logo
Zeekr 7X review: The best premium electric SUV you can't buy (yet)

Zeekr 7X review: The best premium electric SUV you can't buy (yet)

Independent12-05-2025

If the Zeekr 7X were on sale in the UK right now, it would lay claim to being one of the best premium, mid-size, all-electric SUVs you can buy – assuming the price is right. Sadly, we're going to have to wait until 2026 before we can buy one, by which time this fast-moving market may well have moved on.
Regardless, the Zeekr 7X offers a feeling of quality that doesn't exist in the Tesla Model Y and is missing from many other rivals. It does what it needs to do well, if not spectacularly. The look is smart but generic, while the drive needs a bit more work for UK roads. We expect the 7X will get a few tweaks before next year to give it a better balance between feeling slightly floaty over dips, crests and through corners, while having a firm-ish ride at lower speeds.
The interior has some clever storage touches, some neat tech features like powered doors that open and close automatically, a lovely 16in touchscreen and plenty of space.
The range for the big battery car we drove is good at 382 miles and 400kW fast charging is seriously impressive. Find the right charger and the 7X can go from 10 to 80 per cent in around 16 minutes.
How we tested
Zeekr and the 7X are expected to come to the UK next year, but until then we grabbed the chance to get behind the wheel of a 7X in Zeekr's hometown of Hangzhou in China. We drove it on Chinese urban roads and considered its performance in all the most important areas of any new SUV.
Zeekr 7X: From £45,000 (est), Zeekr.eu
Independent rating: 8/10
Pros Fast charging tech, nicely made, lots of advanced kit
Cons You can say the same about a host of other EV SUVs
Zeekr 7X specs
Price range £45,000 to £60,000 (est)
Battery size 75 & 100kWh
Maximum claimed range 382 miles
Miles per kWh 3.5
Maximum charging rate 400kW
Battery, range, charging, performance and drive
We drove the top-spec 100kWh Zeekr 7X, which claims an impressive range of 382 miles, almost matching the Tesla Model Y. However, it outpunches the Tesla when it comes to charging speeds of up to 400kW, meaning even that big battery can get a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 16 minutes – if there's a suitable fast charger to hand.
In addition to the 100kWh battery, Zeekr is likely to also offer a 75kWh battery with a range just shy of 298 miles. The 10 to 80 per cent charge time drops to 13 minutes for this version.
On our test drive in China we found the Zeekr had a slightly odd ride. The car is firm at low speeds, but the body control was a little slack, meaning you're likely to find your head bobbing as you go around corners or over longer undulations – that's a rare combination. Zeekr tells us that it will tweak the car's suspension before the car goes on sale in the UK and we didn't find it uncomfortable anyway.
The air suspension does make it easy to adjust the car's height, which Zeekr claims gives the car some mild off-roading ability as well as tackling speed humps. There's no doubting the 7X's performance either – it's mighty quick with a best 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds.
The inside of the Zeekr 7X is beautifully made, spacious and clever. It's also easy to get in and out. The front doors are powered so you just press a button on the door pillar to open them, get in and put your foot on the brake to both start the car and shut the door.
The rear doors open to nearly 90 degrees for easy access, so you pretty much just step in and sit down. There's loads of space in the back too, with a lovely full-length panoramic sunroof and clever drawers under the rear seats.
The front seats are comfortable with heating, ventilation and massaging functions. But it's the tasteful blend of quality materials that give the 7X a real premium feel inside. Like the rest of the car, the interior has been designed in Europe in Zeekr's design studio in Gothenburg, and it shows – the quality on display is a league above the rival Tesla Model Y.
There's good storage space inside the car, a decent-sized frunk under the bonnet and a huge 539l boot with fold-down rear seats too.
Technology, stereo and infotainment
As you'd expect from a Chinese car maker, the Zeekr 7X is packed with tech. There's every conceivable safety system on board, plus driver assistance features that will all be updated over the air via the car's 5G data connection.
The 16in touchscreen looks good and features the latest Snapdragon chip, so it works quickly and smoothly. There are a few hard keys beneath the display, but lots of the controls will still need to go through the screen, or via voice control – which worked well on our test drive in China.
There's a digital display in front of the driver plus, on our car, the best head-up display we've ever used. It measures 36in diagonally, features speed and navigation information, and will even show you live video footage of your blind spots when you indicate to change lanes.
Our car had a Dolby Atmos audio system on board, which included speakers in the headrests. Those speakers are also used for some of the instructions coming from the infotainment system.
Prices and running costs
We're unlikely to see Zeekr cars in the UK until early 2026 – discussions with potential dealers are ongoing – but prices are set to be competitive with the big-selling Tesla Model Y. Zeekr Europe lists three models on its website: a Core rear-wheel drive model with a 75kWh battery that we'd expect to cost around £45,000, a Long Range rear-wheel drive car with a 100kWh battery that we think would cost just over £50,000, and then the range-topping Privilege all-wheel drive car with the biggest battery that will likely get a price just over £55,000.
Zeekr already has a European base, which should help with the supply of parts and lead to lower insurance costs. And the impressive ranges that Zeekr claims puts the 7X on a par with the Tesla and ahead of some other rivals.
Zeekr 7X rivals
Tesla Model Y
Xpeng G6
Kia EV6
FAQs
How long does it take to charge?
The Zeekr 7X gets 800V technology with super-fast charging at up to 400kW. Zeekr says the small battery will get a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 13 minutes, with the 100kWh battery taking just three minutes longer.
How much does it cost - is it worth it?
When the Zeekr 7X eventually arrives in the UK, we'd expect it to be competitive against the Tesla Model Y – our guess would be a price range from around £45,000 to just over £55,000.
As with all EVs, Zeekr will guarantee the battery for eight years.
Why trust us
Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic.
The verdict: Zeekr 7X
The Zeekr 7X is designed and engineered in Gothenburg and built in China for a Chinese brand, and it has the might of Geely behind it. It's very impressive too, but finding a real point of difference in an increasingly crowded market is the biggest challenge facing this lesser known brand.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Brailsford to scale back involvement at Man Utd
Brailsford to scale back involvement at Man Utd

