- The Zeekr 7x is BMW X3-sized, placed above the Zeekr X, but below cars like the Volvo EX90 or Polestar 3.
- Underneath, it uses the same SEA (sustainable architecture) as the Polestar 4.
- Zeekr plans to enter more than 50 markets by the end of 2024.
Geely, Zeekr, the EU, and China are all hot-button topics right now, as each entity goes through its own tumultuous re-organization to protect its own interests. Geely has merged Zeekr and Lynk & Co back into one entity (sort of), while the EU demands a technology transfer from China if it wants to establish more European roots. Nevertheless, the wheels of progress keep turning, right? The Sino-Swedish brand Zeekr is continuing its quest for growth in markets outside of China by growing its model lineup. According to new photos, the 7x luxury compact crossover is next on the docket for European expansion.
Photographed in the midst of validation testing, this all-black crossover looks pretty much identical to the version already on sale in China. There are a few differences. For example, the wheels on this test unit are different from the ones found on the Zeekr 7x on Chinese roads. Also, this unit appears to be missing the customizable light-up Stargate panel that we’ve seen on the Zeekr 007. To be fair, it is optional on Chinese models.
Remember, the Zeekr 7x uses the same SEA platform that’s underpinning a plethora of new EVs made by Geely and its associated brands. This means the 7x effectively is a mechanical sibling to the Polestar 4, Zeekr 001, Zeekr 007, and a gaggle of new Smart-branded EVs that thus far only exist in Europe and China.
However, it appears that the 7x tends to favor the 007 out of all of them. Upon launch, the 7x got the same 800-volt architecture as the 007, unlike the older 400-volt architecture that underpins the Polestar 4 and export versions of the Zeekr 001. When coupled with Zeekr’s 75 kWh Golden Battery, the brand claims it can sprint from 10-80% in under 11 minutes.
Now, there’s no news as to what changes the 7x will have before it enters the European market. But, if it does keep the 800-volt architecture and 75 kWh LFP battery, the 7x could end up being one of the fastest-charging vehicles on sale in Europe.
Of course, we don’t know what price the 7x will take. In China, the 7x significantly undercuts EV crossovers from brands like BMW, which costs only about $31,000 for a base single-motor 7x. However, imported Zeekrs are subject to an additional 19.9% tariff (not including the 10% already added in), which naturally will raise the price. Also, it’s not uncommon for Chinese manufacturers to raise the price for export markets. The Zeekr X (mechanical twin to the Volvo EX30) starts at about $45,000 USD, significantly more than the roughly $23,000 an equivalent version would cost in China. The 7x is likely to be somewhat more expensive than the subcompact Zeekr X.
The Zeekr 7x will likely go on sale in Europe before the end of next year.
Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com
