Here’s a bold statement: the Zeekr 7X is the Chinese electric vehicle that could make you question everything you thought you knew about automotive excellence. It’s not just fast—it’s blisteringly quick, hitting 0–100 km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds. It’s not just well-built—it’s polished to a degree that rivals decades-old luxury brands. And it’s not just feature-rich—it’s packed with technology that feels intuitive rather than intrusive. But here’s where it gets controversial: this is a Chinese car, and it’s challenging the notion that ‘Made in China’ means ‘compromise.’
When the Zeekr 7X arrives in Australia, it does so with a confidence typically reserved for established brands. Its size is commanding, its performance exhilarating, and its finish impeccable. Yet, unlike some tech companies that force innovation down your throat, Zeekr takes a more refined approach. Features like the self-opening doors—which, admittedly, can be overly cautious—are optional, not obligatory. And this is the part most people miss: Zeekr isn’t just offering a car; it’s offering a choice.
This was my second encounter with Zeekr, the first being a stationary experience in the 009 Grande at their Chatswood showroom. I described the 009 as a vehicle fit for an oligarch who still does the school run—a car to be driven in, not driven. The 7X, however, is a different beast. It’s a car you want to drive. For a brand only four years old, the level of refinement and engineering is astonishing. It’s no accident, though—Zeekr is the premium electric arm of China’s Geely Group, which also owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. That pedigree shows.
The AWD Performance version I tested for a week is a powerhouse, with dual electric motors delivering 475 kW and 710 Nm of torque. Its 100 kWh CATL ‘Qilin’ battery and 800-volt architecture promise a 10-80% charge in just 16 minutes under ideal conditions. While the claimed WLTP range of 543 km felt optimistic during my brisk driving in scorching temperatures, the car’s capabilities were never in doubt. Steering is light yet precise, and it handles like a vehicle half its size—a long-distance cruiser with serious chops.
But what’s truly unsettling for the established order is the interior. I walked in ready to nitpick—poor panel gaps, cheap plastics, the usual suspects. Instead, I was greeted by soft leather, solid switchgear, and an overall sense of meticulous craftsmanship. This isn’t ‘good for a Chinese car’—it’s just good. Full stop. And that’s alarming, because it forces us to confront a hard truth: the old guard might need to step up their game.
The cabin is calm and coherent, with no gimmicks to distract from its luxury. Features like the rear passenger camera and pet mode are thoughtful additions, though the Zeekr AI assistant felt as limited as Siri. The 21-speaker Zeekr Sound Pro system, however, is a standout, delivering audio quality that rivals the best in the segment.
Like most modern EVs, the 7X’s character will evolve through software updates. While the hardware feels robust, elements like voice control still need refinement. How Zeekr handles long-term support will be as crucial as its current performance. For now, the 7X is a statement—a proof point that Chinese brands can compete at the highest level. And that’s not just a challenge to the industry; it’s an invitation to rethink our biases.
So, here’s a thought-provoking question: If a car like the Zeekr 7X can shatter decades of assumptions, what other industries are ripe for disruption? Let’s discuss in the comments—agree or disagree, I want to hear your take.
