In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), a new contender has emerged with a promise to redefine our expectations. The all-electric ZEEKR 001 is here, and it’s set to make waves in the industry. This comprehensive review will delve into the design, propulsion system, chassis, suspension, infotainment, connectivity, and safety features of this groundbreaking vehicle.
Table of Contents
A Design That Speaks Volumes
The ZEEKR 001 is a testament to the power of design. Its sleek, elegant, and powerful aesthetic is hard to ignore. Measuring 4,955mm in length and boasting a 2,999mm wheelbase, the vehicle’s imposing presence is undeniable.
The Shooting Brake body style, characterized by short front and rear overhangs, a steeply-raked windscreen, and a ‘fast’ sloping rear glass, perfectly encapsulates the dynamic character of the vehicle.
The vehicle’s design isn’t just about aesthetics, though. The ZEEKR 001 is shaped to pass through the air with minimal wind resistance, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd. This streamlined design contributes to an exceptional range of up to 620km (WLTP), as well as a quiet, refined cabin.
A Luxurious Interior
Inside the ZEEKR 001, you’ll find a harmonious blend of digital cockpit technology, premium materials, and beautiful finishes. The panoramic roof floods the interior with natural light, enhancing the feeling of space. The heated front seats offer 12-way power adjustment as standard, with the Privilege model also offering cooling and a massage function.
In the rear, the heated seats feature an electric recline function with seven degrees of adjustment, allowing passengers to further enjoy an exceptional amount of legroom.
Power and Efficiency: The Propulsion System
The ZEEKR 001’s propulsion system is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a 100kWh Lithium-ion battery pack with NMC cells from strategic partner CATL. The battery pack is ideally located between the axles and beneath the vehicle floor, lowering the center of gravity and increasing interior space.
CATL’s groundbreaking cell-to-pack technology delivers far greater space utilization than conventional designs, improving energy density and reducing weight and complexity.
The compact, efficient electric motors each generate 200kW (272hp) and 343Nm of instant torque. Integrated into the front and rear axles of the dual-motor Performance and Privilege models, they provide a total output of 400kW (544hp) and 686Nm. This results in incredible performance, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h taking just 3.8 seconds.
A Chassis and Suspension Built for Performance
The ZEEKR 001’s chassis and suspension have been designed from the ground up to deliver a truly rewarding, engaging driving experience. The vehicle’s sophisticated chassis has proven its worth by setting four Guinness World Records for EVs, including the fastest drift and fastest slalom.
The Privilege model features active air suspension and electronically controlled dampers, offering up to 83mm of ride height adjustment. This makes the ZEEKR 001 adaptable to any kind of road condition and also means that it can tackle off-road trails with ease.
Infotainment and Connectivity: A Digital Revolution
The ZEEKR 001’s Intelligent cockpit provides super-fast, easy-to-use infotainment and connectivity. The 8.8-inch HD instrument cluster, 14.7-inch head-up display, and 15.4-inch HD touchscreen offer crisp, clear images and super-fast responses. A fourth, 5.7-inch touchscreen in the rear of the Privilege model allows row-two passengers to adjust their climate control settings.
At the heart of the infotainment system is an intelligent cockpit computing platform built around two state-of-the-art Qualcomm 8155 Snapdragon chips. This technology delivers an incredible digital experience within the vehicle, and with over-the-air software updates, that experience is future-proofed.
Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The ZEEKR 001 doesn’t compromise on safety. The vehicle’s body structure uses an intelligent mix of advanced steel and aluminum to enhance occupant crash protection. The vehicle is equipped with seven airbags and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The ZEEKR 001 has a 360-degree vision of its environment, thanks to 28 sensors, including radar, cameras, and ultrasonics. These provide the information needed by the suite of up to 21 ADAS systems, all designed to help protect occupants, other road users, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Conclusion
The all-electric ZEEKR 001 is a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles. With its sleek design, luxurious interior, powerful propulsion system, sophisticated chassis and suspension, advanced infotainment and connectivity, and top-notch safety features, it’s set to redefine our expectations of what an electric vehicle can be. The future of electric mobility is here, and it’s called the ZEEKR 001.
ZEEKR 001 Price and Models
ZEEKR 001 comes in three variants:
- Long Range RWD: single motor, 200 kW/272 hp power, up to 620 km WLTP range, 59 490 euros (in the Netherlands).
- Performance AWD: dual motor, 400 kW/544 hp power, up to 590 km WLTP range, 62 940 (in the Netherlands).
- Privilege AWD: dual motor, 400 kW/544 hp power, up to 580 km WLTP range, 67 940 (in the Netherlands).
