Zeekr has presented its third model. The compact series shares the platform with the Smart #1 and is set to come to Europe. Now there are first glimpses of the interior.
The third model presented by the Geely subsidiary at the beginning of February 2023 was developed under the code name BX 1E and was previously rumored as the Zeekr 003. With the presentation it is clear: The 003 will be launched as the Zeekr X. And still in 2023 in China. From the fourth quarter of 2023, the model should also make its way onto the European market. Starting markets will be Sweden and the Netherlands.
Platform from Smart #1
With a length of 4.45 meters, it then meets competitors like the VW ID.3. With a height of 1.57 meters, it is only eight millimeters higher than a VW ID.3. The width is given as 1.84 meters. The new Zeekr shares a wheelbase of 2.75 meters with the Smart #1, from which it also inherits the SEA Entry electric drive platform. Zeekr has not yet given any technical data. These are not to be communicated until April 2023 at the Auto China trade fair. However, Zeekr already promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds.
The Smart can be used as a measure in advance. In its rear-engine variant, it starts with 200 kW (272 hp) and a maximum of 315 Nm. The battery with a capacity of 66 kWh offers a range of up to 440 kilometers in the Smart.
The design of the Zeekr X, which is more of a crossover than a compact model, is reminiscent of the models from Lynk & Co, which also come from the Geely Group. The Zeekr X was drawn in Sweden by the Geely design team around Stefan Sielaff.
The headlights are extremely slit-shaped. The short, sloping front hood flows into a gently sloping windscreen. With an extremely wide C-pillar, the glass roof then drops steeply into a large tailgate. The lateral lower window line rises sharply to the rear. The door handles are recessed on the prototype; but it probably stays with conventional rear-view mirrors. Above the flat rear window, a roof edge spoiler calms the wind. LED rear light strips underline the width of the Zeekr X.
Movable display
Shortly before the premiere, the Chinese are also providing a first glimpse of the interior. The minimalist cockpit uses two screens. The smaller display in front of the driver bundles all relevant information. There is also a head-up display that projects additional information onto the windshield. The 14.6-inch central display houses the infotainment system. A special feature here: the touchscreen can also be moved completely on a rail from the middle to the passenger side. Smartphones charge wirelessly in a charging cradle in the center console. Numerous interior elements such as the switches for the window regulators or the coat hooks shine in the copper look. The seating system in the rear seems to be designed for only two passengers. A panoramic glass roof provides plenty of light in the interior.
China launch in 2023
In China, the Zeekr X will be launched in the first half of 2023 right after its trade fair premiere. There is no date for the European launch yet. There are also no official prices yet. However, the Zeekr management indicates a basic price of around 200,000 yuan, which currently corresponds to around 27,300 euros.
Conclusion
The Geely subsidiary Zeekr brings the X, a crossover model for the compact class - also to Europe. The drive technology should match that of the Smart #1. This announces another challenger for the VW ID.3. But Geely also has a competitor in-house with the upcoming Volvo EX30 on the same platform.
