BY: TAREK HAWCHAR
The Zeekr 001 model isn't entirely new, it initially appeared as a concept called the "Lynk & Co Zero" in 2020, before being launched in the Chinese market as the Zeekr 001 in the fall of 2021
Some may not have heard of the luxury Chinese brand Zeekr until a few months ago; it is a relatively new brand under the umbrella of the "Geely Automotive Group," alongside brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Zeekr was founded in 2021 and unveiled its first electric model, the 001, in the same year, making it the world's first mass-produced fully electric shooting brake. Zeekr has successfully sold over 150,000 units of all its models in China as of the time of writing.
However, the Zeekr 001 model isn't entirely new; it was initially presented as a concept model called the "Lynk & Co Zero" in 2020 before being introduced to the Chinese market as the Zeekr 001 in the fall of 2021, and later to European markets in 2023. Additionally, the 001 is the first commercial vehicle to adopt Geely's new "Sustainable Experience Architecture" (SEA) dedicated to electric cars, which is expected to be seen in many other brands under the Chinese group in the future.
Despite being a relatively new brand, Zeekr has managed to set two Guinness World Records, specifically with the 001 model in the high-performance hatchback category. The Zeekr 001 set its first world record by achieving the fastest drift by an electric car ever, reaching a top speed of 207.9 km/h. It also set a world record for the fastest electric car slalom, weaving through 50 traffic cones in just 49.05 seconds!
From the sides, the car features four frameless doors with handles that pop out when your hand approaches, and the doors close automatically and quietly
Exterior
The Zeekr 001 doesn’t differ much from the "Lynk & Co Zero" concept model, which was presented at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show. It boasts a sleek and attractive design, borrowing some styling cues from the Porsche Panamera Cross Turismo, especially the front end with its Matrix LED headlights for stronger and more precise lighting.
The 001 can be classified as a shooting brake, but it's closer to a large executive hatchback. From the sides, there are four frameless electric suction doors, with handles that appear as soon as your hand approaches, and the doors close automatically and quietly, enhancing the overall sense of luxury. At the rear, the attractive taillights are connected by a light strip running across the width of the car.
Aside from the integrated roof spoiler for a sporty touch, the Zeekr 001 features a dynamic design with an impressive ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.23, which is the best among mass-produced models in this category.
In terms of dimensions, the Zeekr 001 has an overall length of 4,950 mm, a width of 1,999 mm, and a height of 1,560 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,999 mm.
Interior
Once you sit behind the wheel of this fully electric shooting brake, the luxurious elements and high-quality materials catch your eye at every turn. Starting from the Alcantara leather on the dashboard and door panels, the microfiber velvet headliner, to the gold-colored accents decorating various parts of the central console.
Not to be overlooked are the four digital screens inside the cabin, starting with the 15.4-inch floating central touchscreen display, the 5.7-inch multifunction touchscreen for rear passengers, the 14.7-inch head-up display, and finally, the 8.8-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster, making the Zeekr 001 one of the most advanced cars in its class.
Moreover, the car features a Snapdragon octa-core processor with a Snapdragon 8155 chip, coupled with 16GB of RAM. Other comfort and entertainment features include highly comfortable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing a luxurious experience for all passengers. The car also has a 3-zone climate control system, individually adjustable ambient lighting (RGB multi-color surround ambient lighting) for front and rear passengers, depending on the selected driving mode, and a high-fidelity Yamaha surround sound system with 11 speakers. Not to mention the 1.6-meter-long dual-insulated panoramic glass roof, which offers thermal insulation, sun protection, and soundproofing, as well as wireless charging for phones and smart devices.
Performance and Safety
The Zeekr 001 can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. As for cargo capacity, this distinctive car offers 539 liters of luggage space, expandable to 2,144 liters with the "Traveler’s Magic Trunk" feature and by folding down the rear seats.
In terms of safety features, the car is equipped with numerous advanced electronic driver assistance systems, totaling 21, drawing information from 28 separate sensors. Key systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, door open warning, collision mitigation support rear, and more. There is also the "Antelope Avoidance" system, which offers protection for pedestrians and passengers, even in complex scenarios such as accidents involving large vehicles and trucks.
In Qatar, the Zeekr 001 is available with a fully electric drivetrain, consisting of two electric motors that generate 536 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds
Engine and Performance
Mechanically, the Zeekr 001 is available in Qatar through the official dealer, "Blue Lake Automotive," with a fully electric drivetrain consisting of two electric motors generating 536 horsepower (400 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h.
Aside from the advanced all-wheel-drive system, the powertrain is connected to a 100 kWh battery that provides a long range of up to 590 kilometers on a single charge. The battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in less than 25 minutes at fast-charging stations or using a 200 kW DC charging cable.
The Zeekr 001 features a sophisticated air suspension system that balances comfort and performance, as well as a powerful braking system that supports a competitive short braking distance of just 34.5 meters when stopping from 100 km/h.
Verdict
The Zeekr 001 is a luxurious and highly sporty shooting brake, characterized by its modern and attractive design and high aerodynamics. It is equipped with a wide range of advanced electronic driver assistance systems, along with state-of-the-art technologies that enhance the car's luxurious feel. It also comes with an extensive list of standard features, and its cabin is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Above all, the electric powertrain provides impressive sporty performance and a competitive electric range.
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