Information concerning Zeekr’s arrival in Malaysia have been coming thick and quick ever since an invitation for a non-public preview was leaked final week, confirming the model’s deliberate debut. It was reported on Automobile Information China yesterday that Geely’s premium electrical automobile offshoot has signed native agency Sentinel Automotive to be its official distributor, with the Zeekr X and 009 set to be the primary fashions to be offered right here.
The amount vendor will clearly be the X, a compact premium SUV that’s set to lock horns with automobiles like the brand new MINI Countryman SE and BMW iX1. Measuring 4,450 mm lengthy, 1,836 mm broad and 1,572 mm tall, it’s mere millimetres shorter (-5 mm), narrower (-39 mm) and decrease (-43 mm) than one other Chinese language EV, the BYD Atto 3, whereas its 2,750 mm wheelbase is a mere 30 mm longer.
Nevertheless, the X is about to be fairly a bit costlier than the Atto 3 – in China, the latter tops out at 147,800 yuan (RM96,200), whereas the Zeekr retails at 200,000 yuan (RM130,200). In consequence, you possibly can count on the X to sail previous the RM200,000 mark, occupying an identical territory to the sensible #1.
That’s not stunning, provided that the Zeekr relies on the identical Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA3) because the sensible #1 (in addition to the #3 and the Volvo EX30). It additionally makes use of the identical powertrain and battery choices as its sibling, with a alternative of single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants.
The one-motor mannequin produces 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, getting the automotive from zero to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. In the meantime, the AWD model churns out 428 PS (315 kW) and 543 Nm, hurling the X to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. If these figures sound acquainted, it’s as a result of they’re precisely the identical because the sensible #1 Premium and Brabus.
Additionally shared with these automobiles is a 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that gives a variety of 560 km for the RWD mannequin and 512 km for the AWD automotive. These figures are on the somewhat optimistic CLTC cycle in China; count on real-world vary to be nearer to 440 km and 400 km respectively quoted for the sensible #1 (each on the WLTP cycle). No charging particulars have been launched, however count on the X to simply accept as much as 150 kW of DC quick charging similar to the #1, taking half-hour to cost from 10 to 80%.
Zeekr was carved out of Lynk & Co, and the X nonetheless bears remnants of that model’s design language, replete with break up headlights (with H-shaped higher daytime working lights, first seen on the The Subsequent Day idea), upswept window line, contrasting black roof and full-width taillight bar. Diagonal character traces on the bumpers and physique facet give the automotive a dynamic, youthful look.
Inside, you’ll discover a minimalist cabin with a slim horizontal dashboard, “squircle” two-spoke steering wheel and a sliding centre console field just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (replete with a fridge!). In fact, there are screens galore, together with an 8.8-inch digital instrument show, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (which might be slid to the passenger facet) and an enormous 24.3-inch augmented actuality head-up show.
Different notable options embody power-opening doorways, a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system and even a show on the B-pillar that may present the state of charging, plus a digicam that may use facial recognition to unlock the door. Unusually for such a small automotive, the X might be had as both a four- or five-seater.
Proper-hand-drive manufacturing for the X has reportedly kicked off in China final week, with first deliveries set for the third quarter of this 12 months. The automotive will doubtless debut in Zeekr’s international launch markets akin to Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong first, however count on it to return to Malaysia not lengthy after.
GALLERY: Zeekr X at BIMS 2024
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