Zeekr-X driving test: How high-quality is the new C-segment hatchback?

The Zeekr premium C-segmenter will be the first to be available in the Netherlands and Sweden at the end of this year.

Zeekr may not sound familiar, but parent company Geely probably rings a bell. With the Zeekr

Powertrains and prices

Under the skin, the X shares many parts with cars like the Smart #1 (Brabus) and the Volvo EX30. These are well-known powertrains that the brand offers: a 272 hp Long Range RWD variant and a 428 hp all-wheel drive version called Zeekr

You pay 44,990 euros for the Long Range RWD. This means that a mere Zeekr The difference to the Privilige AWD variant, which costs 49,990 euros, is even greater.

Range of the Zeekr

Although the RWD version is inferior to the more powerful Privilige AWD in acceleration (0-100 in 5.6 seconds versus 3.8 seconds), the RWD version has the upper hand in range. This end is exactly 445 kilometers long, compared to the 425 kilometers that the Privilege AWD travels with a full battery. If the 66 kWh (net) battery of your Zeekr

Our test car has a smart-looking interior. In both versions it’s a 1,500 euro option, but that doesn’t stop you from finding cheaper plastics here and there. Apart from this and the paint color, there are few options, which simplifies the production process. Both models come standard with a heat pump and aexpanded reality “Heads-up display,” which in practice means little more than somewhat enthusiastic arrows indicating direction.

Annoying security systems

What also works a little too enthusiastically are the 19 ADAS systems and the Driver monitoring system that you keep a close eye on it. So good that when you turn the steering wheel 180 degrees, you panic. The steering wheel then briefly blocks these sensors, causing the system to warn that it is no longer working.

The security systems can sometimes get on your nerves. Every now and then a beep, bell or other warning will be heard. Sometimes it’s because you’re just driving 3 km/h too fast. You can turn it off, but that requires diving into the infotainment screen.

Bad solution to a non-existent problem

On the steering wheel of the Zeekr In addition, almost everything can be operated (only) via the same large infotainment screen. Physical buttons for some basic functions are a loss, but to compensate, Zeekr has given the most important basic functions a prominent place at the bottom of the screen.

The buttons you find in the Zeekr X are unwanted. You can open the doors from the inside at the push of a button. However, this works completely unnaturally and the buttons offer a poor solution to a problem that didn’t exist.

Limited storage space

Another disadvantage is the somewhat limited storage space. There is a trunk, but it holds a disappointing 21 liters. In addition, the Zeekr

Another point of criticism is the large C-pillar, which creates a significant blind spot. This makes it difficult for children in the back seat, who would otherwise feel comfortable there, to see outside, especially since the front seats severely restrict the view forward anyway.

This is where the Zeekr X scores

Due to the surprisingly steep roofline, the rear window only offers a narrow view. Now it may be that the view was already blocked by a caravan. Because yes, the X scores in this area. Both versions can tow up to 1,600 kilograms.