My Zeekr 7X Resolution – CleanTechnica

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With the Zeekr 7X reaching the rank of third among the many prime ten battery electrical autos (BEVs) bought in Australia in February (behind solely the Tesla Mannequin Y and BYD Sealion), it was nice to have one go to our month-to-month espresso, cake and EVs morning tea. Steve Nixon was beneficiant with info as I quizzed him (in your behalf) about his buy. 

Zeekr is a part of the Geely household. Right here is Steve’s story on why he selected the 7X over every thing else available on the market:

After two years of analysis and watching EV recognition rise, I purchased a Zeekr 7X to interchange my 2016 MB GLC250d. The Mercedes was a fantastic automotive to drive, plenty of previous tech however more and more costly to service/preserve with age — on common, AU$2,000 for a service each 12 months. I used a Mercedes specialist, not the vendor. The newest expense was a entrance air suspension strut downside. Each wanted to get replaced, in addition to the air compressor and distribution field — $8,000, ouch. Switching to an EV, companies are two yearly/40,000 km, with an optionally available well being verify each different yr.

What I miss in regards to the MB — radar cruise management was clean and no phantom braking. Twice, Zeekr’s camera-based cruise management system has phantom braked me. Each had been stationary autos turning proper at visitors lights once I was going straight. It sees the item and brakes closely (60 kph to roughly 30 kph) however doesn’t come to a cease. It then realises the state of affairs and accelerates again to the set velocity.

I don’t miss filling up — diesel economic system was good, 6L/100km freeway and 10L round city. The 2016 Merc didn’t have CarPlay, so I bought a widescreen pill with a bonus dashcam. Wi-fi connection to the pill was pretty dependable, and my cellphone calls would come by way of the automotive audio system. A very good compromise for a number of hundred {dollars}. Zeekr’s Apple connectivity and integration could be a bit hit or miss. At instances, the Bluetooth won’t join and the 7X asks me to pair my cellphone. If I am going into the cellphone’s Bluetooth and join there, it’s advantageous. Might be annoying and barely irritating, as can the facial recognition which adjusts the motive force’s seat and mirror place. I’ve nominated myself as the first driver, so when the bride and I am going someplace, it assumes I’m driving (identical to the spouse does).

MB is an immediately recognisable luxurious model; Zeekr shouldn’t be (but). I checked out MB EVs, however new costs had been higher than AU$100,000 and unaffordable for me. I shortlisted: Tesla Mannequin Y, Xpeng G6, BYD Sealion 7, and Zeekr 7X. I positioned an order for an Xpeng, however put it on maintain to attend for the facelift mannequin due This fall 2025 (it’s nonetheless not right here). In August 2025, I ordered my Zeekr. The extra I learn/watched, the extra I knew the Zeekr was the appropriate automobile for me. I took supply in November and love the automotive, the way it appears, the way it drives, and the tech bundle.

I’ve solely pushed 2,000 km. I’m nonetheless getting used to the menu-based principal display screen. The driving force’s show (16” centre mounted display screen), 13” digital driver’s show, and huge HUD present all the required info, together with Zeekr’s map system, which is surprisingly good. The Zeekr assistant is horrible, tough for it to recognise a command, even instructions — so I exploit CarPlay. The cellphone app has some good options to remotely flip issues off/on. My spouse particularly loves the A/C Fast Cooling on quarter-hour earlier than we drive wherever. Ventilated seats are all the time on and the therapeutic massage possibility for each entrance seats will get used semi-regularly. There are 21 audio system that produce a transparent crisp sound, and audio system within the driver’s headrest for cellphone calls, making voice readability wonderful. Total, a superb person expertise. I’ve not been again to the vendor or wanted any after-sales service. First service is at two years.

