The Geely Group is expanding further in Europe, and now introduces the Zeekr 001. Born in 2021 alongside the Zeekr (formerly called Lynk & Co Zero Concept), it has been available in Sweden since the end of June. Alongside it, the third model of the brand, the Zeekr X, is also being sold—a close relative of the Volvo EX30 and the Smart #1, which we will discuss separately. Next? The super sedan Zeekr 007.
@nordiskbil Swedish design for this fast car #fastcar #cartok #carsofsweden #swedishdesign #testdrive #nordics #nordiskbil #nordiskdesign #china #foryoy #carsoftiktok ♬ Devil Emperor Phonk – Bgnzinho
The Zeekr 001 has all the credentials to rival Tesla and Nio, even though it costs almost twice as much as a Model 3. With up to 544 horsepower from two electric motors, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.8 seconds, top-notch ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) among the best in the world, and an 800 Volt power system allowing rapid charging up to 200 kW for a 10-80% charge in less than 20 minutes. Additionally, in China, a variant with a 140 kWh battery providing around 1000 km of range is already available.
In Sweden, it is sold starting from 677.000 SEK, or with a lease fee of 9.515 SEK/Month for 36 months and 10.000 km/year. In the coming months, it will also be available in Denmark and Norway, with plans to enter also Germany, France and, between 2024 and 2025, Italy and Spain.
Zeekr 001: our tops & flops
The Zeekr 001 is an electric shooting brake that successfully combines a sporty character with the need for space to accommodate the family. This car is abundant in both space and power. It boasts a generally superior build quality compared to its rivals and features cutting-edge safety systems inherited from the Volvo world, which are certainly appreciated. The only downside may be the possibly inadequate trunk space and the inconvenience of having to set everything through the central touch display, which undermines the noble intention of a safe car.
What we like:
- Build quality;
- Sporty and responsive driving;
- Onboard space;
What we don’t like:
- System sounds are too noisy;
- Everything must be set via the touch display;
- Slightly reduced trunk space;
Zeekr 001 is designed in Sweden
Like the Lynk & Co from which it derives, the Zeekr 001 is manufactured in China but designed in Sweden, specifically in Gothenburg. All Zeekr models are and will be designed in the second-largest Swedish city at the Geely Design Centre. It’s not coincidental that the latest Zeekr X and the Lynk & Co 08 (only available in China) share the new stylistic direction introduced with the Lynk & Co The Next Day concept car.
Regardless, the Zeekr 001 has sleek and modern lines, aligning with the Lynk & Co 01, especially at the front with split headlights and daytime running lights directly on the hood. At the rear, there’s a large fascia with vertical red LED lights, inspired by the Shanghai skyline.
In photos, it may appear smaller than it is—it’s nearly 5 meters in length (specifically 4.96 meters) with a wheelbase of 3 meters. This is thanks to the Geely SEA platform (Sustainable Electric Architecture or Sustainable Experience Architecture), upon which the Zeekr 001 is the first car to be built. SEA is the same platform on which all Zeekr models, as well as the Lotus Eletre and Emeya, Volvo EX90, EX30, and EM90, Smart #1 and #3, and Polestar 3, 4, and 5 now stand.
Technicalities aside, the design is distinctive and likely divisive. However, the rear is dramatic, with a coupe-like sloping rear window that doesn’t sacrifice too much cargo space—a true shooting brake that combines sportiness with practicality. The 22” wheels with black and white finishes, specific to the top-of-the-line Privilege model in our test, and the visible white Zeekr brake calipers add a nice touch.
Interiors that set the bar
In a sector, even in luxury, where it’s easy to find poor-quality plastics in 8-million crowns cars, the Zeekr 001, while not flawless, has much to teach.
The cabin, at least in this Privilege trim, is beautifully finished, with a velvety fabric covering seats, dashboard, door panels, and even pillars and the roof, leaving nothing to chance. There are few plastics, and they are well-treated, but otherwise, it’s a mix of leather and metal.
In particular, a near rose-gold-colored metal, akin to that of Apple’s MacBooks, can be found on the seat edges with integrated headrests, inner door handles, around the gear selector, on the steering wheel, on window buttons, and on the dashboard.
The technological aspect is, of course, present, similar to what is seen in other vehicles of the group. A small display behind the steering wheel provides vehicle information, and a large 14.7” center display, with a perhaps overly vertical tablet-like effect.
The operating system is not from Google or Meizu like in the Lynk & Co 08, but proprietary. It’s fluid, has a clear and clean interface, updates via OTA (Over-The-Air), and is wirelessly compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. However, in a Tesla-like fashion, everything is controlled from here, even the adjustment of external mirrors and the steering wheel—an inconvenient solution.
Safely fun
Despite its weight, the Zeekr 001 has excellent tuning. This indicates that, when done well, even heavy electric cars can be safe and enjoyable simultaneously.
Suspension is never too stiff, even in the sportiest mode, acceleration is lightning-fast (3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h), though not a wow effect, and the steering setup is truly impeccable, a sensation emphasized by the excellent grip of the steering wheel.
544 horsepower are guaranteed by the most powerful version with two electric motors, and as the 001 is not an SUV, the driving experience is genuinely enjoyable. It’s not a supercar like its more powerful variant just launched, the Zeekr 001 FR, but nonetheless, especially when disabling ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and other control systems, it has a lively character that, when combined with the luxury ambiance inside, is almost enchanting.
I haven’t driven it enough to get an idea of its consumption, and the way I drove it doesn’t do justice to its low aerodynamic drag coefficient. However, even if the AWD (All-Wheel Drive) version drops to 580 km of range, I noticed that it holds up well. But it’s not just that: returning to the discussion about the Ioniq 6, it’s the 800 Volt power system that makes the 001 perfect as a diesel replacement in executive cars.
Excellent for traveling throughout Europe, Zeekr already has agreements to activate almost all charging stations on the continent. The charging speed significantly reduces waiting times, aligning travel times with those of internal combustion engine cars, with reduced operating costs combined with excellent safety systems, as Volvo teaches us, even if they might be overly sensitive.
Driver Monitoring, intelligent cruise control with Highway Assist, HD camera system with 3D polygon, lane-keeping, recognition of road signs, pedestrians, and cyclists from multiple angles. These are things that make a difference.