Earlier this week, Zeekr unveiled teaser images of its new contender in the electric SUV market, aimed squarely at taking on the Tesla Model Y. Now, as the week concludes, the company has fully disclosed the vehicle’s design, name, and specifications. Introducing the Zeekr 7X: a luxurious, family-oriented SUV that could elevate Zeekr’s robust performance in the EV market to new heights.
Meet the Zeekr 7X
The Zeekr 7X is poised to meet the demands of Chinese families with a design philosophy that emphasizes practicality and elegance. Despite its name, which might suggest a seven-seater, the 7X offers seating for five. This new model is essentially a crossover-sized evolution of the Zeekr 007 sedan, presenting a sleek design interspersed with unique features to retain a distinct appeal.
Design and Features
The Zeekr 7X showcases a refreshed design that stands out in today’s crowded crossover market. It inherits the customizable Stargate lightbar from the 007 sedan, cleverly integrated above the headlights. The vehicle’s taller stance provides a robust and premium look, avoiding the overly inflated appearance many crossover SUVs tend to suffer from. Zeekr’s intentional decision to adhere to classic SUV attributes, devoid of the crossover-coupe’s raked roofline, delivers a clean, unambiguous design that can be appreciated for its straightforward elegance.
Global Ambitions
Zeekr’s expansion strategy is ambitious, with plans to make their mark in over 50 new countries by the end of 2024. This aggressive global push signifies Zeekr’s confidence in its product lineup and its intention to compete on a global scale.
Dimensions and Pricing
Size-wise, the 7X closely mirrors the Tesla Model Y. It measures 189.9 inches in length, roughly three inches longer than the Model Y. Its width and height are nearly identical to the Tesla, promising a spacious and comfortable interior. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but if it follows the pricing trend of the Zeekr 007, it’s likely to be competitively priced, potentially undercutting the Model Y.
Performance
Built on the same Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform as the Zeekr 007 and Polestar 4, the 7X delivers impressive performance metrics. It boasts up to 636 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4 seconds, only a tad slower than the 007 sedan’s 3.8 seconds. Although official range and charging times are yet to be disclosed, the 7X is expected to feature an 800-volt architecture with LFP batteries, likely supporting over 500 kW on a DC fast charger.
A Premium Option with Potential
As an automotive enthusiast, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of envy knowing the Zeekr 7X may not yet be available in the United States. Unlike previous so-called "Model Y killers," the 7X’s specifications on paper truly rival those of Tesla’s offering, and its design exudes an upscale feel. Zeekr’s focus on crafting a straightforward, high-quality SUV without overly complicated shapes or gimmicky design elements could very well attract buyers from all corners of the world.
Looking Ahead
Zeekr’s global expansion is already in motion, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 7X emerged as one of the next models to be sold through its international dealerships. One can only hope that brands like Volvo take cues from Zeekr’s innovative approach and possibly even adopt the 7X’s foundational aspects for future models, perhaps as stylish successors to existing lines like the XC60.
Stay tuned for more updates on Zeekr and the Zeekr 7X. For the latest news in automotive, visit our website at Automotive.fyi. You can also follow us on X @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Electric Vehicles for automotive.fyi
