Chinese electric SUVs are flooding the Australian market, and the Zeekr 7X might just be the most impressive one yet. With a starting price under $60,000 and a performance variant that challenges the Tesla Model Y Performance at $10,000 less, this electric SUV deserves serious attention.
We spent extensive time testing the top-spec Zeekr 7X Performance All-Wheel Drive to see if it lives up to the hype. Here’s everything you need to know.
Zeekr 7X: Price and Variants
The Zeekr 7X range in Australia:
- Entry-level model: Under $60,000
- Long Range RWD: Mid-range pricing
- Performance AWD (tested): Just over $70,000
For context, the Tesla Model Y Performance costs over $80,000, making the Zeekr 7X Performance a compelling $10K+ cheaper alternative with comparable performance.
Design and Exterior: Head-Turner Styling
The Zeekr 7X sports an aggressive, modern design that genuinely turns heads. Our test vehicle came in a stunning shade of green that blends beautifully with the contrasting black and body-colored elements on the front fascia.
Exterior Highlights:
Front Design
- Full LED headlights with a straightforward, clean design
- Variable cooling flaps at the bottom that open as required
- Body-colored panels contrasting with gloss black accents
- LED daytime running lights
Side Profile
- 21-inch machined-finish alloy wheels (Performance AWD)
- Sporty 265mm tires front and rear
- Cameras integrated into wing mirrors for parking and autonomous driving
- Full panoramic glass roof
- Electronic door buttons (more on functionality later)
Rear Design
- Full LED light strip that runs across the entire width
- Hidden rear wiper tucked elegantly at the top
- “Zeekr 7X” branding
- Light show feature (admittedly gimmicky but impressive at night)
Note: There’s piano black trim on the exterior, which remains a questionable design choice given how easily it scratches and shows wear.
Performance: Sub-4-Second Acceleration
The Zeekr 7X Performance AWD is powered by dual electric motors—one on each axle—delivering jaw-dropping numbers:
Power and Acceleration
- Power: Nearly 500 kW
- Torque: Just under 800 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 3.76 seconds (tested at 50% battery capacity)
- 80-120 km/h overtaking: 1.83 seconds
- Top speed: Limited electronically
Braking Performance
- Massive 380mm front rotors with four-piston Akebono brake calipers
- 100-0 km/h: 36.18 meters in 2.57 seconds
- Exceptional stopping power for a vehicle this size
These performance figures put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y Performance, and in real-world testing, the acceleration is absolutely explosive. Pin the throttle, and it launches you back into the seat with serious force.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The Zeekr 7X Performance AWD features impressive battery and charging specs:
Battery Specifications
- Battery capacity: 100 kWh (NMC chemistry on top two variants)
- Driving range: Over 500 km (WLTP) for Performance AWD
- Long Range RWD: Over 600 km range
- Entry-level: LFP battery
Charging Capabilities
- Architecture: 800-volt system
- DC fast charging: Over 400 kW (when battery is primed)
- AC charging: 22 kW three-phase
- Charge port: Electric cover that closes automatically
Important Note: The NMC battery is recommended to charge only to 80-90% for daily use, reserving 100% charges for longer trips. This is standard for NMC chemistry batteries.
Real-World Efficiency
During predominantly highway driving, the 7X achieved approximately 20 kWh per 100 km, which is impressive for a performance SUV of this size and weight.
Interior: Premium and Feature-Packed
Step inside, and the Zeekr 7X immediately impresses with its thoughtful design and premium materials.
Materials and Build Quality
- Nappa leather seats (Performance AWD)
- Soft-touch materials on door panels and center console
- Excellent panel fit and solid build quality throughout
- Multiple color tones that create visual interest without being overwhelming
Technology and Infotainment
Screens
- 16-inch central touchscreen (one of the best Chinese infotainment systems tested)
- 13-inch driver display
- 35-inch heads-up display (projected size) – genuinely impressive
Infotainment Features
- Wireless Apple CarPlay (full-screen with bottom shortcut access)
- Android Auto (wireless)
- 10-speaker Zeekr Sound system (excellent audio quality)
- Dual 50W wireless charging pads with cooling
- Built-in satellite navigation
- Screen casting capability
- SMS messaging
- Sentry mode
- Voice recognition (works well most of the time)
Minor Issues: CarPlay occasionally dropped out through toll gantries, though it reconnected quickly. This is a frustrating quirk that needs addressing.
Unique Features
Electronic Doors Press a button, and doors open automatically with proximity sensors to avoid hitting obstacles. When you press the brake pedal, doors close automatically—very Rolls-Royce-like.
Camera for Kids A brilliant feature: press a button to view the second row via camera, perfect for checking on children without turning around. Though less useful for rear-facing child seats, it’s incredibly practical.
Interchangeable Center Console The center console storage can be replaced with modules like a fridge—genuinely innovative thinking for family vehicles.
Comfort and Practicality
Front Seats
- Nappa leather with heating, cooling, and massage functions
- Electric adjustment: forwards/backwards, cushion adjustment, lumbar support
- Massage function accessible via screen or seat buttons
- Comfort note: Seats felt slightly firm with limited lower back support for extended highway driving
Second Row
- Exceptional space with the driver’s seat all the way back
- Excellent knee room, toe room, and headroom
- Individual air vents with separate controls
- Privacy blinds on windows (top spec)
- Individual child lock buttons on each door
- USB-C and USB-A outlets
- Center armrest with cup holders
- Comfortable seating for adults
Cargo Space
- Boot capacity: Over 500 liters with deep underfloor storage
- Seats folded: Approximately 2,000 liters
- Frunk: About 40 liters under the hood
- 12-volt outlet in boot
- Powered tailgate
- Air suspension allows lowering for easier loading
Storage and Connectivity
- Large center console (or fridge module)
- Dual 50W wireless charging with cooling
- Two USB-C outlets in front
- Cup holders
- Glove box (reasonably sized)
- Missing: 12-volt outlet in cabin, sunglasses holder
Driving Dynamics and Handling
Suspension and Ride Quality
The Zeekr 7X Performance AWD uses air suspension with adaptive damping, offering three modes:
Comfort Mode: Too floaty and bouncy, especially on imperfect roads. Feels like American-style suspension tuning with limited sophistication. Not recommended.
