekr X is retailed at SEK 529,000 (USD 48,580) for the single-motor RWD variant and SEK 579,000 (USD 53,172) for the dual-motor AWD variant.
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I received my Grasp’s in Enterprise Administration & Administration and have been an Worldwide Automotive Information Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to international motor exhibits and automotive occasions, pushed varied varieties of automobiles, and targeted on hybrid and electrical vehicles within the final 4 years.
