Ride the revolution: Experience the new frontier of electric motoring with Zeekr

How do the models we’ll be getting in Singapore—the compact Zeekr X SUV and the full-sized Zeekr 009 multi-seater—feel beyond the showroom? 

We found out on the Ningbo International Speedway, a 3.5km-long track with a mix of corners, hairpins, straights and varying degrees of elevation.  

Zeekr X

At 4.43m long, 1.83m wide and 1.56m tall with a 2.75m wheelbase, the Zeekr X is the first model that will be available in Singapore. 

Perfect for working professionals and young families looking for a car that’s nifty to drive yet versatile enough to meet a variety of lifestyle needs, the X will be available in two variants, a single motor rear-wheel drive ‘Standard’ with 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque as well as a higher performance dual-motor all-wheel-drive ‘Flagship’ with 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque.     

From afar, the X cuts a distinctive appearance, with double-edge LED headlights and sleek lines akin to a thoughtfully crafted designer outfit.  The interior cabin is a refined place to be, with a premium fit and timelessly elegant finish. It’s plush in the front and spacious at the back with novelties such as electric push buttons for doors. 

Par for the course are smart conveniences such as a voice assistant, a 360-degree camera, driver monitoring system, video recording capabilities and 13-speaker Yamaha sound system which can all be toggled through a central 14.6-inch touchscreen. 

All these make the Zeekr X a nice car. What makes it a great car to experience, however, was how effortless it was to drive.

The all-wheel drive dual-motor Zeekr X Flagship variant we got to try left us breathless from its 3.8s 0 to 100km/h century sprint, a figure that will better a Porsche 911’s 3.9s. Yet despite being blisteringly quick, it did not overwhelm.

Behind the wheel, the X is a car that you could just hop in, get cosy in its snug seats, and just drive off on all sorts of adventures in. 

The car is calm and assured, with a light yet responsive steering that allowed us to capably navigate the different corners of the racetrack. It’s a fun car, with a dynamic spirit, but the X performs best when driven easy. We expect it to be right at home on our city streets, handling like a charm and nimbly making light work of navigating tight back lanes and carparks.

Both Zeekr X variants have a 66kWh battery which will yield a 420km range on the Flagship and 440km on the Standard. Rivals such as Volvo’s EX30 may be similar in terms of form but will be missing the depth of character and sheer performance the Zeekr X packs in abundance. 

Zeekr 009

The racetrack is not a natural habitat for an MPV, yet when driven on one, the 5.2m long, 2m wide Zeekr 009 was unfazed, handling itself with the calm assuredness you’d expect of a personnel carrier designed to cocoon one in plush comfort. 

As the second Zeekr model slated to come to Singapore, the 009 is pitched right at the pinnacle of luxury road travel where cars like the Toyota Alphard currently rule the roost. A lighthouse for class and discerning taste, the MPV’s understated vertical LED grille is a classy and intriguing showpiece that’ll promise to turn heads when it rolls up or glides past. 

For its size, the Zeekr 009 was remarkable easy to handle, compliant when cornered hard, and capable of keeping up with urgent driving. It certainly helps that the Zeekr 009 also features a predictive air suspension system that anticipates imperfections on the road and deliver plush ‘magic carpet-like’ levels of comfort.

Touted as the world’s quickest MPV, it was extremely quick off the mark with a 4.6s 0 to 100km/h sprint time courtesy of its dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with 450kW and 693Nm of torque on tap.

As much as we appreciated the unflappable poise and confidence, the real treat was soaking in the 009 experience from the back within the spacious well-appointed cabin. Specifically, the sumptuous second-row Chairman’s seats are where occupants can best enjoy peace and privacy and exclusivity. Whether you're lying flat for a snooze, finding the right ergonomic position for maximum comfort, getting a massage on the go, or catching up with shows through the on-board entertainment screen, control is always at your fingertips by way of buttons or remote. 

While specific details on the Singapore-bound Zeekr 009s are unavailable, our brief acquaintance was more than enough to have us eagerly anticipating an unrivalled first-class experience. 

At the heart of Zeekr’s popularity and success in China is the manner its cars appeal to both sense and sensibility.

“Zeekr appeals to people who appreciate innovation and want something fresh. These are the early technology adopters who enjoy technology, design and quality,” shared Allen Li, head of product at Zeekr International, during a brand sharing session in Zeekr’s research and development facility. 

With human centricity featuring prominently in the development of its products, Zeekr’s HMI (Human-Machine Interaction) chief designer Swee Teng Chuen explained that the company is focused on ensuring a “harmony in the design of both the interior and exterior. And a blend of technology and its conveniences with a human touch that can be used easily and intuitively.” 

Couple the alluring aesthetics you see on this page with a dynamic experience behind the wheel and luxurious interiors that are spacious, warm and welcoming, and a Zeekr stands out from the raft of utility-focused EV competition with a distinct character and personality. “We strive to create an emotional connection through seamless technology integration, superior performance, and striking design,” added Swee. 

When asked about what customers should be feeling about a Zeekr, Li shared: “Each aspect of a Zeekr vehicle is crafted to enhance the joy of driving, with good handling and performance, combined with the experience of being safe and in control, and the pride of ownership.”

Delivering on the promise of form, function, performance and luxury, Zeekr has spared neither effort nor expense in the development of cars that are designed to delight. 

Some of these highlights we got introduced to include the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform that serves as a blueprint where each model’s unique character and qualities can be layered on. This allows individual qualities such as comfort, performance and experience can shine through while maintaining brand hallmarks of safety and reliability. 

Our tour of the manufacturing facilities allowed us a close-up look at the use of a solid die-cast aluminium chassis in each car, which has been rigorously tested and rated as among the best in occupant safety. 

In fact, features such as the re-inforced anti-collision beams and comprehensive seven airbag system designed in the Zeekr X, single-piece rear-end aluminium structure for all round 720-degree protection and 10-Cell Grid battery collision protection system in the Zeekr 009 have been pivotal in allowing the cars to excel in rigorous safety tests. Both cars have been awarded a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP for safety.

Over at the manufacturing and assembly facilities, we witnessed how each and every part of a Zeekr, from its batteries and electric drivetrains to its chassis and body, meticulously come together through a combination of advanced robotics, smart systems, and human expertise. 

Over 800 machines and robots work in unison together with technician and engineers to ensure that each car rolls off the production line perfectly built to the desired specifications of their owners. As robots handle the heavy manual processes, human expertise is devoted to testing the quality and functionality of each working component in the car so the highest quality standards are achieved and maintained.

Keen to find out more about Zeekr and experience the ultimate electric vehicle driving experience? Visit zeekr.sg or head to the Zeekr showroom at 9 Leng Kee Road.

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