The growing presence of Chinese vehicles is a hot topic. It’s a completely pertinent discussion point too, with market share growing to 18 per cent across 2025. While no expert, this writer has driven his fair share of good and not-so-good examples.
Opinions are humble in these parts. So when asked, the response often draws comparison to Korea, which over the course of 30 years has become an automotive force to be reckoned with.
With this reference point however, the Chinese vehicles marketed today are as good as the Koreans were 10 years ago, perhaps even better. One more generation will see them near perfect for Australian conditions.
Then there’s the Zeekr 7X; not just the best EV this writer drove in the last 12 months, but the stand out electric vehicle yours truly has got behind the wheel of – to date. If that’s not bold enough, it’s also the best Chinese vehicle I’ve ever driven.
The Swedish design house charged with drawing up the exterior of all Zeekr vehicles must be commended. It’s far more European than Chinese, and thankfully devoid of exaggerated lines that often lead to what we call the “hippopotamus” effect.
Instead, it’s slinky, low and wide – reminiscent of a Polestar 4. It’s no moot point given both brands are owned by automotive monolith Geely.
Strictly speaking it’s an SUV, but it could almost be a gran-coupe when you trace the lines from the front Matrix LED headlights through to the rear tailgate. The 21-inch wheels with beefy Continental 265/40 rubber fill out the guards perfectly too.
That’s regardless of where you set the air suspension – and it’s definitely the looker in this AWD Performance specification. The understated, minimalist theme continues inside, but not before making you contend with access.
An initial press of what appeared to be door handles was fruitless, until we spotted a round button on the B-pillar which controls the most contentious feature of the 7X, it’s self-opening doors.
Once the realm of Roll Royce buyers, a touch of said button will open each frameless door right out, up to a claimed 90-degrees for the rear row. They’re smart and deploy various sensors to ensure they don’t open enough to hit an object in the way.
Closing is a similar affair, handled by another button on the Nappa-leather lined armrests – although question marks remain on errant fingers when closing. Once inside, a wonderfully comfortable driver’s chair is a great spot to take in the cabin.
Ours had the brighter Black and Grey interior which works well with the Crystal White finish outside. It makes for an airy cabin, which is only exacerbated by a classy minimalism reminiscent of our time in the Deepal E07 not so long ago.
Unlike the Deepal though, the Zeekr 7X features sensible switchgear on the chunky steering wheel, along with a 13-inch instrument cluster. That’s matched to a 16-inch central screen which provides a dazzlingly clear output.
The interface is the best we’ve found in a Chinese car thus far, but remained a little taxing to learn within the 7-day loan period. Regardless, it’s from here that one can access wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both were a little temperamental in wired capacity at times, which is hopefully a bug that can be fixed over-the-air. Audio is courtesy of a proprietary 21-speaker sound system which provided solid output and fidelity.
One can also access various massage, heating and ventilation controls for outboard seats across both rows, along with other settings such as an almost complete recline for the passenger.
In fact, the front row offers no less than 14 electrified ways to get comfortable, and the rear row can recline up to 10-degrees. All sexy words on a page, but ultimately, it’s supremely easy to relax in this cabin.
The rear row gets an unexpected amount of room too, with ample space for adults to sit in comfort while taking in some sunshine from the fixed-pane full glass roof. The cabin is devoid of traditional vents.
Instead, air flows surreptitiously from a large horizontal design feature across the dash. Controls for these are through the infotainment screen, with settings that include static, sweeping and a swirl-type effect.
It’s a little kitsch but it does work, albeit with a few more decibels than we’d like. Fundamentally though, there’s too many screen interactions required to navigate such a simple function.
Despite what is a beautifully finished cabin with soft touch materials everywhere, it’s disappointing to hear a rattle in the door and some squeaking from other surfaces – almost like a plastic-on-plastic that we couldn’t pinpoint.
It wouldn’t be as big an issue if the cabin wasn’t an otherwise incredibly quiet, comfortable and serene place to spend even the shortest period of time. Propulsion comes from dual motors capable of a combined 475kW and 710Nm.
She’s not dainty though, with a kerb weight a whisker-shy of 2500kg and a wheelbase that eclipses a 250 Prado by 50mm. Despite that, it can sprint to 100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds, pinning all five occupants well into the back of those soft padded seats.
Perhaps the biggest difference between this and its rivals is that it will turn at the end of the straight. That meaty steering wheel possesses an uncharacteristic-for-Chinese level of feel. It’s far from perfect but decidedly more than we’ve experienced anywhere else.
The air suspension calibrations provide satisfyingly equal measures of bump suppression and control through bends. On the freeway it was supple and smooth, but those tyres were quite noisy on coarse chip.
There is no hiding the weight, but ultimately the front tucks in and holds, with understeer only appearing where you’re pushing too hard for this type of vehicle. It can be a little rough and crash-y over the worst of Sydney’s pimple-faced road infrastructure though.
Ultimately, it reminds me of Audi’s Q6 e-tron in the way it rides, both when pottering and pushing. To be clear, that’s a compliment. The inclusion of 800v infrastructure can support 480kw DC fast charging.
That will facilitate a claimed 10-80 per cent charge in as little as 13 minutes, if you can find a charger up to the task. We found that we could add roughly 120km overnight on a 10-amp wall plug – towards a total claimed range of 543km.
Needless to say, safety is well covered given the remaining amenity, with the full gamut of inclusions one would expect. It’s noteworthy that it hasn’t yet undergone local safety testing for an ANCAP score.
Regardless, Zeekr’s 7X sets a new standard for Chinese manufactured vehicles in Australia. It’s a big call yes, but perhaps even more intriguing is that you could have this standard for $72,900 plus on road costs.
If you don’t believe us, take one for a drive – and comment below! You can find out more on the Zeekr Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Zeekr Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
