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Monday, November 25, 2024

China’s Zeekr Is On A Roll. The 7X Is Its Most Direct Tesla Challenger But


Earlier this week, Zeekr launched teaser photographs of its Tesla Mannequin Y-fighting crossover SUV. Now, it’s the tip of the week, and so they’ve taken the wraps off the styling, given it a reputation, and launched some specs. This posh SUV could be the tipping level for an already surprisingly sturdy efficiency from the Chinese language and barely Swedish electrical car model. 

Dubbed the 7X, Zeekr says this mannequin is a family-oriented SUV “tailor-made for Chinese language households, understanding customers’ wants for all-scenario journey, and innovatively putting them because the core of design.” Regardless of the “7X” moniker, this SUV is barely seats 5.

Zeekr expands worldwide

Zeekr has plans to enter greater than 50 new nations earlier than the tip of 2024. 

This SUV is actually a crossover-sized model of the Zeekr 007 sedan. So, like that sedan, the crossover variant is a neatly styled car with a number of exterior quirks that cease it from trying too generic. It has an identical customizable lightbar (referred to as the Stargate) because the 007, built-in into the entrance fascia instantly above the headlights. In fact, it’s a notably taller car than the sedan-shaped 007, but it surely doesn’t look too overgrown or inflated. General, it appears like a sensible, premium crossover that makes little pretense into attempting to cover that it’s a crossover SUV. In an period of segment-blurring designs, the 7X’s type issue and unambiguous design are refreshing. Zeekr’s press launch says this was intentional, because the model aimed to reshape “the class and luxurious of basic SUVs with authentic design” by returning to the fundamentals and shunning the crossover-coupe rakish roofline.

The 7X is about the identical measurement because the Mannequin Y. At 189.9 inches lengthy, it’s not fairly three inches longer than the Mannequin Y, however its width and top are inside an inch of the Tesla. Pricing isn’t confirmed, but when it follows the identical path because the Zeekr 007, it’ll doubtless be barely cheaper than the Tesla. 

Predictably, the 7X makes use of the identical SEA (Sustainable Expertise Structure) used on the Zeekr 007 and Polestar 4. Because it’s principally a tall model of the 007 sedan, the 7X has an influence output of as much as 636 horsepower. Zeekr claims the 7X will dash to 62 MPH in as little as 4 seconds flat, which is barely barely slower than the three.8 seconds from the 007 sedan. No official vary or charging time numbers exist, however the 7X makes use of an 800-volt structure and LFP batteries. We’d count on the 7X to doubtless have the ability to crest over 500 kW on a DC quick charger if it follows within the footsteps of the 007 and 001. 

As an American, I can’t assist however look as if I’ve been sucking on lemons whereas I have a look at the Zeekr 7X as a result of it’s not truthful that we will’t get a automotive like this in the US. Not like different EVs we’ve glibly referred to as Mannequin Y killers, this one truly feels prefer it might put the screws to the Mannequin Y. On paper, the 7X’s specs trounce the Mannequin Y, and the design feels considerably extra upscale. I admire Zeekr’s insistence on making an everyday SUV as an alternative of some convoluted form with bizarre design caveats that may maintain patrons out of showrooms, cough, cough, just like the Polestar 4.

Zeekr is increasing outdoors of China. It’s not confirmed but, however I wouldn’t be shocked if the 7X was Zeekr’s subsequent mannequin to be offered in its rising variety of worldwide dealerships. Hopefully, Volvo will get the memo and work out methods to make a classy XC60 substitute out of the 7X’s guts. 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

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