Chinese EV models like the Zeekr X are really taking the fight to the establishment.
For the past few months, it almost seems as though there’s a new Chinese BEV (battery electric vehicle) brand and model launch event every other week. This isn’t something unique to Singapore either, and this could well be the way China attempts to dominate the automotive world.
Unlike traditional car brands, most of these China EVs are clean-slate designs with no legacy “baggage”, and wear a variety of shapes built around a modular platform, oversized smartscreen and intuitive, lightning-quick UX.
This means they don’t have to worry about dealing with the re-gearing of production facilities and reworking ICE UIs and electronics to incorporate EV elements – something many of the ICE brands have been scrambling to do.
See also: Here's the all-electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4
The Geely Holding Group for instance – the umbrella under which Zeekr, Lotus Cars, Volvo, Polestar, Smart and Lynk & Co. operate – is channelling the Volkswagen Group’s pioneering modular platform initiative from decades ago, albeit for BEVs with its Sustainable Experience Architecture (or SEA for short).
For pure commuting duties in this S$100k COE climate, we reckon the sweet spot for EVs is in the sub-S$250k range (another one of our faves is the MINI Countryman SE), especially given reduced residuals for BEVs (due to the Early Adoption discounts, rapidfire updated models and technology obsolescence).
See also: MINI Aceman SE Drive Review : Ace of Hearts
After all, some consumers prefer not to bear the brunt of depreciating technology if they don’t have to, especially for something engineered to fulfil strictly functional commuting duties?
ICYMI, after parting ways with Audi, Premium Automobiles has taken on two Chinese EV brands, XPeng and Zeekr.
In many ways, the rise of EVs has democratised the playing field and made it easier for new entrants to compete. Folks no longer slavishly follow the traditional manufacturers, but look at hard stats, features and a visually-appealing shape.
Moreover, the Chinese have been at mass BEVs for the better part of a decade, so whatever’s on sale today in an export market like Singapore can hardly be considered a fledgling attempt. For instance, in terms of crash-worthiness, the Zeekr X has a five-star EuroNCAP rating for crash safety.
The S$234,999 iteration of the Zeekr X we’ve borrowed is the high-powered AWD “Flagship” model, with dual-motors delivering a combined 428hp and 543Nm (the single-motor RWD “Standard” model sees 272hp and 343Nm and costs S$219,999). Singapore’s calculation for EV road tax follows its power output, with the AWD attracting around S$4.4k a year and the RWD, S$2k.
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Not everyone needs their EVs to deliver blistering performance, especially given the no-lag delivery of even a basic electric motor that already makes every EV so brisk in Singapore’s start-stop traffic.
The “Flagship” serves up serious performance (yes, even in the corners) but we reckon the 272hp of the “Standard” will be perfectly fine for most owners.
However, tech-fans may like to know that the AWD features the 24.3-inch AR-HUD, which sees graphics projected on the windscreen to overlay objects on the road ahead, which helps enhance GPS instructions.
The X is a smart-looking car with pretty cool visual elements (like the ZEEKR motif on its tail-gate), while the compact crossover-hatchback shape does a good job of disguising its proportions.
The test-car’s Grid Grey is a classy and sophisticated colour that should prove a good fit in the office carpark for the up-and-coming executive, although we feel the X will also serve transport duties for empty-nesters perfectly as well.
As we mentioned earlier, whichever EV you choose in the sub-S$250k segment tends to be a function of cost and cool factor, be it in terms of design or features, and there’s quite a lot to like with the X.
The cabin is clean and minimalist (with a smattering of discreet rose gold accents and even an engaging light show), especially with all the features (drive, 360º camera, navigation, entertainment and so on) controlled by the central “floating” 14.6-inch touchscreen.
The panoramic roof allows for plenty of light in the cabin, which contributes to its air ambience. It cannot be darkened, but we’re told it is treated to reject up to 99.9% UV and more than 82% infra-red rays.
It’s got some quirky options including the refrigerator unit in the centre console.
Controlled via the touchscreen, one can drop the temperature to below freezing for when you’re transporting ice-cream… as we were!
It also gets a tub-thumping Yamaha 13-speaker surround sound system, which creates a sublime and immersive entertainment experience for when you’re parked. Don’t forget, one of the benefits of EVs is the ability to keep the air-con running without any exhaust emissions.
All in, the Zeekr X is a chirpy, full-featured all-rounder that ticks a lot of checklists in terms of looks and features, and could mark the spot for shoppers in this increasingly hotly contested segment.
Zeekr X “Flagship” AWD
Battery 66kWh (Gross), 400V
Power 428hp
Maximum torque 543Nm
0–100km/h 3.8secs
Top Speed 190km/h
WLTP range (combined) 420km
Kerbweight est. 2-tonnes
Price S$234,999 (at time of writing)
