he Zeekr X makes a good first impression and is priced competitively to rival some of the big EV giants.
Nowadays, every manufacturer knows you need a compact SUV if you want to succeed in the crowded electric vehicle market, and Zeekr is no different. While other markets enjoy the 001 or 009 models first, Singapore buyers have the X as the first foray into the Zeekr brand.
Built on the same Scalable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform as the Smart #1 and the Volvo EX30, the Zeekr X comes ready to challenge heavyweights like the BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Niro EV.
But, can it carve out a niche for itself?
you either like the styling or don’t.
Let’s first address the design elephant in the room. Most folks aren’t going to look at the Zeekr X and immediately fall head over heels.
It’s certainly not ugly, but it won’t be swooning people over immediately either. Think quirky, with a sprinkling of European flair.
Developed at Geely’s Global Design Centre in Stockholm, it’s a design that feels both familiar and foreign, with oversized headlights, intricate flanks, and a tapered rear.
there’s more to this car than just looks.
Look past the exterior, and you start to understand why the Zeekr X makes sense.
On paper, you’ve got two options. The cheaper of the two is a Standard RWD variant with a single electric motor pumping 268bhp and 343Nm to the rear wheels, delivering a century sprint in 5.6 seconds.
Then there’s the Flagship model, which adds another motor for all-wheel drive, cranking out 422bhp, 543Nm and hitting 100 in just 3.8 seconds.
Sound familiar? That’s because those specs are nearly identical to the Smart #1 Pro+ and Brabus; the Zeekr manages to shave a tenth of a second off those acceleration times.
punchy, in more ways than one.
Even this basic RWD model packs enough punch for urban and highway driving. The Zeekr X is a boon to chuck around, with enough spirit to keep you entertained while driving enthusiastically.
But here in lies a problem. The suspension is tuned for comfort but ends up feeling underdamped. On smooth roads, it’s fine, but introduce a few mid-corner bumps, and things start to get messy.
Body roll is noticeable, and the weight isn’t managed as well as it should be. The one-pedal braking is great for city driving but becomes less effective above 50km/h, so you’ll rely on the brake pedal, which feels a bit spongy.
As with most EVs, the steering is light and a bit artificial, especially when it weighs up at speed. You won’t be pushing this car hard into corners, but for everyday driving, it’s sufficient. Just don’t expect it to wow you with handling dynamics.
any annoying bits?
Yes, the ADAS suite. It needs a rework.
The overspeed warning is piercing, and the lane-keeping aids tug at the wheel without much finesse. If this system struggles on Singapore roads, it’s going to have a tough time on the less-than-perfect tarmac found elsewhere.
Although, over-the-air updates may improve this bit in the future, with possible shortcuts in order to turn off any unnecessary safety features you are not particularly fond of.
I’m concerned about range.
I hear you. The 66kWh battery is respectable; official WLTP ranges are 440km for the RWD version, which isn’t class-leading, but still serviceable for most weekly commuting needs.
Charging is decent enough too, with a max charge rate of 150kW, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in just 30 minutes. A quick coffee break, and you’re good to go.
The real beauty lies within.
The cabin is where the Zeekr X really differentiates itself from its rivals. On one hand, you’ve got quirky touches like the oddly shaped puck that passes for a key, and unconventional window toggle switches that somehow work.
The Yamaha stereo is an absolute treat for the ears, and the interior’s swathes of vegan leather, mixed with a bit of rose-gold switchgear, make it feel quite premium. It’s solid too; panel gaps are tight, putting even some European brands to shame.
That said, space could be better. Rear passengers feel like they’re in a slightly cramped compartment, and the boot is a tad shallow. But overall, it feels well put together.
There’s a notable 8.8-inch instrument cluster paired with a 14.6-inch touchscreen that handles just about everything. And I mean everything. Physical switches? Forget about it.
The interface is crisp and fast, though it could use a bit of user-experience polish. Some of the more essential features, like ADAS, are buried under layers of menus, and you’ll need to jump out of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to adjust basic functions like climate control.
Zeekr does have a few fun tricks up its sleeve, though. Want to yell at pedestrians to cross? There’s a speaker for that. Feeling whimsical? Blast some animal sounds instead. It’s gimmicky, sure, but at least it’s memorable. I love it; where else can you neigh at a passing stranger?
Then there’s the thoughtful stuff, like an external display on the B-pillar that shows the car’s state of charge; no more awkwardly poking your head through the window to check.
Serious value for money, this.
The Zeekr X shows great promise as a whole. The interior’s solid, you have enough features to keep you entertained, and the car is extremely easy to live with.
Yes, some items like the suspension and driver-assistance features need a bit of sorting out, but overall there’s serious potential here.
If you are someone who wishes to have their first foray into the world of EVs, the Zeekr X remains high on my recommendation list.
technical specifications.
Zeekr X (Standard)
Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 200 kW (268 bhp)
Torque: 343 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
Acceleration: 5.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 66 kWh
Drive Range: 440 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.8 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$199,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Zeekr Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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