Zeekr sells several models in its home market, but only three in Singapore: The X crossover, 7X SUV, and 009 MPV.
Yet that hasn’t stopped Zeekr from making a name for itself locally. Responsible for putting the brand on the map – and in the minds of would-be buyers – is the 7X, a contender in the mid-size, premium SUV segment.
The 7X is available in Standard, Long Range, and Performance variants. Although the range-topping 7X Performance is hugely impressive, it is not the one that’s been winning over buyers – both here and overseas.
Instead, it’s the 7X Standard that’s been spearheading Zeekr’s success. And while you’d assume at first that this is because it’s the least-expensive model, it doesn’t take long to discover that “entry-level” is merely a paper designation.
AN EYE-CATCHER
The 7X’s design gives it lots of road presence. That front end, with its full-width light bar, slim headlamps and subtle badge, allow it to stand out. Look past the subtle white paintwork and clean styling and you’ll notice the muscular sheet-metal.
But it’s too bad they didn’t make the rear end look more interesting. Also, using the brand logo instead of “Zeekr” the rear windscreen would have visually tied both ends together.
The frameless doors pop open right as your hand is about to grab the handle – a neat trick that never gets old. Inside, you’ll discover a well-made cockpit, featuring a 13.02-inch high-definition instrument panel alongside a 16-inch 3.5K infotainment display.
And just as you think this is a super-minimalist interior, the 7X surprises by offering several physical controls. There are toggles below the infotainment and buttons and scroll wheels on the steering wheel.
So, although the steering wheel and mirror adjustments are via the touchscreen, these physical buttons allow you to at least scroll through the instrument panel menus, control your audio and climate.
Speaking of climate, the 7X’s air-conditioning needs either a software patch or a more powerful compressor. It seems like the temperature settings are six degrees warmer than displayed – 17 degrees feels more like 23 degrees.
The rest of the functions work brilliantly, though. These include the four-zone voice command, backseat passenger real-time status monitor, and 10-speaker audio system.
Interestingly, official agent Premium Automobiles has a limited number of 7X Standard units fitted with the optional front seat ventilation and massage, and 21-speaker Zeekr sound pro system. Both items are a $5k option, but on these units, they included at no extra cost.
With a 2900mm wheelbase, passenger space in the rear is commodious, with tons on legroom and headroom offered. For added comfort, the outer rear seats can even be electronically reclined by up to 10 degrees. It’s no wonder the rear bench feels like an executive lounge.
QUIET, PUNCHY PROGRESS
The 7X not only feels like an executive lounge – it drives like one as well. With the electric motor delivering 310kW (416hp) and 440Nm of torque, light pressure on the accelerator pedal brings the car up to brisk speeds effortlessly. Zero to 100km/h takes six seconds – relatively quick for an SUV weighing 2395kg sans driver.
But this alacrity is not readily apparent. You’ll have to pin the pedal to the floor to feel the punch. The performance is there, but the 7X doesn’t feel responsive. Even in Sport mode, stabbing the accelerator does not produce sharp, sudden surges
Then again the 7X Standard is not a tarmac-shredder. Which is just as well, since it offers a refined ride and easy-going manners. In fact, the dampers are so pliant that the 7X squats and dives under hard acceleration and braking.
Which is just as well since most owners will drive the 7X in a relaxed, rather than spirited manner it. At this pace, the SUV is in its element, cosseting the driver. I spent the better part of a week with the 7X, and the drive home each night was always one of the highlights of my workday.
As the “base” model, the 7X Standard has the smallest battery among its siblings. It has a 75kWh LFP battery, whereas the 7X Long Range and 7X Performance utilise a 100kWh NCM battery. Consequently, it has the shortest driving range of 475km, versus 605km for the Long Range and 540km for the Performance.
A sports car or hot hatch is a more tantalising proposition compared to a hefty EV. But faced with congestion both morning and night, a sports car would be frustrating since there’s nowhere for it to run. The 7X, on the other hand, provides much-needed calm in the midst of chaos.
A RIVAL TO MANY
There are many reasons why the 7X Standard is the premium SUV that many are after. It rides well, has more than enough power, and a handsome design to boot.
These make it easy to look past its pillowy damping, “mismatched” air-con temperature settings, and a less-than-responsive powertrain.
There are only two things that might affect its convincing proposition. One is the rather hefty road annual road tax bill ($4336) and the other is the fact that the updated model is expected to reach Singapore in 2027.
Zeekr 7X Standard (A)
MOTORS Permanent magnet synchronous
MAX POWER 310kW (416hp)
MAX TORQUE 440Nm
GEARBOX Single-speed
0-100KM/H 6 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
BATTERY 75kWh
RANGE 475km
CONSUMPTION 5.6km/kWh (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE From $263,999
DISTRIBUTOR Premium Automobiles BEV Ltd
