Test Drive | Zeekr 007: fast and luxurious

Geely’s Zeekr 007 was launched in December 2023. It is winner of the Reddot Car Design 2024. With a starting price of 209,900 yuan (29,000 USD), this B-class all-electric luxury sedan is a direct rival to the Xiaomi SU7 and Tesla Model 3. Let’s examine this vehicle to see how it performs on suburban roads in China. 

Booking for a test drive

Like my experience with the BYD Yuan UP test drive, I had to make a reservation 2 to 3 days in advance to ensure the car is available. A sales representative will then call me to confirm the time and date of the test drive. 

Upon arriving for the Zeekr 007 test drive, I was waiting to be served in the largest shopping mall in Zhuhai. No, I was not there to buy a pair of running shoes or wait for a table at a restaurant. I was there to test drive a car. In China, NEV makers like having small showrooms (to display one or two vehicles) in shopping malls, providing convenience to shoppers and promoting their new brands to a broader audience. Car brands like Huawei’s Aito, Li Auto, and Nio are also located in the same shopping mall.  

First Impressions

Our test car was the Zeekr 007 Smart AWD, priced at 259,900 yuan (35,900 USD). Its outward appearance is sporty yet muscular. It is the only Zeekr model without the iconic Zeekr/ Lynk & Co separate daytime running lights, but the Zeekr Stargate 90-inch interactive light, which can project customizable images and text with a brightness of 10,000 nits. To improve aerodynamics, Zeekr has removed the car’s door handles. It has a continuous taillight design. Stefan Sielaff, the former Audi and Bentley designer, oversaw the design of the Zeekr 007. 

The Interior

Stepping into the Zeekr 007 Smart AWD is a luxurious experience. The doors open electronically with a press of a button on the B-pillar, immediately signaling the vehicle’s high-end status. The cabin is adorned with a combination of Nappa leather and suede, and the driver’s seat offers ventilation and massage functions for comfort and back support. The car is equipped with a 15-inch OLED center screen and a 35.5-inch AR-HUD, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 CPU, ensuring a lag-free and smooth user experience.

The Zeekr 007