- Our first drive of the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X
- Zeekr 7GT is a sleek shooting brake estate
- Zeekr 7X is a family-friendly SUV
- Both are fully electric and offer ultra-rapid charging
- Equally rapid 0-62mph acceleration times
- Models will compete with premium rivals from Tesla, BMW, Porsche, and more
- Zeekr set to arrive in UK end of 2026 - with details still to be confirmed
(Zeekr 7GT, above)
Chinese manufacturer Zeekr is readying for a full UK launch - and here’s what you can expect from their premium EVs.
You might not be familiar with the brand name, but Zeekr is part of the wider Geely Holding Group that also incorporates the likes of Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and Smart.
While UK launch details are still to be confirmed, we ran the rule over two Zeekr models at Auto China, the largest global motor show.
The Zeekr 7GT is an electric ‘shooting brake’ - aka, a sleek coupe-shaped estate - that offers a thrilling combination of power, practicality and luxury.
(Zeekr 7X, above)
The Zeekr 7X, meanwhile, is a five-seat SUV that will target the most popular family-focused sector.
The Zeekr 7X and 7GT are currently on sale in major European markets such as Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands, so some of our facts and figures are based on their data.
There’s also one very important factor that differentiates the Zeekr from many other Chinese imports – cars are designed in Europe for European roads at the company’s global Zeekr Design Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.
We enjoyed a short test drive in both cars on a slalom and high speed course and also had ample opportunity to explore the luxurious interiors, along with the many on-board features.
Here’s everything we learned.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
Pros:
- Designed in Europe
- Rapid charging speeds
- Stylish good looks, upmarket and plush interior
- Lots of on-board tech
Cons:
- Badge snobbery
- Up against stiff competition
- UK doesn’t widely support 480kW charging just yet
(Zeekr 7GT, above)
What is the Zeekr 7GT?
The Zeekr 7GT is billed as an electric driver’s car with exhilarating performance figures but with plenty of luxurious features of note.
It boasts sleek lines and curves, has flush door handles, tinted rear windows, a sweeping roofline and a distinctive front end with narrow headlight clusters flanking a connecting light bar.
With snazzy sports alloys complimented by bright orange brake calipers, it’s a dynamically-styled car with a sleek shooting brake silhouette that means it looks like it’s moving even while stationary.
The five-door model that will cover practicality bases very well, while delivering on the performance front, too.
(Zeekr 7X, above)
What is the Zeekr 7X?
The mid-sized Zeekr 7X is more family-focused with its SUV-like design cues but still boasts plenty in the way of sporting prowess.
The five-seater also features slim lights, flush door handles, rear privacy glass, plus neat-looking alloys with orange brake calipers.
At the rear, the tail lights are connected by a light bar and the vehicle looks premium when viewed from any angle.
What are the key features of the Zeekr cars?
While all the finer details need to be stamped and approved, we are guessing a little when it comes to what specifications will feature in each of the vehicles. However, as is the Chinese way, one thing is guaranteed – both the Zeekr 7X and 7GT will be packed with a wealth of high-end technology as standard.
Zeekr 7X
Based on European specifications, the top-of-the-tree Zeekr 7X Privilege AWD version boasts a smart 14.6-inch infotainment screen. There is a compact 8.8-inch driver display, plus a large 24.3-inch augmented reality head-up display that projects the important navigational instructions, along with safety prompts onto the windscreen.
There are all the mod cons such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, a pitch perfect 21-speaker sound system and plenty more besides.
Our test model also featured rear passenger entertainment screens, although these may be limited to the Chinese market.
Zeekr 7GT
Similarly, the range-topping Zeekr 7GT is packed with premium features including an even bigger 35.5-inch head-up display screen.
Expect powered seats that are sports-styled on the 7GT model, with heating and ventilation features, plus the possibility of a massage function and heated steering wheel on higher trim levels.
How far is the range and what are the battery options with the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
Zeekr 7X - range of up to 382 miles
In the European market the entry-level car is called the Zeekr 7X RWD Core and this features the smaller 75kWh battery with a range of 298 miles.
Move up to the Long Range edition (Europe’s mid-grade trim), which is also rear-wheel drive, and it gains a larger 100kWh battery with the driving distance achievable on a single charge increasing to 382 miles.
Finally, the high-end AWD Privilege model also has the 100kWh battery pack and a range of 337 miles.
Zeekr 7GT - range of up to 407 miles
The Zeekr 7GT is also offered with the same two battery options for Europe – 75kWh and 100kWh.
The entry-level car is called the Business Edition and is rear-wheel drive with a range of 322 miles.
Step up to the Long Range Launch Edition and it gets the larger battery which sees an increase in range to 407 miles.
