Zeekr’s Updated X SUV is a 489 HP Sleeper for Under $25,000

Geely’s premium EV brand, Zeekr, just dropped an update for its Zeekr X compact SUV, and the numbers are just nuts. We’re talking about a sharp-looking global model that packs nearly 490 horsepower and starts at just over 21,000 USD. It’s the kind of spec sheet that makes you do a double-take. In a market flooded with practical but placid EVs, the Zeekr X is a shot of adrenaline.

Let’s get the big numbers out of the way first.

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 CLTC is optimistic; expect less in real-world driving
Battery capacity 61 / 66 kWh Energee or CATL options available
Dimensions (L/W/H) 4450/1836/1572 mm Compact SUV footprint
Starting price (local market) ¥155,800 CNY Approx. 21,800 USD

A Supercar Punch in a Crossover Body

That 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.69 seconds isn’t a typo. This isn’t just quick for a compact SUV, it’s knocking on the door of serious performance cars. With 365 kW (489 hp) and 573 Nm of instant torque, the dual-motor Zeekr X has the muscle to deliver that thrilling, pushed-back-in-your-seat acceleration that makes EVs so addictive. Zeekr pairs this power with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system and what it calls the XTCS intelligent anti-skid system. To bring it all to a stop, it uses Akebono four-piston calipers. This isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s about creating a confident and engaging driving experience. It’s another example of how parent company Geely is pushing the envelope on vehicle dynamics.

Smart Tech and a Sliding Screen

Inside, the Zeekr X doubles down on its tech-forward personality. The main event is a 14.6-inch smart screen that physically slides across the dashboard. With a simple gesture, it can move from its central position over to the passenger side. It’s a brilliant piece of theater, but it’s also practical. The driver gets navigation and core controls, while the passenger can watch a movie without distracting the person at the wheel.

The rest of the cabin is filled with thoughtful touches. There’s a 50W wireless phone charging pad, a hidden electronic glove box, and even a 5.7L central island refrigerator. This isn’t just a simple cooler, it can chill drinks down to -6°C or keep your food warm at 50°C. It’s the kind of feature you don’t know you need until you have it.

Battery Choices and Market Realities

Powering this performance are two battery options. The range-topping dual-motor version gets a 66 kWh ternary lithium pack from CATL, a giant in the battery world. This pack delivers a quoted CLTC range of 512 kilometers. Other trims use a 61 kWh Energee battery, stretching the CLTC range to 530 kilometers. It’s important to remember that the CLTC cycle used in China is more generous than the WLTP or EPA standards, so real-world range will likely be a bit lower. Still, these figures are solid for a vehicle this powerful and affordable.

With prices ranging from about 21,800 to 24,600 USD, the Zeekr X offers a stunning amount of performance and technology for the money. It’s a testament to the hyper-competitive nature of the Chinese EV market, where rapid updates and aggressive pricing are the norm. The Zeekr X isn’t just a great value, it’s a genuinely exciting car that blends daily usability with a wild side.