We like
Resolved styling, comfortable seats, ultra-rapid charging, intuitive ergonomics, generous standard equipment list, cabin quietness, general ease, acceptable tested efficiency and driving range

Room for improvement
Substantial mass blunts efficiency and handling, occasionally unruly wheel control, lacks an optional third row, Lidar not confirmed for Australia, possibly more decadent than necessary

Overview

 

LAUNCHED in 2021 as the premium arm of Geely Automotive Holdings (GAH), Zeekr will distinguish itself from its Sino-Swedish cousin Polestar by offering both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. It positions itself as a distinctly Chinese expression of ‘new luxury’, providing a counterpoint to sibling brand Volvo’s place within the European establishment.

 

Zeekr currently offers seven models in its home market, with two already on sale in Australia. Local deliveries began with the X compact SUV (from $49,900 plus on-road costs) in late 2024, followed by the distinctive 009 luxury people mover (from $135,900 plus ORCs) in early 2025.

 

Due in Australian showrooms later in 2025, the next Zeekr model—the 7X—is shaping up as the brand’s strongest volume prospect. The upper-midsize battery-electric SUV will sit slightly above the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900 plus on-road costs) in price, while aiming to deliver a more luxurious experience.

 

Measuring 4825mm long with a 2925mm wheelbase, the 7X rides on the PMA2+ iteration of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. Its dimensions are closely matched to the BYD Sealion 7 and the Tesla Model Y—the key rival Zeekr seeks to outgun on technology.

 

Proportionally, the 7X stands apart from many EV rivals with its upright, wagon-style SUV silhouette. Its ‘Hidden Energy’ design language embraces subtlety, although in China the model offers a quirkier touch—projected text messages can be displayed via the front light bar.

 

A wide track and stretched wheelbase give the 7X a confident stance, with 19-inch alloys standard and larger 20- and 21-inch wheels available. Silver exterior accents are fitted by default, though buyers choosing black exterior paint can opt for a full black-out package.

 

Three variants of the 7X will be offered. The entry-level Premium RWD is powered by a 71.0kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a single rear motor producing 310kW/440Nm. Stepping up, the Long Range RWD and Performance AWD substitute a 94.0kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, with the Performance adding a front motor for a combined 475kW/710Nm.

 

Each variant steps up by roughly 10 per cent in price, though standard equipment is generous across the range. Upgrades largely relate to battery capacity and drivetrain performance. All models include matrix LED headlights, leather trim, 14-way electric front seats with heating, cooling and massage, a 21-speaker audio system, dash cam and facial recognition.

 

All grades feature a 16-inch central touchscreen and a 13-inch digital driver display. Optional extras—at least in the Chinese market—include a rear 13-inch passenger screen, air suspension, Akebono performance brakes, powered door actuation, full-grain Nappa leather trim, a deployable tow bar and a selection of premium exterior colours.

 

A standard 5G connection enables over-the-air updates, integrated online navigation, smartphone app connectivity and access to an in-car app store. Other key technology includes dual 50W wireless phone chargers, high-output USB-C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

 

Under WLTP testing, the Premium RWD variant is rated at 14.8kWh/100km with a claimed range of 480km. The Long Range RWD uses 15.3kWh/100km and offers 615km, while the Performance AWD consumes 17.3kWh/100km for a range of 543km.

 

The 7X’s 800-volt electrical architecture supports peak DC fast charging speeds of up to 360kW. Using compatible hardware, a 10–80 per cent charge takes just 13 minutes in the Premium RWD, or 16 minutes in the Long Range RWD and Performance AWD. AC charging is supported at up to 22kW when using three-phase power.

 

Driving impressions

 

GoAuto travelled to Zeekr’s headquarters in Hangzhou to drive two versions of the upcoming 7X: the single-motor Long Range RWD and the dual-motor Performance AWD, both fitted with the larger 94.0kWh NMC battery pack.

 

With the assistance of a temporary Chinese driver licence, we tested the 7X on a sweeping 40km drive near Hangzhou’s scenic Xianghu Lake. A separate closed-course gymkhana loop further demonstrated the acceleration and grip of the dual-motor AWD variant.

 

Light controls—particularly the steering—and a progressive, rather than aggressive, torque curve immediately mark the 7X as a sibling to the Zeekr X small SUV and 009 people mover already available in Australia. Like its stablemates, the 7X feels fingertip-light to drive.

 

That lightness of feel comes despite the 7X’s considerable dimensions—and a notably heavy kerb weight ranging from 2395kg to 2535kg. Like its Geely stablemates Volvo and Polestar, Zeekr has yet to match the platform efficiency of the Tesla Model Y, which weighs just 1992kg in AWD form.

 

Some of the 7X’s weight can be attributed to its high feature content, with extensive use of leather, large screens, sensors, and significant sound insulation. Still, all SEA-platform models appear to carry excess mass, which likely contributes to the marginal efficiency figures.

