Words — Tim Warren
The Zeekr 7X is a mid-sized SUV with an all-electric powertrain.
The exterior of the car shows familiar lines of an incredibly competitive segment, yet there are a few touches to make it distinctive. A black swatch denotes the front grille, wrapping it in a Zorro-style mask while a handsome, subtle Zeekr branding subsists on the rear door. Understated? Yes. Attractive? Indeed.
The interior presents an immediate sense of quality, with a choice of colourways. Subtle pale shades dominate the cabin. Nappa leather finishes most surfaces leading to a smile-inducing plushness, while the seats of this top-specification version also sport ventilation and heating. The driver also enjoys a massage function that provides much enjoyed lumbar support.
Rear passengers find comfort with generous legroom and even reclining seats of their own while window shades block the sun and protect privacy. The driver’s headrest houses an integrated speaker to deliver navigation directions and phone calls directly. This design preserves the privacy of the conversation and leaves the cabin in silence for the rest of the group. A panoramic moonroof floods the interior with natural light, complemented by subtle mood lighting.
Storage options abound. The centre armrest opens from both sides to reveal a deep bin. A hidden storage unit sits under the elbow of the driver. The curved console cover houses the drink holders. Door storage units hide items from view. Extra USB slots appear in many locations to keep devices full of power. Even the trunk shows thought in its design. The car features a function to lower the rear suspension for easy access to the load space.
The Zeekr 7X offers a powerful ride and a cabin full of luxury. The vehicle suits the road trip and the daily commute.
Auto-opening doors respond to the click of a button. The driver has a comprehensive heads-up display and the wheel and control stalks show careful thought. The comprehensive camera suite gives a clear view of the surroundings. Conveniently the braking warning alerts the driver if the car in front stops with haste – and seven airbags protect the occupants. Dual 50w wireless chargers power phones without the need for cables.
For the family, the 7X offers unique modes. Pet mode keeps your little darling safe in the car. Camping mode prepares the cabin for rest. One of the entertaining features is being able to play the entertainment system on outside speakers.
As you would expect, an app handles vehicle control and over-the-air updates ensure that it’s always got the best systems at hand.
The performance version utilises dual motors to deliver 475 kilowatts. This all-wheel-drive setup propels the car to 100km/hr in a breathtaking 3.8 seconds. The 800V high voltage battery system charges with pace. A charge from 10-80% takes as little as 13 minutes on a capable charger.
On my test drive the car displayed an indicated range of 450km in mixed conditions. And I took it via urban, highway, country and a few backroads. Suspension height adjustment provides extra clearance for rough paths or a lower stance for the road.
On the open road, the car glides in silence. Large Continental tyres on 21-inch rims hold the road. The handling reminds the driver this is a quality family-focused SUV.
The Zeekr 7X offers a powerful ride and a cabin full of luxury. The vehicle suits the road trip and the daily commute. This is an SUV that combines the knowledge of a global giant with the local support of a trusted name. The Zeekr 7X represents a quality choice for the New Zealand driver.
Zeekr 7X starting price is $69,990.
