New Zeekr X 2023 evaluation

Verdict

The Zeekr X redefines what we are able to anticipate in a small electrical SUV. The X combines distinctive appears to be like with a degree of luxurious (within the four-seat mannequin) that now we have not but seen in such a diminutive automobile. Range and charging appear aggressive, whereas efficiency is robust, too. The design can also be properly thought out and makes the X a practical selection, however the one space that presently doesn’t fairly stay as much as the promise is driving engagement. Hopefully this will likely be improved on European vehicles.

The identify Zeekr is perhaps new, however the model does have some historical past, having began life as an offshoot from Geely-owned Lynk & Co, which can also be providing gross sales in chosen European markets. And there’s extra familiarity as a result of the Zeekr X SUV is carefully associated to the Smart #1 and based mostly on the identical SEA platform.

Sales of Zeekr’s all-electric vehicles are set to begin in Europe this yr, with UK business more likely to get underneath means by the center of the last decade. It’ll be this automobile, the X, together with the bigger 001, that begins the push, and we’ve had an early style of a Chinese-market mannequin to search out out what Zeekr’s mass-market entrant has to supply.

It’s formally branded as an SUV, but it feels way more like a small hatchback from behind the wheel. Sharp traces make for a particular if probably divisive design, however the Zeekr X actually stands out.

Things are much more fascinating on the within. Not solely is there a selection of single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains, however there’s additionally the choice of a standard five-seat format or, as on our take a look at automobile, a four-seat configuration.

Zeekr’s intention with the X is to convey luxurious in a small package deal. And by and enormous, with the four-seat mannequin, it achieves it.

First off, the four-seater incorporates a ‘zero-gravity’ reclining seat for the passenger. To unlock sufficient area, the rear seat behind strikes out of the way in which electrically. The seat behind the motive force may pop as much as create sufficient room to move a pet. Both entrance seats get heating and air flow, however solely the passenger seat has a therapeutic massage operate.

Much of the inside is modular, and both strikes electrically or is detachable. The centre console can transfer forwards
and backwards and has the choice of a detachable heated and cooled storage unit; the centre display screen on the four-seat mannequin slides throughout the dashboard to behave as a devoted passenger display screen; and the rear- bench centre cushion, which doubles as
storage, can also be detachable. In some locations, although, the design is a bit too busy – the sprint, for instance, has three layers and makes use of 4 colors. However, plenty of thought has been put into the design, notably to maximise usability, which is refreshing.

The boot capability just isn’t notably spectacular, at 362 litres, however there’s additionally a small hidden compartment in addition to a really small storage space within the automobile’s nostril. The tailgate is powered, too.

As with most Chinese vehicles, the chassis set-up largely focuses on consolation, so the X’s suspension is on the mushy aspect. Making refinement and a clean journey the precedence can also be mirrored within the automobile’s steering, which feels on the sunshine aspect round city, with a bit extra weight added at velocity. It makes the automobile properly manoeuvrable, whereas the steering does have an affordable diploma of suggestions and doesn’t appear as synthetic as that present in many various EVs.

Overall, the Zeekr X’s dealing with appears acceptable, with a reasonably composed feeling from behind the wheel – and we’re led to consider that it’s more likely to be tightened up additional when the automobile goes on sale in Europe.

The 311-mile vary from our automobile’s 66kWh battery (as much as 348 miles is feasible in different fashions) may additionally be adjusted too, as a result of these figures have been recorded underneath Chinese testing. The 30-to-80 per cent cost time of half-hour ought to stay.

In all-wheel-drive guise, the automobile has blistering tempo, though that is actually solely accessible in Sport mode. Both Comfort and Standard are extra sedate and there’s far much less distinction between them.