Zeekr 7X

Zeekr is one of many newcomers from China. However, it does something very different from the other new brands. Zeekr is headquartered in Europe. develops cars in Europe and targets the European customer. However, its products are built in China and its parent company Geely is Chinese.

Geely owns many car brands. Zeekr presents itself as the most progressive of them. This is evident in the lines, for example. Zeekr deliberately does not opt for the classic approach with a big grille and angry-looking headlights. The 7X has an almost closed nose with a black strip just above the headlights for a unique look.

Space

The technology is well integrated ("packaging"), because considering the exterior dimensions, the interior space is excellent. Although the name suggests otherwise, the 7X is not a seven-seater, just a spacious five-seater family car. Up front, the 7X is averagely spacious, with the high seat and bonnet view providing a grand feel. In the back, this mid-size SUV offers a lot of space. Thereby, the interior has a record number of bins and compartments, including storage space in the front door armrests and under the rear seat.

The top version driven here is equipped with electrically operated doors, and this has been perceived as a complex solution to a non-existent problem. The electric doors open and close much slower than regular manual doors. Although the car has ample sensors, Zeekr does not provide a system that prevents the doors from opening when a pedestrian or cyclist approaches. Another unusual complaint: the power windows respond to the buttons with a delay, tempting the driver to press one more time and then they stop before opening or closing has started.

Equipment

For a brand where technology is key, it will come as no surprise that most functions are controlled from a large central display. The layout and menu structure are obviously copied from Tesla. And as with Tesla, the programmers were given free rein in developing frivolous functions such as a dog mode (air conditioning on, on-screen notification for passers-by), relaxation function (calm music, seat massage) and an actual light show.

The entire computer system is based on the freely available source code of Android. To this, Zeekr has added its own applications. Therefore, it is not dependent on Google. Moreover, this prevents Zeekr from applications continuing to evolve as the operating system ages. Logging in with a Zeekr account provides additional features, but is not required. Even better, there is a privacy mode in which the 7X shares only the most necessary data with headquarters. That's how it should be!

The audio system has also been developed by Zeekr itself. The manufacturer promises that AI ensures the best sound quality under any situation (driving noise and number of occupants). Yet the sound has been perceived as no more than "good". Competitors still achieve better results with higher-quality base components without any filters. As the 7X has speakers in the headrests, instructions from the sat nav are only audible to the driver, which was perceived as a smart feature.

The 7X has all the safety features required by the European Union. However, Zeekr sets them very cautiously and when they are nevertheless perceived as a nuisance, switching them off is easy. The test driver was rarely bothered by buzzers or bells, and when the digital assistant made itself heard, it was justified and the driver actually made a mistake. In China, the 7X is capable of autonomous driving. In Europe, it only assists in steering, braking and acceleration, and that goes well.

Electric car

The 7X is Zeekr's first model based on a new platform. The battery uses 800-volt technology for faster charging (shorter wait) and discharging (faster acceleration). In the process, new strides have been made in terms of safety. Because the protective layer in the battery is gold-coloured, Zeekr calls this new battery the "gold battery". Depending on the version chosen, it gives a capacity of 75 kWh or 100 kWh, for a range of 480 and 615 km respectively.

Zeekr chooses to make the most of all the possibilities offered by electric driving, which is why the 7X has a hefty "performance drive". From the very first moment, the 7X wants to perform. When the throttle is depressed depper, the 7X is even capable of pushing all occupants roughly into the seats. This is not only true at low speeds, even above 100 km/h the 7X still manages to accelerate brutally.

In comfort mode, on the other hand, this behemoth allows itself to be driven at leisure. However, above 100 km/h the noises from the tyres and driving wind increase sharply.

The driver can control how strongly the 7X regenerates when releasing the accelerator, including the option for single-pedal driving (depressing for acceleration, releasing for braking). Despite this, test consumption is very high at 24 kWh per 100 km.

Driving characteristics

To ensure that the 7X can handle the enormous engine power and to make the car suitable for a variety of conditions, Zeekr goes a lot further than the competition. The 7X is equipped with air suspension and torque vectoring. The latter feature ensures that torque is variably distributed to the wheels. This prevents the bodywork from twisting due to one wheel having more grip than the other. The high power can therefore be called upon with almost impunity, without the car swaying or skidding.

Air suspension theoretically makes a big difference between comfortable and sporty mode. Still, the 7X was found to be firm even in comfort mode (test car on 21-inch rims), but that is not necessarily a disadvantage. In fact, despite all the electronics, the 7X communicates fine with the driver for a confidence-inspiring feel.

Thanks to the air suspension, ride height is adjustable. Together with a special off-road mode, the 7X therefore knows how to cope even in light terrain. The 7X therefore got through a forest track with hefty potholes, deep puddles and muddy tracks without any problems.

Conclusion

Zeekr is a new brand and to secure a place in the market it wants to offer more than the established order. During the test drive, the 7X therefore managed to exceed expectations in all aspects. In all aspects, the 7X offers more: from a power output of 630 hp / 710 Nm via an advanced computer system to air suspension. All these things are also available from the competition, but not always in this combination and certainly not at this price.

The 7X therefore feels superior in all areas. Performance is outstanding, range is huge, charge times are short, towing weight is high, handling is excellent and even off-road capabilities are above average. Some of these things are completely superfluous for accomplishing daily journeys, but it is a nice feeling that it can do it all. In short: the Zeekr 7X is a champion overcompensator and there's nothing wrong with that!