BBC News

time19 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Brailsford to scale back involvement at Man Utd

Sir Dave Brailsford is to scale back his involvement with Manchester Brailsford will remain on the football club board, he will concentrate his energies in his wider role as director of sport at has played an integral role in the overhaul at United since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a minority stake in the club in December was a leading figure in driving through the revamping of United's Carrington training complex, which is set to be fully completed at some point in while his presence has attracted criticism in some quarters, Brailsford remains close to Ratcliffe and will have some involvement at United, but not at the same believe they have a solid football leadership group in place, led by chief executive Omar Berrada and also including director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, technical director Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt British Cycling performance director Brailsford stepped down as team principal of cycling team Ineos Grenadiers after Ratcliffe acquired his stake in had been in control of the outfit since its inception as Team Sky in 2010.

M&S finally relaunch online clothes shop after data leak – here's how to buy the best bits & it's NOT via their website
M&S finally relaunch online clothes shop after data leak – here's how to buy the best bits & it's NOT via their website

The Sun

time26 minutes ago

  • The Sun

M&S finally relaunch online clothes shop after data leak – here's how to buy the best bits & it's NOT via their website

IT'S the moment millions of fashionistas have been patiently waiting for - the return of Marks & Spencer. The popular retailer has been dealing with chaos that began in April when cyber crooks launched a "highly sophisticated" attack that's still causing carnage behind the scenes, hitting everything from online orders to in-store stock. The cyber attack, which kicked off over Easter weekend, has been one of the worst to hit the high street in years. It has forced M&S to halt online orders and triggered widespread disruption, including a £300million blow to profits. Customer info was also nicked during the breach, with security experts now blaming 'Scattered Spider' — a notorious cyber gang thought to be behind the chaos. Online shopping is still out of action and is expected to remain patchy until at least July, with fashion, home and beauty sales taking a battering. Last weekend, bosses said it could still take around "five or six weeks" until shoppers can carry out online clothing orders. Some stores have even been stripped of staples like bananas and Colin the Caterpillar cakes, and popular meal deals were pulled in smaller branches. But as M&S bosses still deal with the situation, the mega retailer has found a way to treat fashionistas - and it's not on their website. Those on the lookout for a new summer wardrobe will be delighted to hear that M&S has partnered with the online marketplace eBay. Similarly to M&S official website, their eBay page boasts just about anything you'd need - whether it's last-minute swimwear for a beach holiday or new office clothing. When clicking on the type of item you're after, such as a skirt or jeans, it will automatically come up with different size options. Fashion fans are racing to Primark for 'gorgeous' new £16 skirt that's 'perfect' for holidays and will hide your mum tum Once finding your right one, the site will narrow it down and showcase the gorgeous picks you can order online. Online shoppers can also expect to pay £1.95 for delivery - which can take several days. The new partnership also shows you how many other bargain hunters are looking at the item now - which comes in handy in case you don't want to miss out on the deals. Timeline of cyber attack Saturday, April 19: Initial reports emerge on social media of problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect services at M&S stores across the UK. Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Monday, April 21: Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. M&S officially acknowledges the "cyber incident" in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. CEO Stuart Machin apologises for the disruption and confirms "minor, temporary changes" to store operations. M&S notifies the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and engages external cybersecurity experts. Tuesday, April 22: Disruptions continue. M&S takes further systems offline as part of "proactive management". Wednesday, April 23: Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. Thursday, April 24: Contactless payments and click-and-collect services are still unavailable. Reports surface suggesting the attackers possibly gained access to data in February. Friday, April 25: M&S suspends all online and app orders in the UK and Ireland for clothing and food, although customers can still browse products. This decision leads to a 5% drop in M&S's share price. Monday, April 28: M&S is still unable to process online orders. Around 200 agency workers at the main distribution centre are told to stay home. Tuesday, April 29: Information suggests that the hacker group Scattered Spider is likely behind the attack. Shoppers spot empty shelves in selected stores. Tuesday, May 13: M&S revealed that some customer information has been stolen. Wednesday, May 21: The retailer said disruption from the attack is expected to continue through to July. Several of the stunning pieces are now also on sale, with dresses slashed to as little as £15. There are also heaps of summery swimwear to choose from - and they're all under £30. Meanwhile, M&S isn't the only store facing cyber trouble. What is a cyber attack? A CYBER attack is any deliberate attempt to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks, or digital devices. These attacks can target individuals, businesses, or even governments, and their motives can range from financial gain to political disruption. Cyber attacks can take many forms, employing various techniques to achieve their malicious goals. Common types of cyber attacks include: Malware: Malicious software designed to damage or gain control of a system. Examples include viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. Phishing: Deceptive attempts to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details, often through fake emails or websites. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Flooding a network or server with traffic to overwhelm its resources and make it unavailable to legitimate users. SQL Injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in website databases to gain unauthorised access to data. Ransomware: Malware that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its release. Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into performing actions or divulging confidential information. Co-op was forced to shut down part of its IT system after facing a hacking attempt in April. It confirmed that it had "taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe". It was later revealed that the personal data of a "significant number" of its 6.2million customers and former members had been stolen. The details included names, contact information, and dates of birth. However, the retailer assured customers that passwords, credit card details, and transaction information were not compromised. Full services resumed on May 14, following the reactivation of its online ordering system. Luxury retailer, Harrods, was also another victim of last month's hacking saga. They had warned shoppers about "restricted internet access" due to the attempted breach, which caused difficulties for some customers trying to make payments.

