In the fierce battleground of luxury electric vehicles, there’s a fresh face turning heads – Zeekr. Backed by China’s automotive heavyweight, Geely, this newcomer is not just setting new standards in the luxury EV sector but is rewriting the rule book on pricing. Their top of the line model, the Zeekr 001, goes toe-to-toe with the likes of the Mercedes EQE and Tesla’s Model S, but with a price tag unmatched that has industry insiders and consumers alike rubbing their eyes and scratching their heads in disbelief.
Zeekr – A Premium Player at a Midrange Price
The Zeekr 001, an alluring all-wheel-drive shooting brake, brings together all the bells and whistles you would expect from a luxury executive EV, but at a significantly lower price point. While the Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S can set you back around €110k in mainland Europe (where the Zeekr will initially launch), the Zeekr 001 is slated to be priced at around €67k – a substantial €40k cheaper. Despite this price difference, the 001 doesn’t compromise on luxury, build, technology or range. It’s no wonder the model has been compared favourably with iconic luxury models like the Porsche Panamera and Audi RS6.
Hot on the heels of the 001, Zeekr is also introducing the Zeekr X, a luxury SUV that carries the same commitment to quality and affordability. Both vehicles are slated to go on sale in Sweden and the Netherlands later this year, with possible UK availability coming in 2024.
Zeekr’s Secret Sauce – Economies of Scale
The key to Zeekr’s appealing pricing strategy lies in the master plan of its parent company, Geely. This Chinese automotive conglomerate has spent the past decade strategically acquiring renowned brands, much like a chess player setting the board for a decisive victory. This journey began with Volvo in 2010, and expanded with the acquisition of Polestar (Volvo’s electric arm) in 2015, and the iconic Lotus in 2017. They didn’t stop there, Geely also established Lynk & Co, a pioneering brand that skilfully blends automotive engineering with digital technology, defining the future of connected mobility.
This impressive portfolio is not merely a flex of corporate muscle. Much like Volkswagen AG, Geely has crafted a shared platform across these brands to unlock potent economies of scale. The result? Significant cost savings, which Geely generously passes on to consumers.
While its financial roots reach back to China, Zeekr’s design and development pulse beats in the heart of Europe – more precisely, at the Geely Auto Group’s Design Center in Gothenburg, Sweden. Led by automotive design veteran, Stefan Sielaff, this new multi-brand studio is teeming with European talent, meticulously crafting vehicles to suit European tastes.
Admittedly, there’s room for improvement on the software side, but the Zeekr 001 has already made a glowing first impression. It’s an irresistible blend of an appealing price tag, a rich brand heritage, an ambitious corporate vision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. All these factors propel Zeekr into the limelight of the luxury EV landscape. Whether you lean towards a sophisticated shooting brake or a versatile SUV, Zeekr’s blend of premium quality and competitive pricing is an offer too compelling to ignore.
Zeekr 001 – Electric Luxury Shooting Brake
The Zeekr 001 is an embodiment of luxury and practicality. This elegant shooting brake, or as Zeekr calls it, a four-door estate with a sleek, coupé-esque roofline, exudes a modern design ethos with a two-tone paint scheme and flush-fitting door handles.
Despite its competitive pricing, the 001 doesn’t compromise on build, technology, or range, delivering an impressive 370 miles on a single charge. The front end is accentuated by sleek LED headlights seamlessly blended into a black trim strip, while at the rear, an eye-catching light bar, reminiscent of the Lexus UX, finishes the aesthetic.
Zeekr X – Electric Luxury SUV
Following closely behind is the Zeekr X, a luxurious SUV that embodies the same principles of quality and affordability as its sportier sibling. It boasts a higher ride height and a more rounded bonnet than the 001, alongside a prominent front grille. The two-tone paint scheme carries over, enhanced by chunky black trim around the wheel arches.
The rear features a narrow window and a roof spoiler, conferring a sportier look than competitors such as the Volkswagen ID.4. Despite the differences in appearance, both the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X share the same commitment to superior performance and value, bringing a fresh perspective to the luxury EV market.
Zeekr Performance and Range
While Zeekr is yet to reveal specific details about the motors and batteries for the 001 and X SUV, preliminary range figures for both models promise exceptional performance. The 001 is expected to provide a substantial range of 370 miles, while the Zeekr X isn’t far behind with an anticipated range of 273 miles on a single charge.
For those with an appetite for power and a thirst for adrenaline, Zeekr provides an enticing choice between single-motor rear-wheel-drive variants or the more dynamic, dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations. The dual-motor Zeekr 001 is a powerhouse, boasting a whopping 544hp and demonstrating its prowess with a scorching 0-60mph time of just 3.8 seconds.
Not to be outdone, the Zeekr X SUV flexes its muscles with 476hp on tap and an impressive 0-60mph time of a mere 3.7 seconds. In terms of acceleration, these new kids on the block are nipping at the heels of the established Tesla Model Y Performance.