The Zeekr X is a compact electric vehicle that aims to stand out in the premium segment with its unique design, spacious interior, and advanced technology. This blog post delves into its features, performance, and overall value proposition for potential buyers.
The Zeekr X is the latest offering from Geely, positioned as a compact car in the C-segment and also in the premium segment. But how premium is it really? In this post, we will explore the design, features, and performance of the Zeekr X to determine its standing in the competitive electric vehicle market.
The design of the Zeekr X is quite distinctive. Unlike many other Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers whose designs often resemble each other, the Zeekr X stands out with a unique aesthetic. However, it does carry some design cues from Lynk & Co, a brand from which Zeekr split off.
At the front, the Zeekr X has a bold look that may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly makes a statement. The side of the vehicle features a small screen on the B-pillar that displays charging information, which is a fun nod to Tesla's pet mode, allowing pet owners to keep an eye on their furry friends while parked.
The rear design is equally striking, and the vehicle opens its trunk with a simple button press, revealing 362 liters of cargo space. While this is decent, it may not be considered ample compared to competitors. Additionally, the Zeekr X does have a front trunk (frunk), but it only offers 21 liters of space, which is relatively small.
Stepping into the rear of the Zeekr X, the space is surprisingly comfortable. There is ample headroom, and the seats are slightly reclined for a relaxed seating position. However, the high floor due to the battery placement may be a concern for some.
The interior is bright and airy, thanks to a panoramic roof and light color scheme. The materials used are vegan leather, which raises questions about durability over time. The rear also features USB-C and USB-A ports, adding to the convenience.
In the front cabin, the Zeekr X showcases a premium feel with a chic blue and beige color scheme. The vehicle comes equipped with a variety of features, including heated seats and a massage function in the higher-end models. The digital instrument panel is mounted on the steering column, ensuring visibility regardless of steering position.
However, the lack of physical buttons can be a drawback, as many functions are controlled via a central touchscreen, which can be distracting while driving. The vehicle also includes advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.
The Zeekr X is available in two variants: a rear-wheel drive long-range version and a four-wheel drive version. The rear-wheel drive model starts at approximately €44,950, making it eligible for EV subsidies, while the four-wheel drive version costs around €50,000.
The rear-wheel drive variant boasts 272 horsepower, while the four-wheel drive version offers a robust 428 horsepower. Both models are equipped with a 66 kWh battery, providing a range of approximately 445 km for the rear-wheel drive and slightly less for the four-wheel drive variant.
On the road, the Zeekr X performs well, with quick acceleration and a comfortable ride. The suspension is well-tuned to handle road imperfections, and the steering provides a decent level of feedback. However, visibility can be an issue due to the large C-pillars, creating a significant blind spot.
The Zeekr X includes a range of technological features, including an augmented reality heads-up display. However, the effectiveness of this feature may not meet expectations, as it does not project navigation arrows directly onto the road.
The vehicle also comes with a premium sound system featuring 13 Yamaha speakers, enhancing the overall driving experience. Unfortunately, some features available in the Chinese market, such as a movable touchscreen and additional luxury amenities, are not included in the European version.
The Zeekr X positions itself as a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market, particularly against models like the Volkswagen ID.3. With its unique design, spacious interior, and advanced technology, it appeals to a diverse audience, including tech-savvy individuals and those nearing retirement.
Zeekr aims to attract traditional car buyers by offering a comprehensive warranty of five years or 100,000 km, extendable to ten years and 200,000 km with proper maintenance. The battery warranty is even more impressive, lasting eight years or 200,000 km.
As Zeekr continues to establish its presence in the market, it will be interesting to see if it can convince consumers to embrace this relatively unknown brand in the premium electric vehicle segment.
