Zeekr Abound, the Tesla Model Y is Yawning

Zeekr has leaked the first visuals and some technical information about its Model Y killer, the 7X.

Suffocated in China by the giant BYD and completely unknown elsewhere in the world, Zeekr is not a small, backyard automaker. Owned by the Geely group, which also owns Lotus, Volvo, and Smart, it is a serious brand that has long suffered from a stylistic closeness to its cousin Lynk & Co. To make matters worse, its range, which mixes sedans and SUVs with romantic names like 001 or X, leaves one perplexed. In summary, no image, no brand strategy,… It’s a tough road ahead!

When we see the tremendous efforts BYD is making to get known and recognized outside Chinese borders, we can guess it’s not simple. And the Chinese giant does this with an application and humility that paradoxically says a lot about its ambitions.

At Zeekr, it’s the exact opposite: there’s a lot of gesturing and communication in all directions. Between techno parties in Stockholm and the nomination of a former Formula 1 world champion as a sports ambassador, the brand gives the impression of following the mantra of new influencers: “Whether people talk about me positively or negatively, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that they talk about me!” Except that this quote is from Léon Zitrone, and he used it to mock the pursuit of instant glory by some. However, we believe in Zeekr’s potential, but a bit of calm is needed to properly fit all the pieces of the puzzle rather than trying to force them in.

Zeekr matches its pace to that of Tesla

But let’s return to the 7X. The first positive point is that it is not another Coupe SUV, but a real and beautiful Crossover measuring 4,825 mm long and 1,930 mm wide. The line is robust yet dynamic, with lovely wheel arches and a modern front end featuring a wide LED strip. The front design abandons all references to previous Zeekr models, which is a good point in creating a unique identity.

A rear-wheel-drive version with 420 hp and an all-wheel-drive version with 650 hp are on the menu, with two battery options of 75 kWh or 100 kWh. LFP for the small range of around 500 km and NMC for the larger range of around 600 km and some dust, all of this is perfect and very similar to what Tesla offers for the Model Y. The 7X is marketed in China at a price of 30,000 euros, which should bring it to between 50,000 and 60,000 euros after customs fees. Just like what Tesla offers for the Model Y.

After Xpeng and the G6, you’ve understood that Zeekr aligns itself with the Model Y reference to build its offering. It’s good and gives consumers more choices, but those with equal performance and pricing are unlikely to easily turn away from Tesla. By letting the rumor of the next generation Model Y hover, Tesla maintains its attractiveness, but to play this game, one needs real notoriety.

ALSO READ: Tesla Model 3: soon a release of electronic range?