After a steady stream of Chinese electric SUVs, the Zeekr 7X feels like the rare one that’s properly sorted; fast when you want it, civil when you don’t, and cheeky enough to meow at strangers on the streets
I’ve test driven one too many Chinese electric SUVs over the past two years, which means I now approach each new one with a familiar cocktail of optimism… and fatigue, if I’m honest. We already know the drill: sleek silhouette, tech-forward cabin, a screen that could host a PowerPoint presentation, and a promise to “redefine” something. But the Zeekr 7X arrived and did something surprising: it made me pay attention again.
The 7X is Zeekr’s third model on our sunny island after the compact Zeekr X and first-class-lounge-on-wheels Zeekr 009, and it lands in a very sweet spot. It’s family-sized, family-friendly, and far less try-hard than some of its rivals. It’s also a useful reminder of what Zeekr is aiming for: the brand sits under Geely, the Chinese mega-group that also owns brands the likes of Volvo and Lotus, and the 7X feels like a product that’s, as a result, been benchmarked globally.
In typical Zeekr fashion, it comes in three variants–RWD Standard, RWD Long Range, and AWD Performance, which is really just a polite way of asking how dramatic you want your family SUV to be. Both rear-wheel-drive variants do the century sprint in 6.0 seconds, while the Performance trim cuts it down to 3.9 seconds. Power peaks at 310 kW and 410 Nm for the RWD cars, and 475 kW and a whopping 710 Nm for the Performance. On the road, that translates to the sort of easy shove that feels expensive.
The 7X is built on an 800V electrical platform. Zeekr says it can charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in as little as 10.5 minutes on a fast charger, and range is equally solid: up to 475 km WLTP for the RWD Standard, 605 km for the RWD Long Range, and 540 km for the AWD Performance. Pricing starts from S$239,999, so yes, it’s playing in the premium sandbox on purpose.
But what really won me over wasn’t a spec. It was the personality—because Zeekr has quietly figured out that modern luxury isn’t only about materials, but about moments. Case in point: when stationary, the 7X can project sounds through its external speakers. Animal noises. Short messages like “Thanks for giving way”. Making it meow like a cat and neigh like a horse drew a mixture of confused looking-around and genuine cackling from friends. It’s a neat party trick, though I’m still not sure what it’s meant for besides lightly confounding other road users and proving you’re emotionally fourteen (complimentary).
Then there’s the option that sounds ridiculous until you stop laughing: powered doors (all four!), for S$6,500. Like a modern Rolls-Royce in athleisure, the doors open just enough not to ding the car beside you (if there is one), and close at the touch of a button; the driver’s door will even close itself when you press the brake. You may knock it—what could be so hard about opening your own doors? To that I say: don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. I was firmly in the sceptic camp until the end of my test drive. You truly don’t appreciate what you’ve had until it’s gone.
After a long parade of competent electric SUVs, the Zeekr 7X feels like the rare one: quick, comfortable, thoughtfully packaged, and just playful enough to have a little fun with the idea of what a family car can be. More than just another Chinese EV SUV, it’s the one that finally feels like a breath of fresh air.