Standard Mode: Well-balanced for most driving situations. Handles highway driving at 130 km/h smoothly and predictably.
Sport Mode: Tightens everything up beautifully. Minimal body roll through corners with excellent control and stability.
Verdict: Stick with Standard or Sport modes. The suspension performed well at highway speeds but struggled slightly with high-frequency bumps on condensed sine waves—a minor tuning issue rather than a deal-breaker.
Steering and Handling
Despite its size and weight, the Zeekr 7X feels surprisingly agile:
- Excellent steering feedback with good weight and precision
- Impressive grip from the 265mm performance tires
- Minimal body roll in Sport mode
- Confidence-inspiring through corners and hairpins
- Electronic Stability Control has a Sport mode for more playful driving
The big Akebono brakes deliver consistent, powerful stopping with excellent pedal feel—crucial for a performance EV.
Regenerative Braking
Single-pedal driving mode is available but not as strong as Tesla’s system. The regen is fairly aggressive when you lift off, but the vehicle takes a long time to come to a complete stop, requiring frequent brake pedal use. The pedal feel is good, but the regen tuning could be more refined.
Autonomous Driving and Safety
Driver Assistance Features
- Multiple cameras around the vehicle for 360-degree view
- Self-steering mode on freeways (works adequately)
- Automatic lane change function (success rate around 60%)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Multiple camera view angles including 3D view
- Auto parking feature
Positive: Safety aids don’t automatically re-enable when you restart the car, reducing annoyance factor.
Negative: Lane change function frequently cancels itself mid-operation (40% failure rate), which needs improvement via over-the-air updates.
Visibility Concerns
Sun Visor Issue: The sun visor is far too short, covering only a tiny portion of the windscreen. With low sun on the horizon, it’s practically useless unless you raise your seat significantly.
Rear Visibility: Poor visibility out the back window due to the sloping design. This desperately needs a digital rear view mirror to compensate—a surprising omission given all the other tech features.
Road Noise and Refinement
On coarse chip roads with the 21-inch performance wheels and sporty tires, there’s noticeable road noise at highway speeds. It’s not overly intrusive but more pronounced than the Xpeng G6.
This is somewhat expected with performance-oriented tire choices, but the cabin isn’t as silent as some European rivals at speed
Xeekr 7X vs Tesla Model Y Performance
FeatureZeekr 7X Performance AWDTesla Model Y PerformancePrice~$70,000$80,000+0-100 km/h3.76 seconds~3.5 secondsRange500+ km514 kmPower~500 kW393 kWBattery100 kWh75 kWhInterior QualityPremium Nappa leatherVegan leatherCharging400+ kW250 kWUnique FeaturesCamera for kids, interchangeable console, privacy blindsSupercharger network access
Verdict: The Zeekr 7X offers better value, more features, larger battery, and faster charging at $10K+ less. Tesla wins on charging infrastructure and slightly sharper handling dynamics.
Pros and Cons
Pros ✅
- Outstanding value: $10K+ cheaper than Model Y Performance
- Explosive acceleration: 3.76s 0-100 km/h
- Exceptional braking: 36m stopping distance
- Premium interior with thoughtful features
- Massive 100 kWh battery with 500km+ range
- 800-volt architecture with 400kW+ fast charging
- Family-friendly features: Kid camera, privacy blinds, massive space
- Excellent infotainment system (best Chinese system tested)
- Over-the-air updates for continuous improvement
- Impressive design that turns heads
Cons ❌
- Comfort mode too floaty – needs suspension tuning refinement
- Front seat comfort could be better for long drives
- Short sun visor – practically useless
- Poor rear visibility – desperately needs digital mirror
- CarPlay occasionally drops out through toll gantries
- Lane change function unreliable (60% success rate)
- Single-pedal driving not as refined as Tesla
- Piano black exterior trim (scratches easily)
- Road noise noticeable at highway speeds with performance tires
- No 12V outlet in cabin or sunglasses holder
Real-World Ownership Concerns
As with many new Chinese brands entering Australia, potential buyers should consider:
- After-sales support: How responsive is service?
- Parts availability: Wait times for repairs after accidents
- Dealership network: Proximity to service centers
- Long-term reliability: Still relatively unknown
If you own a Zeekr, we’d love to hear your experience with ownership, servicing, and parts in the comments.
Final Verdict
The Zeekr 7X Performance All-Wheel Drive is potentially the best electric car tested in 2025. It’s genuinely hard to fault at this price point.
For around $70,000, you’re getting:
- Near-500kW performance that rivals $80K+ competitors
- A massive 100kWh battery with 500km+ range
- Premium interior with family-focused features
- Exceptional value for money
While it has minor niggles (suspension tuning in Comfort mode, rear visibility, sun visor length), none are deal-breakers. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars
Who Should Buy It?
Perfect for:
- Families wanting space, features, and performance
- EV enthusiasts seeking value over brand prestige
- Drivers who prioritize technology and comfort
- Anyone cross-shopping Tesla Model Y Performance
Not ideal for:
- Brand-conscious buyers (Zeekr lacks recognition)
- Those needing extensive fast-charging infrastructure (Supercharger advantage)
- Buyers concerned about resale value uncertainty
