We were invited to Spain for the international first drive of the all-new Zeekr 7GT – and it’s an electric car you should keep an eye on.
Zeekr 7GT: our pros & cons
What stands out most about the 7GT is just how much car Zeekr has managed to pack under this price tag. The styling alone does a lot of heavy lifting, with a low roofline and shooting brake silhouette that looks considerably more expensive than it actually is, and the technical package backs that up rather than undercutting it. The 800 volt platform allows genuinely fast charging, up to 450 kW on the Core and Long Range versions, with a 10 to 80 percent top up possible in as little as 16 minutes under ideal conditions, a figure that would be impressive even on cars costing significantly more.
On the road, the Privilege version we drove backs up the numbers on paper, with 646 hp, all wheel drive and a 3.3 second sprint to 100 km/h that never feels like a party trick, while the optional air suspension does a genuinely good job of switching between comfortable cruiser and engaging back road companion. The cabin adds to that impression with a strong premium audio system, supportive massage seats and, unlike Chinese market cars, physical shortcut buttons that make everyday controls easier to reach.
The compromises mostly show up once you start living with the car rather than admiring it. Too many everyday functions, from adjusting the mirrors to opening the glovebox, are still buried inside touchscreen menus rather than given a physical control, a frustration carried over directly from the larger 7X. Rear seat space is tighter than the car’s overall footprint suggests, with limited legroom and under thigh support that will matter more to buyers who regularly carry adult passengers in the back.
Driver assistance is the other soft spot, with lane keeping assist that can nudge the car from side to side rather than holding a clean line, and adaptive cruise control that occasionally brakes firmly for obstacles that were not actually there, the kind of rough edges that feel fixable with future software updates but are noticeable right now. None of these issues are dealbreakers on their own, but they are the trade offs buyers are making in exchange for this much performance and technology at this price.
However, if driving enjoyment is high on your priority list, it’s incredibly difficult to find another electric car offering this combination of performance, technology and premium feel at this price. The Zeekr 7GT is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new electric cars currently entering the European market.
Prices in Scandinavia
A design that turns heads everywhere
There’s no question that styling will be one of the 7GT’s biggest selling points. Its low roofline, muscular shoulders and long shooting brake rear give it a genuinely sporty appearance. It looks fast even when standing still, and even the entry-level version appears considerably more expensive than its price tag suggests. The comparison with the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo may be ambitious after all, Porsche remains the more refined and prestigious car but considering the huge price difference, it’s difficult not to be impressed by what Zeekr has achieved.
It’s also worth pointing out that the 7GT does not replace the Zeekr 001. While the two models share the shooting brake concept and several styling cues, the 001 remains the brand’s flagship. For now, however, there’s no indication that the 001 will receive the same 800-volt platform, although we certainly hope that changes.
As things stand, the 7GT has very few direct competitors. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers a similar body style but significantly less interior space. Volkswagen’s larger ID.7 GTX provides more room but costs considerably more and, in our opinion, lacks the visual excitement of the Zeekr.
Luxury cabin with a few usability frustrations
Inside, the cabin feels very similar to the larger Zeekr 7X. A large 15-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, accompanied by an impressive head-up display. The driving position is excellent, with supportive seats that remain comfortable even during longer journeys. European buyers also benefit from something Chinese customers don’t receive: physical shortcut buttons beneath the touchscreen, making everyday functions much easier to access. Unfortunately, the 7GT inherits one weakness from the 7X.
Too many functions remain buried inside touchscreen menus. Adjusting the mirrors, changing the climate settings or even opening the glovebox requires more taps than it should.
On the positive side, the premium audio system delivers rich, balanced sound, while the massage seats quickly became one of our favourite features during the drive through the Spanish mountains.
Rear-seat space is less generous than the exterior dimensions might suggest. The low seating position and sporty proportions limit legroom, I would have appreciated a little more under-thigh support. I also found it difficult to slide my feet underneath the front seats. It’s certainly not cramped, but buyers prioritizing rear passenger space will find more practical alternatives. Cargo capacity stands at 456 litres, while the front trunk adds another 65 litres. The 7GT can also tow up to 1,600 kg, making it surprisingly versatile.
Fast, comfortable and genuinely fun to drive
The roads outside Málaga provided the perfect opportunity to discover what the 7GT is capable of.
Our route combined highways with twisting mountain roads, allowing us to experience both sides of the car’s personality.
On the motorway, the cabin proved exceptionally quiet. Even at around 110 km/h, road and wind noise remained impressively well controlled, while the car felt stable and relaxed. Heavy traffic prevented us from exploring higher speeds during this part of the drive. Once the roads became more challenging, the 7GT revealed its sporty character. Steering is accurate and inspires confidence, while the car feels noticeably more agile than the larger 7X despite its weight.
Performance is naturally effortless. With 646 hp and all-wheel drive, the 7GT accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. Selecting Sport mode noticeably stiffens the suspension, while Comfort mode provides a much more balanced everyday driving experience without sacrificing responsiveness. The optional air suspension — exclusive to the Privilege model — is a major contributor to the overall experience. It allows the car to transform from a comfortable long-distance cruiser into an engaging sports wagon whenever the road demands it.
Driver Assistance still needs more fine tuning
Not everything is perfect.
During motorway driving, it became clear that Zeekr still has work to do with its driver assistance systems. The lane-keeping assist can occasionally become overly aggressive, gently pushing the car from side to side rather than holding a smooth line. It’s not as intrusive as some Chinese competitors we’ve tested, but there’s room for improvement. The adaptive cruise control also reacted unexpectedly on a few occasions, braking quite firmly as though it had detected an obstacle that wasn’t really there. Fortunately, these are exactly the kind of issues that can often be improved through future software updates.
The 7GT also introduces a new feature called Fingertip Parking. Using the car’s cameras, a live image appears on the touchscreen, allowing you to drag a virtual version of the vehicle into your chosen parking space with your finger. You can even decide whether to perform a parallel or standard parking manoeuvre. t’s undeniably clever technology and demonstrates how far automotive software has progressed. In everyday use, however, it feels more like a party trick than something I’d actually rely on. I simply found it quicker and more natural to park the car myself.
