Chinese electric car manufacturers continue their advance into the European market, and the Zeekr X is a prime example of how "celestial" premium is no longer a myth, but a reality. Related to the Volvo EX30 by platform, it surprises with how spacious, comfortable, and expensive it feels to the touch, even though it costs noticeably less. Behind the wheel of the X, you really get the feeling that Swedish restraint and Chinese boldness have found the perfect balance.
The model was introduced in late 2023 and is built on the modular SEA platform, familiar from the EX30 and Smart №1. The Zeekr X, with a length of 4432 mm, turned out to be 20 cm longer than the Volvo and offered a more spacious interior with the same proportions. The exterior turned out expressive — sharp lines, distinctive optics, and a concise silhouette create the feeling of a modern crossover with premium DNA. In terms of design, it is closer to the Lynk & Co 02, but with a more refined taste and a less aggressive coupe-like profile.
The interior is a strong point of the model. You open the frameless doors and find yourself in a premium atmosphere: soft materials, futuristic lighting, copper elements, vegan leather seats, and a virtual instrument panel. The central 14.6-inch display is combined with an 8.8-inch instrument cluster and a head-up display with augmented reality. The equipment list includes a panoramic sunroof, a 13-channel Yamaha audio system, and a full set of electronic assistants. All this creates the impression of a car designed for a discerning audience accustomed to the level of BMW or Mercedes.
In the rear row, the Zeekr X clearly surpasses the related Volvo: thanks to a wheelbase of 2750 mm, passengers are more comfortable, and sound insulation and smooth ride allow you to travel comfortably even over long distances. The only drawback is the small trunk: 362 liters, plus a tiny front compartment of 21 liters for cables.
The test car is the Long Range RWD version with a single 268 hp electric motor and a 69 kWh battery. This version is capable of traveling up to 446 km on the WLTP cycle and accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. There is also a more powerful modification with all-wheel drive and two engines with 422 hp, reducing acceleration to 3.8 seconds. At the same time, both versions are limited to a top speed of 190 km/h. Despite its decent weight (1.9 tons), the crossover handles confidently and demonstrates a balanced combination of dynamics and comfort.
The suspension is noticeably softer than that of the EX30, so the Zeekr X behaves smoothly even on broken roads. The steering is precise, but without excessive sportiness — the car is designed more for comfort than for exciting cornering. Thanks to its Swedish roots, the SEA platform provides a solid, stable base, which has a positive effect on safety and the feeling of structural integrity.
The ride quality is complemented by a quiet cabin: minimal vibrations, smooth accelerator pedal response, confident brakes. Electronics help unobtrusively but effectively — lane keeping and distance control assistants work smoothly, only occasionally showing excessive persistence on poorly marked roads.
Price is another argument in favor of the Chinese novelty. In Greece, the base Zeekr X Core RWD is priced at 34,990 euros (about 40,700 dollars), the Long Range RWD at 39,990 euros (46,500 dollars), and the top Privilege AWD at 44,990 euros (52,300 dollars). All prices include an environmental discount of 3,000 euros. This is noticeably cheaper than the Volvo EX30, which starts at 36,175 euros, and almost 10 thousand euros cheaper than the BMW iX1. Thus, the Zeekr X offers premium equipment and dynamics at the price of mass-market crossovers.
Since its founding in 2021, Zeekr has sold over 550,000 electric vehicles, and its European expansion is only gaining momentum. The manufacturer has already entered the markets of Sweden, the Netherlands, and Greece, and by 2026 it intends to establish itself in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the UK. The brand's engineering center operates in Gothenburg, and the headquarters of the European division is located in Amsterdam — this is not just marketing, but a strategy designed for a long-term presence in the premium segment.
As a result, the Zeekr X turned out to be a car capable of shaking up the established idea of the price-quality ratio. It looks more expensive than it costs, drives quieter than you expect, and offers a premium feel comparable to Volvo, but for less money. Yes, the trunk is small, and the name Zeekr does not yet inspire the same confidence as the Swedes, but in essence, we have an electric car that can really change the attitude towards the Chinese auto industry. If you remove the emblem from the hood, many would consider it a new Volvo, and this is perhaps the best compliment for a newcomer from China.
