The Zeekr 7X, a pioneering effort in the world of electric vehicles, marks the brand’s inaugural foray into the burgeoning mid-sized electrical SUV segment. The vehicle is engineered to rival industry leaders like the Tesla Model Y, setting itself apart through its unique design, diverse powertrain offerings, and premium features. By October 7, the 7X had secured an impressive 20,000 agency orders in China, a feat achieved in just 18 days – remarkably swift considering agency orders typically carry no refund option. Our review takes a closer look at the top-of-the-line Zeekr 7X LR 4WD automobile.
The Zeekr 7X features a modern exterior design that stands out distinctly from its predecessor, the Zeekr 007. The entrance’s minimalist bar design allows for customizable lighting patterns, a feature particularly emphasized. As you approach an electric vehicle, its distinctive closed-off grille seamlessly integrates with sleek, LED headlights that flow smoothly into the fenders, creating a visually appealing and harmonious design. The sloping roofline creates a sleek, coupe-inspired profile that culminates in a dramatic rearward sweep, while substantial wheel arches and high-performance alloy wheels inject a dash of sporty flair.
The extra options feature a seamlessly integrated built-in spoiler and precision-crafted tailgate angles, further accentuating the vehicle’s athletic persona. The design features a minimalist approach to badging and trim, resulting in a clean and uncluttered visual identity. The electrical SUV’s dimensions are specified as 4825mm in length, 1930mm in width, and 1656mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2925mm.
The cabin exudes a sense of understated luxury without sacrificing refinement in favour of excess. The design exhibits a thoughtful approach, featuring intuitive controls such as dedicated buttons for convenient features like opening the trunk or toggling between internal and external airflow modes. The seats feature robust upholstery materials that seamlessly blend comfort and durability.
The Zeekr’s infotainment display truly shines with its simplicity and intuitive design, providing an enjoyable in-car experience. While no longer capable of swiveling like earlier designs, the device remains securely fixed at a optimal viewing angle. The display’s user-friendly performance is skillfully complemented by tactile physical buttons, thereby preventing the driver from being overwhelmed by an overabundance of touch-based interaction.
An ambient lighting system elevates the ambiance inside an automobile, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere without compromising driver attention. The multi-layered lighting components create an additional layer of visual depth, enhancing the automobile’s allure during nighttime driving.
The Zeekr 7X features a trio of driving modes – Comfort, Normal, and Sport – each tailored to accommodate distinct driving styles and circumstances. When in Consolation mode, the suspension significantly relaxes, allowing the vehicle to coast smoothly over obstacles while reducing cabin oscillations. Despite its relatively slim 265/40 R20 tyres, the suspension effectively soaks up minor highway irregularities, providing a tranquil and comfortable ride suitable for city commutes and long freeway excursions. Notwithstanding slight physique oscillations, pronounced movements are likely to occur on larger dips and bumps, potentially transmitted through challenging terrain scenarios.
In customary mode, the suspension is stiffened, effectively reducing body roll and refining the steering response, thereby creating a well-rounded driving experience suitable for a variety of circumstances. This mode provides the ideal balance between comfort and control for everyday driving scenarios. When shifting to Sport mode, the Zeekr 7X transforms into an adrenaline-fueled machine: its steering becomes razor-sharp, while the throttle response is reprogrammed for explosive acceleration and tenacious traction, making it a force to be reckoned with around sweeping curves and treacherous roads.
The twin-motor variant’s advanced all-wheel-drive technology guarantees exceptional traction on challenging surfaces and in harsh weather conditions, maintaining unwavering stability despite its substantial size, comparable to the Li Auto L6 and XPeng G9.
The adaptive air suspension stands out as a notable feature, allowing the vehicle to adjust its height according to various driving conditions. In its standard configuration, the vehicle assumes a lowered position, optimizing aerodynamics and handling, while it can also be raised to provide increased ground clearance for off-road applications. Despite being set to higher levels, the suspension ensures a consistently high level of ride quality by effectively isolating the cabin from road imperfections and bumps. The well-weighted steering provides surprisingly agile handling, making a large vehicle like this one impressively responsive.
The robust braking system provides consistent and controlled deceleration, fostering a sense of trust during the entire stopping process. The adjustable regenerative braking system offers unparalleled versatility, allowing drivers to tailor their experience by choosing between aggressive regeneration – which can bring the vehicle to a near-stop without engaging the brakes – or a more traditional braking feel, making it suitable for both seasoned electric-vehicle enthusiasts and new users of electric driving. Innovative design meets functional versatility in the Zeekr 7X, which harmoniously balances comfort, agility, and adaptability to become an attractive choice within the mid-sized electric SUV category.
The Zeekr 7X truly stands out for its emphasis on usability and everyday functionality. The SUV boasts an expansive interior, offering ample space for both passengers and cargo to thrive within its generous dimensions. While the cargo area may not be a fully fledged flat floor, it still offers an impressive 616 liters of storage capacity. The innovative design features discreetly concealed compartments and cleverly integrated storage spaces, offering unparalleled versatility and functionality. The rear seats fold flush to create a virtually flat loading floor, allowing for effortless transport of oversized items.
The Zeekr 7X transcends being just another electric SUV. The vehicle seamlessly integrates advanced technological expertise, powerful performance, and a thoughtfully crafted interior to produce a futuristic yet practical transportation solution. While facing competition from fashion-conscious models like the Tesla Model Y, the 7X must now contend with emerging rivals such as the Avatr 07 and the Onvo L60. While the Avatr 07 boasts an additional layer of luxury within, the Onvo L60 partners with Nio’s innovative battery-swapping technology to offer unparalleled versatility. The 7X’s driving dynamics truly stand out as exceptional. Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets, cruising down highways, or taking on more thrilling routes, the 7X offers an engaging and fulfilling driving experience.
Tune in next week to discover more firsthand reviews of Chinese vehicles.
