Zeekr’s magnificent 7X
The choices keep coming for Aussie consumers in the electric vehicle space with Chinese car maker Zeekr announcing it will add a third electric-only model to its lineup later this year in the form of the 7X medium SUV.
Described by the manufacturer as an all-electric midsize SUV, the Zeekr 7X features distinctive design, a state-of-the-art digital cockpit, ultra-fast charging and the choice of dual-motor all-wheel drive or single-motor rear-wheel drive models.
How much does the Zeekr 7X cost?
Pricing for the three-variant Zeekr 7X range starts at $57,900 (MRLP) for the single-motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model, rising to $63,900 (MRLP) for the Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model, and $72,900 (MRLP) for the Performance All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model.
That pitches Zeekr’s new contender right into the heart of Tesla Model Y territory, with the latter’s pricing starting at $58,900 (MRLP) for the RWD variant, rising to $68,900 for the Long-Range AWD.
Tesla’s Performance model is yet to join the lineup, so there’s no comparable pricing for that model just yet.
The pricing makes sense, given that Zeekr’s positioning within parent company Geely Automobile Holdings – whose other brands include Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co, Polestar, Lotus, Farizon and Geely – is as a premium EV rival for the likes of Tesla, but also Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
What is the design of the Zeekr 7X like?
Designed in Zeekr’s global design centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, using Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which underpins a wide range of vehicles from its various brands, the 7X features sleeker and more curvaceous body design than its stablemates the Zeekr X and 009.
The front end is characterised by slender LED-headlights and a full-width daytime running light, while at the rear there’s an equally distinctive looking full-length LED light cluster.
The design features short overhangs and big guard-filling wheels of up to 21-inches depending on variant .
How much space does the Zeekr 7X have?
Dimensionally, the five-seat Zeekr 7X is slightly larger than the Tesla Model Y with a length of 4,787mm and rides on a longer 2,900mm wheelbase, although it’s also slightly narrower and not as tall as the Tesla.
The longer wheelbase and extra overall length contribute to a generous 539-litre luggage compartment at the rear and up to 62-litres of storage in the front-trunk (frunk) on the RWD grade.
Direct rear luggage comparisons with the Tesla aren’t possible as the two use different measurement protocols.
What features does the Zeekr 7X have?
The impressively well finished interior boasts plenty of luxury finishes and technology features, including electric front and rear doors and heated and cooled front massage seats on the Performance All-Wheel Drive variant.
The digital cockpit is claimed to offer ultra-fast processing speed thanks to a Qualcomm’s 8295 Snapdragon chip.
The system underpins the operating system of the ultra-slim 16-inch HD touchscreen, promising fast and responsive performance, while an optional 36.2-inch augmented reality head-up display places key information in the driver’s line of sight.
A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is facilitated by 12 cameras and a radar system.
The safety systems include:
- Moving object and pedestrian display in the instrument cluster or AR-HUD
- Adaptive cruise control
- 3D digital surround view monitoring
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Fully automatic park assist.
Powertrain and performance
Under the skin, the Zeekr 7X Rear-Wheel Drive and Long-Range models feature a single, 310kW/440Nm motor located on the rear axle, with the standard range model boasting a 75kWh battery capable of delivering an estimated range of 480km, and the Long-Range model adopting a 100kWh battery that delivers a claimed 615km.
The flagship Performance variant also gets the same 100kWh battery but two compact electric motors integrated into the front and rear axles that generate total outputs of 475kW/710Nm.
The all-wheel drive powertrain delivers supercar like 0-100km/h acceleration in only 3.8 seconds.
The Performance model’s AWD capability is further enhanced by an off-road mode that optimises powertrain and traction control systems to suit a range of surfaces.
Along with active air suspension and continuous damper control, which increases ground clearance by up to 45mm, the Performance model is claimed to offer a moderate level of all-terrain capability.
Charging capabilities
All three models feature 800V system voltages to enable ultra-fast charging, with Zeekr claiming the 7X can charge at an impressive 450kW DC.
That’s largely academic at present, with the most powerful DC fast chargers currently available in Australia offering charging speeds of up to 350kW, but Zeekr says it’s designed to help future proof
its new model.
Using the 360kW fast chargers found in other markets, the Zeekr 7X Rear-Wheel Drive can achieve 10-80% charge in just 13 minutes, and 16 minutes for Long-Range and Performance models.
A 22kW on-board AC charger is standard on all models, allowing customers with a 22kW home wall box to replenish the battery from 10-100% in 4.5 hours for the Rear-Wheel Drive model, or 5.5 hours for Long-Range and Performance models.
Zeekr’s growth in Australia
Since launching last August with the Zeekr X compact SUV, Zeekr has added the added the 009 electric luxury MPV and, as at July had sold a total of 522 vehicles, comprising 448 Zeekr X and 74 Zeekr 009 people movers.
This makes Zeekr one of the smaller of the new wave of Chinese brands, alongside Leapmotor and Deepal. But with the 7X competing in the high-volume medium SUV segment the brand will no doubt be banking on significant growth during the final quarter of this year and beyond.
Warranty and introductory offer
The Zeekr 7X comes with a seven-year vehicle warranty and seven-year roadside assist, along with an introductory bonus offer for the first 1,000 customers that includes a 7kW Home Charger, Type 2 & mini portable (10 Amp) charging cables, plus complimentary interior and exterior colour choices.
More articles
Related topics
Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance Products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQI) and arranged by its agent, RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. RDS and RACQO are in the RACQ group of companies. One of the companies in the RACQ group of companies has a minority shareholding in RACQI.
RDS and RACQO have not taken your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account when preparing advice regarding insurance products and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website. RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.