Video: Zeekr 7X first drive – Off road and on track

Zeekr is gearing up for New Zealand, and the 7X will be the brand’s second SUV here later this year, and its third model overall. Distributed locally by NordEast — part of the Giltrap Group — the five-seat premium electric SUV promises to combine performance, technology and everyday practicality in a sharp-looking package.

The New Zealand line-up starts with the rear-drive 7X at $69,990, then the Long Range RWD at $79,990, and finally the Performance AWD at $94,990. The Performance delivers 475 kW and 710 Nm, sprinting from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds with a top speed north of 200 km/h. The Long Range model claims up to 615 km on the WLTP cycle.

All three use an 800V electrical system, but only the 75 kWh LFP pack is marketed as the “Golden Battery.” That unit can charge from 10 to 80% in as little as 13 minutes on a 360 kW fast charger, peaking at an impressive 450 kW. The other two use the 100 kWh NCM battery that charges virtually as quickly.

Off the road

Because compliance delays have kept cars off public roads in Australia, our first encounter came at The Bend Motorsport Park in Adelaide. And instead of suburban streets, Zeekr pointed us toward a quarry. On loose gravel, the AWD model quickly impressed. The traction systems worked overtime to keep the SUV in line, refusing to let it get truly sideways even when pushed. Ride comfort was excellent and the cabin was well insulated, keeping noise from gravel pinging at bay. The Performance model’s air suspension kept the body calm and composed even on road tyres.

With the suspension raised to its highest setting, throttle response softened, and hill-descent control on standby, the 7X took sandy ruts and a mudhole in stride. This isn’t the sort of vehicle you’d buy to crawl rocks, but it’s good to know it can deal with a snowy ski field carpark or a boggy paddock entrance.

On the track

Circuit time showed a different side. The Long Range RWD was up first and felt more like a big sports saloon than a two-tonne SUV. Acceleration was brisk, braking firm and confidence-inspiring, and handling more agile than expected. The real eye-opener came with the Performance AWD.

Punch the throttle and its 475 kW output makes itself known instantly. Down the main straight it surged past 200 km/h yet still felt stable and predictable. Even after multiple hot laps the brakes held strong, the steering provided useful feedback, and the chassis stayed planted.

Chassis and drive tech

The 7X is built on Geely’s SEA architecture, designed from the start as an EV platform. The battery pack sits low in the chassis to keep the centre of gravity down. The RWD and Long Range use a single 310 kW motor on the rear axle, while the Performance adds a front motor for a combined 475 kW and all-wheel drive. Torque distribution is handled in milliseconds by software that constantly monitors grip.

On the Performance, adaptive air suspension with continuous damper control can drop the ride height for sharp cornering or lift it for rougher tracks. The tuning feels right: compliant and quiet off-road, poised and hunkered down on circuit.

Inside the 7X

The cabin lives up to the premium billing. There’s generous space with 539 litres in the boot plus a 62-litre frunk. Performance models add powered doors and massaging, heated and cooled seats. A 16-inch centre touchscreen powered by Qualcomm’s 8295 Snapdragon chip runs the infotainment, while a 36-inch augmented reality head-up display is optional.

Driver aids include adaptive cruise, surround view, cross-traffic alerts and full auto-park, all upgradeable by over-the-air updates. At The Bend, the software wasn’t fully updated and with no public roads available we couldn’t properly test the driver-assist systems.

Early verdict

The Zeekr 7X made a strong impression across quarry, mud and racetrack. It’s fast, refined and cleverly engineered. Against Tesla’s Model Y, the numbers look compelling — especially with the Performance model undercutting the Model Y Performance by about ten grand. If NordEast can deliver the support and service to match the promise, Zeekr’s second SUV and third overall model has every chance of finding buyers in New Zealand. We’ll report back with a full road test once cars land here later this year.