I selected tech gray (inexperienced a detailed second), black/gray inside, Lengthy Vary RWD at AU$63,900 + on roads (~AU$69,000 whole). WLTP is 615 km (we’ll see), 800V expertise (quick charging when Australia catches up). I made a decision in opposition to the efficiency mannequin, saving $10,000 however forsaking AWD, 21” wheels, computerized doorways, much less vary, and 0–100 km/h in 3.8s (takes me 7s). I’ve not been on any lengthy journeys as but (>100 km return). I’ve charged at an Evie public charger as soon as to acquaint myself. The expertise was downside free, however the cost price did drop from 159 kW to 75 kW when all 4 charging stations had been getting used. I recall one other quarter-hour was added to my estimated cost time.

The Zeekr is filled with security options, together with AEB (bike owner and pedestrian detection), Adaptive Cruise Management (together with cease and go perform), Blind Spot Alert, Rear Cross Visitors Alert, Lane Help, Street Signal Recognition (within the present software program launch 2.0a), Driver Consideration Warning, and 360 diploma digital camera and parking sensors. In apply, ACC retains you in your lane, at a protected distance, and can cease and begin you at lights (in case you are behind somebody). If there isn’t a automotive in entrance of you, you might want to apply the brake at crimson lights and speed up when inexperienced to then re-engage the set velocity restrict. The Zeekr gained’t change your velocity when highway signal limits change, however when you press a button on the left hand aspect of the steering wheel, the automotive will recognise the velocity signal and set that velocity. I exploit “self-drive” on the freeway (two presses of the right-hand stalk to have interaction “self-drive”). I get a blue steering wheel on the sprint and blue arrows L & R when that lane is free. If I need to change lanes, I point out L or R and the automobile adjustments lanes with out me utilizing the steering wheel. Should you take your fingers off the wheel for greater than 30 seconds, you get a immediate to carry the wheel.

I requested Steve to check the fashions that he had cross shopped.

Tesla Mannequin Y:

• needed to be the facelift mannequin — launched late 2025 — no one needs a brand new automotive with an previous look
• value was $10,000 greater than a 7X, and Full Self Drive one other $10,000
• the stark cabin was a bridge too far, we each like a number of shows (even the 9 yr previous Merc had a HUD), stalks, and a few bodily buttons

Xpeng 6:

• new facelift was anticipated This fall 2025, then delayed till Q1 2026, and nonetheless not right here
• The white inside regarded elegant with twin shows

BYD Sealion 7:

• An awesome automotive however motoring journalists had it coming third or 4th by comparability

Zeekr 7X

• I positioned my order inside the first 1,000, getting a number of free upgrades — alternative of exterior color (black was no value), inside color, further two years of producer guarantee, roadside help, 10 yr battery guarantee, and three years of complimentary battery charging at Zeekr Kedron or Fortitude Valley (might imply free parking for the day additionally).
• I’ve photo voltaic and a battery at dwelling, so I exploit my extra photo voltaic to cost, typically between 1100–1600 when wholesale costs are most cost-effective (<10c/kWh). As a result of I’m not doing lengthy journeys, I cost to 80% if I’m lower than 50%. If there isn’t a solar, I isolate my battery and cost from the grid, which takes me 2–3 hrs at 22kW — whole value is $2 to $3 (50% to 80%).

The best thrill is the acceleration; the way it throws you again into your seat. I used Tremendous Sports activities mode within the Merc just a few instances (typically at lights). It stiffened up the suspension and redlined in every gear (I do know, infantile, however enjoyable). Nicely, the Zeekr is simply as thrilling and however silent. Understanding you’ve got a lot acceleration is a comforting feeling.

I don’t like boxy trying automobiles. The brand new Kia EVs are good examples, terrible IMO. I just like the look and curves of the Zeekr; refined and trendy. I’m a fan of the Tesla Mannequin Y look with the facelift mannequin over the previous mannequin. The continual gentle bar back and front appears to be a market customary for EVs. Once I open or lock the Zeekr, it shows a light-weight present and a few drivers have customised the sound information to play issues like Star Wars and the Microsoft startup sound; not me, although.

Thanks, Steve. With many 1000’s extra Zeekrs on order, I’m certain we might be seeing them on the roads and within the procuring centre carparks usually. One other step ahead as Australia’s future turns into brighter and extra electrical.