Zeekr 001 Review: Geely’s Performance Masterpiece
The Zeekr 001 represents Geely’s ambitious entry into the performance electric vehicle segment, combining cutting-edge technology, striking design, and genuinely impressive performance. Positioned between mainstream Geely and the premium establishment, Zeekr targets technology-forward buyers who want real driving engagement without giving up modern EV convenience.
This comprehensive Zeekr 001 review examines whether the brand’s flagship delivers on its performance promises and justifies its positioning. In short, the verdict is encouraging: the 001 is built for buyers who want serious EV performance without traditional luxury-brand pricing, and it backs that ambition with the numbers to match.
Zeekr launched as Geely’s premium electric sub-brand, distinct from mainstream Geely models and positioned to compete head-on in the performance segment. The 001 is its flagship, establishing the positioning and the performance benchmarks for everything that follows. Geely’s investment in the project reflects real confidence in the premium opportunity, and the car’s engineering, design, and technology amount to the group’s most ambitious vehicle to date.
Before we dig into the details, the short video below offers a quick visual walkaround of the Zeekr 001, highlighting its performance-focused design, powertrain, and cabin technology in just over a minute.
With that overview in mind, let’s look more closely at the brand behind the car and then work through its design, performance, range, technology, and value in detail.
Understanding Zeekr: Geely’s Performance Sub-Brand
Zeekr emerged as Geely’s premium electric vehicle sub-brand, positioned to compete in the performance segment rather than chase mainstream appeal. Unlike Geely’s emphasis on family vehicles and broad accessibility, Zeekr targets younger, technology-enthusiastic buyers who prioritise driving dynamics and innovation. The brand signals Geely’s evolution from a value-focused manufacturer into a diversified competitor spanning multiple market segments.
The Zeekr 001 launches as the flagship that establishes those benchmarks. It sits deliberately between volume-market brands and ultra-premium manufacturers, targeting the expanding sweet spot of technology-conscious buyers with real purchasing power but a healthy scepticism toward traditional luxury-brand value. Rather than leaning on heritage or status symbols, Zeekr emphasises innovation, design integrity, and driving engagement, a positioning that challenges the establishment without competing directly with mass-market makers.
Smart Accessories for the Zeekr 001
A performance EV that doubles as a daily driver benefits from a couple of low-cost protective extras. The two below suit the 001 specifically: one keeps the driver-focused cabin looking sharp, while the other guards the fast-charging port this car relies on so heavily.
The 001’s driver-focused cabin uses premium materials that deserve protection on a car driven hard and daily. A set of custom-fit rubber mats and a boot liner trap mud, water, and grit, keeping the interior pristine and protecting resale value. Choose the cut listed for your exact model year.
With the 001 leaning so heavily on rapid DC charging, the charging port sees constant use and exposure. A snug silicone dust cover keeps dirt, moisture, and debris out of the contacts between sessions, helping preserve reliable, full-speed charging over years of ownership.
Design and Styling: Modern Performance Aesthetics
The Zeekr 001’s design marks a dramatic departure from Geely’s traditional styling, embracing aggressive, modern aesthetics that telegraph performance intent. The low, wide stance immediately communicates driver-focused engineering. Pronounced wheel arches, sculpted bodywork, and sharp creases convey controlled tension rather than flowing luxury, and a class-leading 0.21 drag coefficient proves the look is functional as well as expressive.
Exterior Design Elements
The 001’s proportions prioritise performance over practicality, with an exceptionally low centre of gravity and a wide track that maximise handling potential. The headline exterior figures tell the story:
- Length: 4,820 mm, giving genuine sports-car proportions.
- Width: 1,910 mm for a wide, planted stance.
- Height: 1,450 mm, keeping the centre of gravity low.
- Drag coefficient: 0.21 Cd, an excellent aerodynamic result.
- Wheels: 20-inch multi-spoke performance design as standard.
- Lighting: LED matrix headlights with dynamic sequencing.
- Grille: sealed front reflecting the electric powertrain.