Finally, the AWD Launch Edition model can achieve approximately 346 miles on a single charge.
How do the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X perform and handle when put to the test?
While our time behind the wheel of the Zeekr 7X and GT was limited we did get a brief insight into the way they handle.
First up was the 7X on a slalom course that comprised a track created by traffic cones. It was designed to test the car’s agility, acceleration, steering and braking and the 7X was up for the challenge.
The Zeekr 7X is certainly quick out the blocks with a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.0 seconds on the RWD 301kW models, dropping to just 3.8 seconds on the AWD 475kW version.
On the slalom course or as it was billed – gymkhana test - the vehicle proved easy to manoeuvre with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. We didn’t get to explore them, but there are drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow and Off Road, as well as five suspension settings too.
To access the modes, you need to navigate the touchscreen which can be a tad annoying, but that tends to be the Chinese way with physical controls kept to a minimum.
The challenge facing the Zeekr 7GT was a faster course with quick acceleration and emergency braking, as well as some sharp turns and rumble strips to experience comfort and stability.
The 7GT is quicker than its X sibling with RWD models completing the 0-62mpg dash in 5.3 seconds and the AWD car slashing that time to a very rapid 3.3 seconds.
Once again, the vehicle was most accomplished as we powered full tilt for a few seconds and then slammed on the brakes when instructed. The vehicle came to a controlled stop, although after about 10 rounds the brakes were, not surprisingly, getting a tad overheated.
The test car weaved between the cones with precise and accurate steering while the suspension set-up helped absorb the bumps and dips. As I mentioned, these were Chinese vehicles and we can expect increased refinement levels when the car comes to the UK.
Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X - how fast can they charge?
With 800V architecture, both the Zeekr 7X and 7GT cars with the 75kWh battery can gain a 10 to 80 per cent boost in as little as 13 minutes.
This increases to 16 minutes for the larger 100kWh unit via a 480kW rapid charger.
If using a far more cost-effective 7kW home wallbox, the charging process takes in the region of 15 hours.
These times are based on the availability of 480kW ultra-fast chargers, which are fairly few and far between in the UK, although customers should be able to plug into 300kW or 350kW units when powering up away from home or the work place.
What will the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X cost?
Pricing is a grey area at the moment, but as with all Chinese models, the Zeekr cars are expected to carry attractive price-tags.
Based on European costs, the Zeekr 7X Core costs from €52,990, Long Range RWD is €55,990 and the AWD Privilege model is €62,990.
In UK money, that’s roughly £46,000, £48,500 and £55,000.
The Zeekr 7GT Business Edition starts from €45,990, the Long Range Launch Edition is €50,990 and the AWD Launch Edition car costs €57,490.
That converts roughly to the region of £40,000, £44,000 and £50,000 (depending on the day’s exchange rate).
We should also mention that Geely offered its own electric car grant when launching the EX5 last year as it does not qualify for the UK government ECG.
It’s far too early to play guessing games about the Zeekr line-up at this stage, but the ‘designed in Europe’ factor will help its cause.
The UK government does impose an Expensive Car Supplement on vehicles costing in excess of £50,000 with owners needing to pay an extra £440 from years two to six and there will be a first-year road tax fee of £10, increasing to the standard £200 charge after 12 months.
(Zeekr 7X interior)
What’s the interior like with the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
In China, both the Zeekr 7X and 7GT boasted the finest Nappa leather upholstery and all the high-end fixtures and fittings imaginable.
And that should also be the case when the models finally arrive in the UK, too.
(Zeekr 7GT interior)
To be honest, both models have a minimalist Scandinavian feel about them and that’s no bad thing at all.
Apart from posh seats with power settings along with heating and ventilation options, the fixtures and fittings are very high brow. You really have to go searching for sharp edges inside the cabin.
(Zeekr 7GT interior)
Instead, there are soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting and the trio of screens – two that are instantly noticeable and the additional 36-inch augmented head-up display that projects navigational arrows, speed limits and safety alerts onto the windscreen.
It’s a tech-rich car, too, featuring all the mod cons we demand these days so there will be no fuss connecting a smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or using the built in navigation system.
On the downside, we would like to see more physical controls rather than being so touchscreen dependent, but maybe that’s just a sign of the times.
(Zeekr 7GT interior)
How practical are the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
Zeekr 7X
The 7X needs to cater primarily for family needs and measures 4,787mm in length, 2,100mm across (including mirrors), 1,650mm tall and with a 2,900mm wheelbase.
That makes it a large SUV, similar in size to cars like the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 4.
There’s bundles of space up front for two six-footers to stretch out in comfort, and room for another two in the back.
