Volvo gets another sister brand. After the parent company Geely has already provided the Swedes with Polestar and Lynk & Co, the Chinese are now also sending Zeekr into the race for the electric future – and are initially at the top 4.43 meters in length. This should share the technology with the Smart #1 and the upcoming Volvo EX30 and cost around 45,000 euros. But let’s start with the Zeekr 001 at prices from around 60,000 euros. It is a sporty Shooting Brake for the upper middle class as a sensible, because cheaper alternative to the Porsche Taycan (from around 93,000 euros). In Sweden and the Netherlands, this unusual competition is already starting this fall, and we’re planning to start early next year.
The wait might be worth it. Because as a shooting brake of almost five meters, the Zeekr not only offers plenty of space on all seats and also plenty of legroom in the rear. The latter is of course no wonder with a wheelbase of almost exactly three meters. In addition, at least 539 liters go behind the electric tailgate. And the so-called frunk under the front hood is enough at least for the charging cable and other small stuff.
Above all, he looks really good with his serious face, the slightly raised fenders – just like at Porsche – and his crisp bottom side.
It lacks the prestige of a kidney grille, the four rings or the star on the hood. But without the exaggerated sensationalism with which other newcomers, especially from China, want to attract maximum attention, the flat four-door looks beautiful, sporty and so serious that it would also pass as an Audi, BMW or Mercedes.
And on top of that, it serves a segment in which there is currently hardly any offer apart from luxury models such as the Porsche Taycan and its Audi brother E-Tron GT. It really doesn’t always have to be an SUV.
Balance between cinema hall and monastery cell
This calm atmosphere continues seamlessly inside. Of course, as a child of Generation E, Zeekr also relies on a highly digitized operating system with voice control and touchscreen.
There is ambient lighting and a head-up display. And you even have to finger on the screen to adjust the mirrors and steering wheel.
But the Chinese have found a good balance between the digital overkill of a Mercedes EQS, the old-fashioned technocracy in an Audi E-Tron and the almost frugal inner workings of Tesla & Co.
Where some exude the charm of a monastery cell and others are reminiscent of an elegant but replaceable business hotel or invite customers into a cinema, there is a warm living room atmosphere here, including pretty ornaments on the consoles.
When driving you can feel the experience
The Zeekr also makes a very mature and well-rounded impression when driving for a newcomer. It steers precisely, offers a good braking feel with more or less recuperation, drives comfortably and harmoniously and involves the driver to such an extent that the fun doesn’t fall by the wayside.
While Nio & Co’s cars sometimes appear as if the chef bought only the best ingredients, at Zeekr they obviously also know how to taste the food in the end. The experience of the Swedish colleagues certainly didn’t hurt. The 001 comes closer to the European elite than any other Chinese.
One battery, two drives
There is always a 100 kWh battery in the flat floor of the 001, which can be charged with a very competitive 200 kW and, in the best case, is sufficient for 620 standard kilometers. In the basic model it feeds a 200 kW/272 hp electric motor on the rear axle and in all other versions a second machine in the front.
Then the Zeekr has up to 400 kW/544 hp and gets down to business with 686 Nm. He manages the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and the electronics only pulls the plug at 200 things.
Conclusion: here to stay
No, Zeekr’s debut is definitely not a thrill because it doesn’t look as wild on the outside as the Hiphi Z, for example, and it lacks the wink of Nio’s digital co-driver Nomi.
Instead, he looks more like a follower who mixes inconspicuously with the Stromer of the upper class. But maybe that’s his strength. While many other newcomers polarize with their appearance, the 001 looks equally serious and confident – and with the industrial giant Geely in the background also credible.
Probably not all new China brands will survive. But there is much to suggest that Zeekr has come to stay.
Data sheet: Zeekr 001 Privilege
Engine and drive:
Two electric motors
Displacement:
–
Maximum power:
400 kW/544 hp
Max. Torque:
686 Nm
Drive:
all wheel drive
Transmission:
1-speed automatic
mass and weight
Length:
4955mm
Width:
1999mm
Height:
1548mm
Wheelbase:
2999mm
curb weight:
2350kg
payload:
n/a
trunk volume:
539 liters
Driving data:
Top speed:
200km/h
Acceleration 0-100km/h:
3.8s
Average consumption:
18.5kWh/100km
Range:
1200km
CO2 emission:
0 g/km
battery capacity
100kWh
Maximum charging power:
200kW
Cost:
Base price of the Zeekr 001:
approx. 60,000 euros
Base price of the Zeekr Privilege:
approx. 68,000 euros
type classes:
n/a
Vehicle tax:
0 euros/year
Important standard equipment:
Security:
Seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, lane guidance, head-up display
Comfort:
Automatic climate control, heated leather seats, power tailgate, frunk
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