The aggressive front end pairs a sealed grille with dynamic LED headlights for a distinctive nighttime signature, while sculpted side surfaces and pronounced haunches create a sense of motion even when the car is standing still.
Interior Design and Material Quality
Inside, the 001 balances performance focus with modern luxury expectations, using premium materials throughout without excessive decoration. The flat-bottom sports steering wheel enhances driving engagement, while aluminium trim accents and carbon-look panels reinforce the lightweight design philosophy. The seats blend sportiness with long-distance comfort, offering side bolsters that support hard cornering without punishing daily use.
The minimalist dashboard prioritises function over ornamentation, with a floating touchscreen kept uncluttered and focused on essential driving information. The overall philosophy favours driver engagement and control over passive luxury features, appealing to enthusiasts who value dynamic feedback above gadget overload.
Performance and Powertrain: Engineering Excellence
💡 Performance Snapshot: The Zeekr 001 delivers genuine performance credentials through advanced electric-motor technology and sophisticated battery architecture, positioning it as a legitimate performance machine rather than merely a quick appliance.
Motor Technology and Power Delivery
The powertrain is offered in two core configurations, and even the entry car is brisk. The headline specifications are as follows:
- Single-motor option: 400 kW (544 PS) in a rear-wheel-drive layout.
- Dual-motor option: 600 kW (816 PS) combined, all-wheel drive.
- Peak torque (dual): 900 Nm available from standstill.
- 0–100 km/h: 3.6 seconds in dual-motor form.
- Top speed: 260 km/h, electronically limited.
- Motor type: permanent-magnet synchronous for high efficiency.
- Power electronics: 1200V silicon-carbide technology.
The dual-motor configuration delivers genuinely impressive performance, with near-supercar acceleration and high-speed stability that justify the positioning. The 900 Nm torque delivery provides immediate throttle response and confidence-inspiring overtaking power. Silicon-carbide power electronics maximise efficiency while enabling rapid power delivery without the thermal-management limits that hamper some electric vehicles. Crucially, the power feels immediate and communicative, with programmable regenerative braking that lets drivers tailor energy recovery to taste.
Handling and Suspension Engineering
The suspension emphasises dynamic handling and precision over outright comfort, pairing double-wishbone front geometry with a multi-link rear. Adaptive damping continuously adjusts stiffness to conditions and driver selections, enabling both sportiness and acceptable everyday comfort, while the low centre of gravity and wide track deliver inherent stability through corners.
Steering benefits from direct, responsive electronic assistance calibrated to feel connected rather than numb. Unlike many EVs that chase isolation and smoothness above all, the 001 communicates road texture and weight transfer, heightening engagement and confidence during spirited driving.
Battery Technology and Range Performance
The Zeekr 001 offers flexible battery options to suit different ownership needs, from performance-focused drivers happy to trade range for agility to long-distance buyers prioritising outright mileage. The table below summarises the three packs and their key figures.
| Battery Configuration | Capacity | CLTC Range | WLTP Range | DC Charge (10–80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Range | 75 kWh | 630 km | 490 km | ~30 minutes |
| Extended Range | 100 kWh | 840 km | 650 km | ~35 minutes |
| Performance Range | 110 kWh | 930 km | 720 km | ~40 minutes |
The extended and performance packs deliver exceptional real-world range, supporting multi-day journeys without excessive charging stops. Sophisticated thermal management keeps the battery in its optimal temperature window across conditions, and real-world testing confirms strong charging speed that makes spontaneous long-distance travel realistic.
Technology and Driver-Assistance Features
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system emphasises intuitive interface design and smartphone integration, built around a floating 15.4-inch OLED touchscreen with excellent visibility and responsiveness. Over-the-air updates continuously improve functionality and address software issues without dealer visits, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. Digital-key functionality even lets owners unlock and start the car from a phone.
Assisted Driving and Safety Systems
The 001 incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, with optional packages adding highway automation and advanced parking assistance. While the suite is less comprehensive than some rivals’, it provides meaningful convenience in highway and urban-parking scenarios. A multi-sensor array of radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors delivers comprehensive environmental awareness, and the architecture is designed to expand its capability through future software updates.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Pricing is one of the 001’s strongest arguments. In the Chinese market the line-up runs as follows:
- Base (75 kWh RWD): ¥299,800, roughly €39,000.
