Review: Zeekr 7X Performance AWD

TL;DR: The Zeekr 7X Performance AWD is a premium electric mid-size crossover SUV that combines quick acceleration with luxurious features. The 475kW dual motor provides sports car like speed while the air suspension gives a smooth and comfortable ride. The 7X comes with auto opening doors and other playful features at a $94,990 price tag. 

Founded in 2021, Zeekr is an electric vehicle manufacturer that specialises in luxury cars. Although still relatively young, the company has already made a noticeable impact globally, including a partnership with Waymo in the United States, where it helped develop the driverless ride-hailing taxi.

Zeekr currently sells three distinct models in New Zealand, with the flagship 7X filling the top spot as its flagship model. Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (Sea) platform – an open-source platform shared with Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus – it features an advanced 800V electric architecture for fast charging.

At $94,990, the top range 7X Performance AWD fits comfortably into the premium performance electric crossover segment. Competitors include the Kia EV6 GT-Line ($115,070), Tesla Model Y Performance ($100,900), BYD Sealion 7 Performance ($79,990), and MG IM6 Performance ($89,990). 

One of the defining qualities of any performance-focused EV is its acceleration, and the 7X does not disappoint. Its dual-motor setup (one motor on each axle), produces a combined 475kW and 710Nm, resulting in a blistering 0-100mk/h acceleration time of 3.8 seconds.

Despite the sub-four second acceleration timing, the 7X is impressively composed. The acceleration can be fierce, but never frantic. The air suspension with continuous damping control (exclusive to the Performance model) smooths out the rough road surface and creates a refined and comfortable ride. It can also raise the car to give it a ground clearance of 230mm – which is on par with some off-road focused SUVs.

The instant torque and brisk acceleration are both impressive, yet the 7X never forgets its luxury car roots. It features Zeekr’s Intelligent Driving Assistance suite, which includes more than 15 active ADAS functions supported by 12 high‑definition cameras and radars. Sensitivity levels and warnings are all customisable; and importantly, they stay set that way, even after the car is restarted. 

The 7X has a lot of party tricks. The most impressive is its intelligent automatic doors, which swing open on their own at the push of a button on the outside of the b-pillar. Even more impressively, the driver’s door closes automatically when you press the brake pedal. The car uses sensors to ensure it does not open too wide and can still be opened and closed manually.  

The Performance model features full-grain Nappa leather trim, and the front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Other luxury features include speakers in the driver’s headrest, in-cabin monitoring system, electric sunshade roof, electric rear window sunshades, and multiple immersive smart cabin modes.

Like many high-end EVs, the interior embraces a minimalist aesthetic. The centre console is dominated by a 16” central touchscreen above the dual wireless chargers and a row of customisable ‘piano-key’ switches – an unexpected convenience feature that more manufacturers should consider.

The 7X is polished and smart, yet it also has a playful side.  The air suspension can be lowered to provide a sportier stance, and the front end incorporates active aerodynamics vents that open to improve cooling to the battery and drivetrain. There is even the option to have the car emit various animal noises – although, aside from surprising pedestrians, the usefulness of this is lost on us.

The 7X utilises a familiar luxury SUV silhouette, leaning into a coupe-like shape with smooth, uninterrupted lines. The streamlined shape gives it an impressive drag coefficient of 0.247 Cd – similar to the Tesla Model Y. The clam‑style bonnet removes any visible seams for a cleaner look, while the ‘Stargate’ black band across the front (an LCD display in overseas models) has been replaced with a solid panel to comply with local regulations.

At the rear, the electric tailgate (as expected) opens to reveal 537 litres of boot space. A false floor offers additional storage, and folding down the rear seats expands the total capacity to a generous 1,978 litres. 

Considering its size and dual‑motor setup, the estimated 543 km range is impressive. The 7X also uses a 100kWh NCM battery paired with an 800‑volt architecture, enabling rapid charging. With a peak charge rate of 420kW, Zeekr claims the battery can go from 10% to 80% in just 13 minutes when connected to a high‑powered DC ultra‑fast charger (although the fastest chargers in New Zealand are ChargeNet’s 300kW Hyperchargers).

Overall, the 7X Performance AWD is a fantastic car that combines sports car-like speed with exceptional engineering and a premium interior. It comes packed with features and the intelligent automatic doors are a smart novelty. It has an impressive driving experience that manages to straddle both sporty and sophistication without overdoing either.