The Zeekr 001 AWD put to the test: a threat to the established players
Our condolences: anyone who drives the Zeekr 001 understands why established European brands are panicking about the Chinese. Because this luxury car is already playing on a level playing field.
The man is horrified! At the car wash, we meet a BMW driver. The typical «We drive Zeekr 001» conversation ensues. «It looks great!» he begins, and after discussing how to pronounce the name (Zeekr is pronounced ’See-kr«) and the price (starting at 59,990 Swiss francs), he takes a seat in the car for a test drive. ’Mine was 20,000 francs more expensive, but it's not any nicer inside,» sums up the BMW driver, visibly dismayed. Ouch, that hurts the established players.
Establishing a luxury brand in Europe is difficult – just look at Lexus. But Zeekr isn't just any brand: like Polestar and Volvo, Zeekr belongs to Geely and, although Chinese, is also developed in Sweden and uses the same technology – so it's not half bad. The design? A matter of taste, but dashing. Okay, maybe a little playful with the XL taillights, but chic. Let's get into the 4.96-meter-long five-door model, which is marketed as a «shooting brake» and reminds us of a luxury station wagon. Copper-colored decorative elements with the finest feel, impeccably crafted – wow! There's no doubt that the 001 is on a par with European standards. There's also plenty of space in the back, where you can relax in the lounge-like seating position.
Fully digital as a major weakness
The 001 shares its weaknesses with all fully digitalized cars. Everything, absolutely everything, is controlled via touchscreen. To change the temperature, you have to find a symbol—and then, when you press it, a window with a microscopic slider opens. Trying to hit it while driving? Good luck. But unfortunately, that's how many cars work these days. The assistance system, on the other hand, is finally not annoying, which is why we can forgive mistakes such as the speed display in the head-up display being too small.
Let's focus on driving. The steering is light but precise, and the 001 is designed for comfort, which is excellent. It handles corners very well, but does so with a feeling that is not unpleasant, but rather solid and heavy. Fast? The test version with 400 kW/544 hp and all-wheel drive takes off so fast in sport mode that the 3.8 seconds to 100 km/h is almost frightening. Plenty of power in every situation, highly responsive and very quiet. Electric has something going for it.
The range extends far
Well, maybe we'll find some flaws in the range? There are three variants: 200 kW/272 hp and rear-wheel drive for 620 WLTP standard kilometers, 400 kW/544 hp and all-wheel drive for 585 or 594 kilometers. Our «Privilege» model is supposed to manage 585 kilometers. Despite cool weather and a lot of heating, we average 547 kilometers. No annoying mental calculations about when and where we can charge, just driving. Charging takes 30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent at a fast charger (200 kW).
Luxury from China also comes at a price. The Zeekr 001 is available from 59,990 Swiss francs, while our test model with metallic paint costs 73,090 Swiss francs. It's not a bargain, no – but of course, when you adjust for equipment, it's four to five figures cheaper than established luxury cars. Sure, the name still lacks the cachet of the luxury league. But the anecdote at the end shows how seriously Zeekr should be taken: the 001 has been available in China for four years. In other words, even yesterday's China is already on a par with Europe today.
Expert opinion: Zeekr 001 AWD «Privilege»
We are impressed: at 001, you can experience firsthand just how strong the Chinese newcomers are. The Zeekr makes a successful premium debut with almost no flaws.
Advantages
+ very good range
+ outstanding comfort
+ impressive quality
Disadvantages
– Minor operational weaknesses
– somewhat light steering
We asked Linus Baumgartner, Brand Director at Zeekr Switzerland.
Mr. Baumgartner, how important is Switzerland for Zeekr?
Linus Baumgartner: The Swiss market is small, but those who succeed here succeed in Europe. Swiss customers are discerning, tech-savvy, and appreciate all-wheel drive—exactly what Zeekr delivers.
How does Zeekr differ from other new brands from China?
We are part of the international Geely Holding Group, alongside brands such as Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Zeekr designs and builds vehicles for Europe. We have our own research and development center in Gothenburg, Sweden. Our global design center is also located in Sweden.
The 001 was Zeekr's first model in Switzerland. What else is there?
In addition to the Zeekr 001, a tailor-made shooting brake, the compact SUV Zeekr X and the next-generation SUV Zeekr 7X are also available. All our models are for people who want more than just to get from A to B. More performance, more luxury, and more technology. At prices that leave more for life.
Like Leapmotor, Zeekr is imported by Emil Frey. How many dealers do you already have?
We already have 10 dealers across Switzerland and plan to have around 20 sales locations by the end of 2026. All of our Zeekr partners offer advice on an equal footing and have experts who value your car just as much as the customers themselves.