 

Zeekr is confident in the safety credentials of the 7X, citing its rigid ‘Dome Armour’ unibody construction and advanced sensor suite. A roof-mounted lidar unit, in combination with multiple cameras, feeds data to an Nvidia Orin-X2 chipset to power the vehicle’s driver assistance systems.

 

The lidar system is not yet confirmed for Australian-delivered models, as local regulations around autonomous driving remain underdeveloped. That said, active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control will be standard.

 

The 7X features a lavish chassis setup, including double-wishbone front suspension, five-link independent rear suspension, and frequency-selective damping. Our AWD test car was equipped with an optional air suspension system—marketed by Zeekr as “magic body control”—with continuously adaptive electromagnetic dampers.

 

The 7X’s dynamic behaviour appears highly dependent on its environment.

 

On a tight gymkhana-style course prepared by Zeekr’s team—on gravelly tarmac—the 475kW/710Nm Performance AWD variant proved brisk, backing up its claimed 0–100km/h time of 3.8 seconds. However, under hard acceleration and braking, body control was loose and roll in corners was pronounced.

 

Few SUVs tipping the scales at 2.5 tonnes feel composed on a gymkhana course—and the 7X is no exception. At lower speeds on public roads, the ride settles considerably, delivering a fluid, composed experience interrupted only occasionally by sharp impacts from heavy unsprung mass over potholes.

 

Zeekr has confirmed that local suspension tuning will be conducted for the Australian market—an effort likely to improve ride comfort. While the current Chinese-market setup is not poor, further refinement in wheel control and bump isolation would enhance overall polish.

 

Local suspension efforts should ideally be accompanied by revisions to the power steering calibration. Although the steering ratio is well-judged, it lacks weight and feedback. Steering feel was marginally better in the 310kW/440Nm rear-wheel-drive variant, which isn’t affected by torque at the front axle.

 

Grip levels were respectable, particularly in the Performance AWD variant equipped with sport-oriented tyres. The optional Akebono performance brakes, finished with distinctive orange callipers, provided strong stopping power.

 

Regenerative braking strength can be adjusted through three levels and feels well-calibrated in practice. The cabin remained impressively quiet, with substantial insulation from road and environmental noise, allowing the 21-speaker premium audio system (developed in house with assistance from Yamaha) to shine.

 

The 7X’s long wheelbase affords generous interior space, despite its elongated clamshell bonnet, which conceals a 62-litre front trunk—about half the size of the one in the shorter Tesla Model Y. At the rear, a powered tailgate reveals a 616-litre boot, although no spare wheel is provided.

 

Zeekr highlights its interiors as a blend of futuristic design and conventional usability. While bold in their optional colour choices—such as white with shale or green with grey—and featuring ultra-smooth vinyl surfaces, the cabin layout is more traditional than that of a Tesla or even some current Volvo models.

 

Drivers are presented with a 13-inch digital instrument cluster offering a high degree of customisation, paired with a centrally mounted 16-inch touchscreen. While the system was not yet configured in English, it appeared logically laid out and supports wireless smartphone mirroring.

 

Ergonomics are generally well resolved, with a comfortable driving position supported by 14-way electrically adjustable front seats offering heating, cooling and massage. Traditional features like indicator stalks remain, though more novelty-driven elements include electronic air vents that emit selectable fragrances.

 

Interior materials—especially secondary trims below the beltline—appear to be a step above those found in Tesla, Hyundai or Kia models. However, their soft, synthetic feel prevents the cabin from fully matching the tactile richness of a Volvo, with little use of real metal or timber throughout.

 

In China—where chauffeur-driven ownership remains quite common—the level of rear seat luxury in the 7X varies depending on the chosen specification package.

 

For the Australian market, second-row amenities will include seat heating, 10 degrees of powered recline, and electronic sunblinds. In China, however, buyers can option significantly more lavish features—such as 134 degrees of recline, a 13-inch entertainment screen, massaging seats and powered tray tables—all of which are unlikely to be offered locally.

 

During a longer test of the Long Range RWD variant with the 94.0kWh battery, we recorded an energy consumption figure of 15.4kWh/100km under modest driving conditions. If accurate, that would equate to a real-world range of around 610km—just 5km short of the WLTP claim.

 

Like many new entrants in Australia’s rapidly expanding EV segment—particularly from China—the Zeekr 7X may face its greatest challenge in clearly articulating its unique selling proposition. With restrained styling, a richly appointed cabin and competent dynamics, the key question remains: what is the compelling reason to choose one?

 

Its key differentiator is likely to be price, with a compelling value equation designed to accelerate market share—mirroring strategies used by Geely Automotive Holdings in other regions. As with early Lexus models in Australia, the 7X may launch slightly above the Tesla Model Y in price, but compensate with a lengthy and luxurious list of standard features.

 

If supported by effective local tuning to refine ride and handling, the 7X could prove a compelling new option in Australia’s EV landscape when it arrives later this year.