Zeekr, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer owned by Volvo’s parent company, Geely, has officially launched its new “X” electric SUV in China. With a range of up to 348 miles (560 km) and a shockingly low starting price of roughly $27,000 (189,800 yuan), the Zeekr X is poised to compete with Tesla and other luxury manufacturers in China before launching in Europe.
Zeekr, founded in 2021, has been establishing its brand in China’s competitive electric vehicle industry. Due to strong demand for its electric sedan, the Zeekr 001, the automaker doubled EV sales last year. The company then announced the addition of two more electric cars as well as its expansion into Europe.
The new Zeekr X will be available in China for 189,800 yuan (about $27,600), and will include advanced features often found in premium vehicles. According to CEO Any An, the X will include capabilities such as facial recognition and an optional in-vehicle refrigerator. The cabin also has leather seats and an optional 4-seat arrangement with seats that recline to a “zero gravity” position. Then there’s the 14.6-inch central screen, which automatically slides from the center to the passenger side.
The Zeekr X will be driven by two e-motors and a 66-kWh battery, with a CLTC rating of up to 560km depending on the powertrain. The two motors generate 422 horsepower (315 kW) of power and 400 lb-ft (543 Nm) of torque which can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds.
The Zeekr X is almost identical in size to the Tesla Model Y, which is being positioned as the major contender for the new SUV. It measures 4.45 meters in length and has a wheelbase of 2.75 meters.