(Zeekr 7X interior)
A third will fit in, but the middle seat is quite narrow so better suited to a child. There is a completely flat floor and room for feet beneath the front seats although, once again, the middle occupant has less space due to the central cubby protruding from the front of the car. But back seat passengers do have powered controls to tilt and slide their seats, which is a nice feature.
The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate (or at least it did on our car in China) and it can hold 539 litres of kit, a capacity that can be increased to 1,978 litres by lowering the 60:40 split-folding rear seats – a function that can be easily completed via buttons located in the boot.
(Zeekr 7X boot)
There is underfloor storage for cables etc and plenty of convenient areas to store bits and pieces, including a glovebox, door pockets, a dual wireless charging pad, a deep centre console, front and rear cup holders, a tray in the fold-down rear armrest, plus a pull-out drawer beneath the rear seats. The car also has a small frunk area beneath the bonnet and the 7X can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to two tonnes.
(Zeekr 7X rear seats)
Zeekr 7GT
The more dynamically-styled 7GT weighs in at 4,817mm long, 2,070mm wide and 1,456mm tall with a 2,900mm wheelbase.
Again, it’s a substantially-sized estate, similarly proportioned to the likes of the BMW i5 Touring, VW ID.7 Tourer and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo.
(Zeekr 7GT rear seats)
That extra-long wheelbase also results in a generous amount of interior room. The sports seats compromise the rear space a little, but there is ample room for a couple of adults or three youngsters. Additionally, the sloping roofline means anyone over six foot asked to sit in the back will find their hair brushing against the headlining.
Up front, though, the driver and passenger are treated to lots of leg and head room so there will be no complaints there and, despite the seats looking really sporty with side bolsters etc, they are exceptionally comfortable with ample padding and support.
(Zeekr 7GT boot)
The boot can swallow 465 litres of goodies and the RWD versions have a 65-litre frunk, reduced slightly to 32 litres on the AWD model. All 7GT cars can tow a trailer weighing up to 1.6 tonnes.
Once again there are numerous nooks and crannies inside the cabin to keep items safe and secure.
How safe are the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
The Zeekr 7X has been on sale in Europe for a little while now and secured a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating.
It scored 91 per cent for adult safety, 90 per cent for child safety, 78 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 83 per cent for safety assist.
The 7GT has not yet been tested for its Euro NCAP rating but if it is, company bosses are confident it will be awarded top marks.
While we wait for full details about specifications, the current European cars feature intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane centring, blind spot monitoring, surround-view cameras, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, Matrix LED headlights (on higher trims), driver monitoring, plus a full suite of airbags.
Advanced features include lidar, HD cameras and dual-Nvidia Orin-X SoC. Yes, we had to look it up too, but basically it means the car is designed for each element of autonomous driving as the technology advances.
What are the rival cars to the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
The Zeekr 7X will be vying for sales in the premium mid-size SUV sector so will be challenging the likes of the Kia EV5, Xpeng G6, BYD Sealion 7, Volvo EX60 and predominantly the Tesla Model Y.
The Zeekr 7GT boasts estate-like proportions so will be jostling for sales amongst the VW ID.7 Tourer, Peugeot E-308 SW, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Vauxhall Astra Electric Sports Tourer as well as high-end competitors such as the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and BMW i5 Touring.
(Our writer Maxine with the Zeekr 7GT in China)
What’s our early verdict on the Zeekr 7GT and Zeekr 7X?
While our time behind the wheel of both the Zeekr 7X and GT models was quite restricted, we did get a feel for their sheer pace and also the on-board technology and refinement.
They are premium cars but will likely launch with an asking price that keeps you on speaking terms with your bank manager.
It was interesting that during one of the media briefings out in China, there was a clear indication where Geely Holding Group positions the Zeekr brand.
While Geely - with its EX5, Starray EM-i and soon-to-be-launched EX2 - is viewed as the ‘auspicious’ brand offering high value and a premium feel, and Volvo is seen as the ‘safety’ manufacturer with premium, understated and human-centric qualities, Zeekr is billed as a ‘prestige’ make comprising technology, innovation, luxury and elegance.
Only time will tell if the British public hold it in quite such high esteem. But from what we saw, both the 7X and 7GT bring a lot to the table.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Select Car Live - the auto show you can't afford to miss!
- Super touring in the Aston Martin DB12 S Volante
- Fenomeno Roadster is the most powerful roofless Lambo EVER
- What is flash charging for electric vehicles?
- VW Golf GTI Edition 50 is new king of the Nürburgring
Where To Next?
What is car leasing? Read our car leasing explainer.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