- Mid (100 kWh RWD): ¥349,800, roughly €45,000.
- Extended (100 kWh AWD): ¥399,800, roughly €52,000.
- Performance (110 kWh AWD): ¥449,800, roughly €58,500.
A dual-motor car capable of a 3.6-second 0–100 km/h sprint for around €52,000–58,500 represents exceptional value next to traditional sports cars costing €80,000–150,000. Against premium electric rivals, the 001 typically offers superior performance and handling engagement at comparable money.
Real-World Ownership Experience
Real-world testing confirms the 001’s exceptional performance and handling, with immediate acceleration, responsive steering, and composed cornering exceeding expectations for a production EV. The adaptive suspension stays composed across varied surfaces while remaining supple enough for daily comfort, and the regenerative braking offers excellent control feel with minimal brake dust, which benefits long-term maintenance costs.
Practicality is acceptable rather than outstanding, as you would expect from sports-car proportions. The cabin comfortably seats four, though rear space is modest, and luggage capacity meets typical EV standards with both front and rear storage. The performance-oriented suspension never delivers a magic-carpet ride, prioritising connection and control instead, yet supportive seats and good visibility keep long-distance fatigue in check.
How the Zeekr 001 Compares With Rivals
⚠️ Worth Knowing: The Zeekr 001 competes effectively against premium electric vehicles and traditional performance cars through superior performance value and engaging dynamics, but buyers should still weigh service-network maturity and long-term resale in newer export markets.
Against the Tesla Model 3 Performance (around €65,000–75,000), the 001 matches acceleration while delivering more engaging handling and steering feel, plus a more practical shooting-brake body. Against traditional sports cars such as the BMW M440i (€80,000-plus), it provides comparable performance at dramatically lower cost with the efficiency benefits of an EV. Its closest direct rivals come from premium Chinese brands like the NIO ET5, where the Zeekr’s performance focus sets it apart from competitors prioritising luxury appointments or autonomous-driving features.
FAQ: Zeekr 001 Review
How fast is the Zeekr 001?
In its dual-motor all-wheel-drive form, the Zeekr 001 produces a combined 600 kW (816 PS) and 900 Nm of torque, launching from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 260 km/h. The single-motor rear-drive version still delivers a strong 400 kW (544 PS).
What is the range of the Zeekr 001?
Range depends on the battery chosen. The 75 kWh standard pack is rated around 490 km WLTP, the 100 kWh extended pack at roughly 650 km WLTP, and the 110 kWh performance pack at up to about 720 km WLTP (930 km on China’s CLTC cycle). Real-world figures land somewhat lower.
How much does the Zeekr 001 cost?
In China the Zeekr 001 starts at around ¥299,800 (roughly €39,000) for the 75 kWh rear-drive base model and rises to about ¥449,800 (roughly €58,500) for the 110 kWh performance all-wheel-drive flagship. Export pricing varies by market.
Is the Zeekr 001 a good alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance?
Yes. The Zeekr 001 matches the Tesla Model 3 Performance on acceleration while offering more engaging handling and steering feel, a shooting-brake body with more practicality, and competitive pricing. Tesla still leads on charging-network maturity and software ecosystem.
The Verdict: A Compelling Performance Statement
The Zeekr 001 successfully delivers on its performance promises, combining exceptional acceleration, engaging handling, and modern technology in a compelling package at competitive pricing. It represents Geely’s credible entry into performance manufacturing, demonstrating engineering sophistication that transcends its market position. Early reliability impressions are favourable, and comprehensive warranty coverage, including an 8-year battery guarantee, adds reassurance.
Whether the 001 achieves long-term success depends on Geely’s continued commitment to Zeekr, an expanding model range, and the maturity of its service network. For performance-focused buyers seeking dynamic engagement, advanced technology, and exceptional value, though, the Zeekr 001 already merits serious consideration as a legitimate alternative to traditional sports cars and premium performance EVs alike.