Information concerning Zeekr’s arrival in Malaysia have been coming thick and quick ever since an invitation for a personal preview was leaked final week, confirming the model’s deliberate debut. It was reported on Automobile Information China yesterday that Geely’s premium electrical automobile offshoot has signed native agency Sentinel Automotive to be its official distributor, with the Zeekr X and 009 set to be the primary fashions to be bought right here.
The quantity vendor will clearly be the X, a compact premium SUV that’s set to lock horns with vehicles like the brand new MINI Countryman SE and BMW iX1. Measuring 4,450 mm lengthy, 1,836 mm vast and 1,572 mm tall, it’s mere millimetres shorter (-5 mm), narrower (-39 mm) and decrease (-43 mm) than one other Chinese language EV, the BYD Atto 3, whereas its 2,750 mm wheelbase is a mere 30 mm longer.
Nonetheless, the X is about to be fairly a bit dearer than the Atto 3 – in China, the latter tops out at 147,800 yuan (RM96,200), whereas the Zeekr retails at 200,000 yuan (RM130,200). Consequently, you possibly can anticipate the X to sail previous the RM200,000 mark, occupying an analogous territory to the sensible #1.
That’s not stunning, provided that the Zeekr relies on the identical Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA3) because the sensible #1 (in addition to the #3 and the Volvo EX30). It additionally makes use of the identical powertrain and battery choices as its sibling, with a selection of single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants.
The one-motor mannequin produces 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, getting the automobile from zero to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. In the meantime, the AWD model churns out 428 PS (315 kW) and 543 Nm, hurling the X to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. If these figures sound acquainted, it’s as a result of they’re precisely the identical because the sensible #1 Premium and Brabus.
Additionally shared with these vehicles is a 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that gives a spread of 560 km for the RWD mannequin and 512 km for the AWD automobile. These figures are on the slightly optimistic CLTC cycle in China; anticipate real-world vary to be nearer to 440 km and 400 km respectively quoted for the sensible #1 (each on the WLTP cycle). No charging particulars have been launched, however anticipate the X to just accept as much as 150 kW of DC quick charging identical to the #1, taking half-hour to cost from 10 to 80%.
Zeekr was carved out of Lynk & Co, and the X nonetheless bears remnants of that model’s design language, replete with cut up headlights (with H-shaped higher daytime operating lights, first seen on the The Subsequent Day idea), upswept window line, contrasting black roof and full-width taillight bar. Diagonal character traces on the bumpers and physique facet give the automobile a dynamic, youthful look.
Inside, you’ll discover a minimalist cabin with a slim horizontal dashboard, “squircle” two-spoke steering wheel and a sliding centre console field much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (replete with a fridge!). After all, there are screens galore, together with an 8.8-inch digital instrument show, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (which will be slid to the passenger facet) and an enormous 24.3-inch augmented actuality head-up show.
Different notable options embody power-opening doorways, a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system and even a show on the B-pillar that may present the state of charging, plus a digital camera that may use facial recognition to unlock the door. Unusually for such a small automobile, the X will be had as both a four- or five-seater.
Proper-hand-drive manufacturing for the X has reportedly kicked off in China final week, with first deliveries set for the third quarter of this yr. The automobile will possible debut in Zeekr’s world launch markets akin to Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong first, however anticipate it to return to Malaysia not lengthy after.
GALLERY: Zeekr X at BIMS 2024
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