Geely’s premium EV brand, Zeekr, just rolled out an updated Zeekr X, and it’s a lot more than a simple refresh. They’ve essentially turned their stylish compact SUV into a sleeper hot hatch, packing it with nearly 490 horsepower while keeping the price tag shockingly low. With prices starting around $21,800, the new Zeekr X isn’t just another electric crossover. It’s a statement about how fast and competitive the Chinese EV market truly is.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 3.69 | s | Dual-motor AWD version |
| Peak power | 365 | kW | Equivalent to 489 hp |
| Peak torque | 573 | Nm | Instant electric torque |
| Range (CLTC) | 512 – 530 | km | 512km for dual-motor, 530km for single-motor |
| Battery capacity | 61 / 66 | kWh | Supplier: Energee / CATL |
| Battery chemistry | Ternary Lithium | — | CATL supplies the pack for the AWD performance model |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 4450/1836/1572 | mm | Compact SUV footprint |
| Starting price (China) | 155,800 | CNY | Approximately 21,800 USD |
Sharp Looks and a Clever Interior
The exterior of the Zeekr X remains unchanged, which is no bad thing. It’s a handsome vehicle, with sharp lines and intelligent matrix LED headlights that give it a clean, futuristic look. The compact dimensions make it perfect for city life, but the real story is what’s happening inside and under the hood.
The cabin is dominated by a 14.6-inch smart screen that does something genuinely cool, it slides. Mounted on a 353mm rail, it can glide from the center of the dash over to the passenger side with just a hand gesture. It’s a brilliant solution that gives the driver access to controls while letting the passenger watch a movie without being a distraction. Beyond the screen, the interior is packed with thoughtful features, including a 50W wireless phone charger and even a 5.7L central island refrigerator that can cool or warm its contents.
The Main Event: A Serious Power Upgrade
Let’s get to what really matters: the performance. Zeekr gave the X a stealthy power upgrade that transforms it from a practical crossover into a legitimate performance machine. With a peak output of 365 kW (489 hp) and 573 Nm of torque, this compact SUV can launch from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 3.69 seconds. That’s not just quick for an SUV. It’s quick, period. It’s the kind of acceleration that rivals dedicated sports cars, and a clear sign of Geely’s wider innovation in vehicle dynamics.
To feed this beast, Zeekr offers two battery options. The top-tier dual-motor model gets a 66 kWh ternary lithium pack from CATL, a giant in the battery world, delivering a CLTC range of 512 km. The single-motor variant uses a 61 kWh Energee battery and stretches the range to 530 km. The choice of a CATL battery for the high-performance trim underscores its focus on power delivery and reliability. It’s a formula that can create a wagon with supercar speed when applied to other vehicle types.
More Than Just Straight-Line Speed
Zeekr didn’t just drop a powerful motor in and call it a day. The X comes with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system and an advanced anti-skid system to help manage the power and maintain grip. Stopping power is handled by robust Akebono four-piston calipers, another detail that proves this car’s performance credentials are serious.
This combination of thoughtful engineering and rapid iteration is what makes the Chinese EV market so fascinating. Brands like Zeekr are constantly pushing the envelope, and while this pace can sometimes create challenges, as seen with Zeekr’s approach to upgrades for early adopters, it also delivers incredible value. Getting this level of performance for under $25,000 is almost unheard of, a trend echoed by vehicles like Dongfeng’s Eπ 007, which offers a sub-4 second sedan for just $20,000.
The updated Zeekr X is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s a practical, stylish, and tech-forward compact SUV that also happens to be shockingly fast. It represents a new breed of EV where practicality and extreme performance are no longer mutually exclusive, especially at an accessible price point.
