- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He
A new Zeekr: X instead of 003
The third model from the Chinese brand Zeekr, created by Geely, was to be named 003, becoming part of the model range comprising a large electric liftback, the Zeekr 001, and a full-size electric minivan, the Zeekr 009. But suddenly (and without explanation) it was called X. Therefore, meet the new Zeekr X instead of the 003. The compact all-electric SUV will appear in Europe during 2023, while a full-fledged premiere of the model is expected in the spring. Therefore, the details have not yet been made public, but it is already known that the SUV needs only 3 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h. The new Zeekr X is a close relative of the mini electric SUV, the Smart #1: both models share the SEA modular platform.
Zeekr is a new electric automobile brand from China owned by Geely. Founded in March 2021 to produce luxury cars, it has already demonstrated big ambitions and huge plans: releasing two new models every year, building robot taxis by 2024, including all-electric autonomous vehicles for the USA. By 2025, the annual export volume of Zeekr electric vehicles should reach 100,000 units.
Exterior
Recall that Stefan Sielaff (a former head of design at Bentley) has assumed the role of Geely’s chief designer. He commands artists of all brands: Geely, Geometry, Lotus, Lynk & Co, LEVC and others. Therefore, the new Zeekr X is similar in style to its older “brothers”, the 001 liftback and the 009 minivan, but the details make it even more amazing. For example, the navigation lights have received a strange configuration of forty LEDs, which, nevertheless, deftly fits into the overall image. In compliance with the modern trends, the main matrix headlights (after all, Zeekr is a premium brand) are located lower.
The doors are frameless, and even without handles, but they feature small opening buttons. The side mirrors are also of an unusual shape. The charging port is hidden. An abundance of broken lines on the sidewalls, a black triangle on the door that continues the outline of the perimeter, and a window sill line give make the vehicle look truly unusual. The roof itself also attracts attention with its smooth lines. The model is 4,450 mm long, 1,836 mm wide and 1,572 mm high. It has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
Interior
Little is known about the interior yet. The passenger compartment of the future Zeekr X is very minimalistic. The interior equipment includes a trendy ‘tablet’ of the media system, a compact digital dashboard, as well as a projection display and a panoramic roof. There are almost no physical keys. A steering wheel cannot be called multifunctional, since there is only one button in the left and right spokes. The lever selector is located on the right under the steering wheel. Presumably, systems management is going to be performed via a single electronic module. But it is already known that there will be 5 seats, even though the car is small.
Powertrains
The technical data of the Zeekr X 2023 has not yet been announced, but it is known that the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) modular platform, used for other models of Geely-owned brands, has become the basis for the compact SUV. As we’ve already mentioned, the vehicle will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds. Apparently, this is an indicator of the most powerful twin-engine version, but mono-drive modifications are also planned.