Birmingham aim to reach Premier League next year
Birmingham aim to reach Premier League next year

BBC News

time30 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Birmingham aim to reach Premier League next year

Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner says the club are targeting successive promotions and reaching the Premier League next year "is certainly the goal".The League One champions broke the EFL record for most points in a season in 2024-25, and the American businessman told BBC Sport he wants the club to return to the top flight "as quickly as we can".With plans for a new stadium handed a major boost on Tuesday, after the government confirmed investment in local transport links, Wagner believes the Blues will be "highly competitive" in the he says that is because the club's commercial revenues will be "very close to, if not in line with" those of rivals in receipt of parachute payments. Leicester City, Southampton and Ipswich Town will each benefit from almost £50m next season, having been relegated from the Premier spent £25m after dropping down from the Championship last year, and Wagner vowed to be "very active in the transfer market" this summer in a bid to build on the progress under "exceptional" manager Chris added he is open to the idea of clubs playing some cup matches overseas as a means of growing an international fanbase. 'Unique opportunity' A "thrilled" Wagner was speaking after his hopes for a new 62,000-seat stadium to replace St Andrews took a significant step forward, with government funding for a new tramline to a planned £3bn 'Sports Quarter' in the east of the club's owners, US investment firm Knighthead Capital - which Wagner founded - wants to build a 125-acre sports and leisure complex on abandoned land in Bordesley Green, and have been trying to persuade ministers to grant the West Midlands billions of pounds to fund new transport links for the regeneration that has been achieved, he says the aim is for the "transformative" Sports Quarter - which will also include a 20,000-seat arena, hotel and training complex for the club's men's, women's and academy teams - to be open by 2030."We needed the transport links to ensure the site was viable," said Wagner."This will be an entertainment venue unlike many others in the world.""We have a unique opportunity. If you look across western Europe you'd be hard pressed to find another city with that much land available... where a project of this magnitude could be created."This will be a venue that is used 365 days a year, we'll create 8,500 jobs... the goal would be to host a whole range of international events, not solely football but American football, rugby."Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady is a minority owner of Birmingham asked if there was a risk that the new stadium would result in higher ticket prices for supporters, Wagner said: "If you price out the fans that are here you have different people sitting in the stands, you lose the singing, you lose the passion and then you've lost your product."We have to remember this is a club of the people and that means the solution for growing commercial revenue is not solved through ticket prices, it's solved through making a better product."Last year, Birmingham City's former chief executive Garry Cook said it would be "a great idea" if they played a league match against fellow US-owned club Wrexham on American soil."I don't think that it makes sense to do it necessarily with regular-season matches," said asked what he thought about potentially playing some domestic cup matches in the US, he said: "It's something that has to be thought of."When you think about the top-tier clubs in the Premier League, they're competing globally, which means that they have to have global fans and global-scale revenue, and if that means playing some matches overseas to create more following and revenue for the club I think that's a good thing."You have to find a way to do it that doesn't take away from your local community, so it's very much a balancing act. There's a very fine line that needs to be walked there, but I think for the top clubs it's something that has to be seriously considered."Perhaps there's a different tournament, or something that happens that allows for that, maybe at a different point in time in the season. There's a whole series of ways that could be pursued beyond simply the pre-season tours."When asked what assurances he could give to fans concerned about the number of English clubs now controlled by US investors, Wagner said: "The reason Americans are drawn to investing here is because it's English football."If we 'Americanise' it, then it's lost everything that drew people here in the first place."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store