2024 Zeekr X AWD owner review

The Zeekr X has supercar acceleration, but is let down to a degree by its dynamics. 

0-100 kmh in 3.8 seconds generates a smile every time I accelerate to the legal limit, but that smile can quickly turn to expletives when the road conditions deteriorate. I’m actually considering fitting aftermarket shock absorbers to the car to make it safer, something someone purchasing a new car shouldn’t have to do. The steering is tight and responsive.

Overall the Zeekr X is quite advanced, with a raft of driver assistance systems, and active and passive safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Lane Change, Lane Keeping Assistant, Collision Mitigation, (front and rear) and Evasive Manoeuvre Assist. However, some, like the Speed Warning and distraction detection are easily triggered (even just 1kmh over the limit) and need to be individually disengaged via the central screen before each trip, otherwise you’re barraged with endless audible warnings. That is, if you can be bothered. 

The battery range isn’t market leading, but adequate in the real world to allow hassle free motoring without any range anxiety. 

Energy consumption is also fairly average. Not Tesla standard, but acceptable. We averaged 19kWh per 100km on a recent interstate trip, which isn’t bad. It’s possible to run mains powered devices using an adaptor plugged into the charge port, a useful feature. There’s a sentry mode which allows you to record any suspicious activity near the car when parked using its numerous outside cameras, and it can record your trips just like a dashcam.

The interior is a comfortable place to be, I find the HVAC to be adequate for our conditions, and the heated and ventilated front seats are great. It’s possible to achieve a good driving position for my average build and height, and the seats are comfortable even on interstate trips. 

The interior is attractive to the eye, with quality materials used. Zeekr has done a great job in minimising noise, vibration and harshness, often being reminded just how quiet the interior is when driving. 

Most of the controls are managed via a central screen, which can be more time consuming and distracting compared to using physical knobs and buttons. However, this screen-based system is reliable and responds quickly to commands. The ride quality is good on smooth roads, and the suspension is compliant over small bumps, nicely gliding over potholes without bone jarring thuds and noise. However, the rebound mentioned earlier over larger bumps at higher speeds detracts from the comfort.

The Zeekr was designed in Gothenburg, backed by the overarching Geely group including Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and others. It’s a great looking car from every angle, both inside and out. And this doesn’t compromise practicality in any way, with wide opening doors, a practical load space, excellent visibility, and good ground clearance. It’s instantly recognisable, and doesn’t look like a generic small SUV like so many others. 

The load space is on the smaller side, at 362 litres, but it is a small car with a decent passenger space.

At $68,000 on the road in January 2025, we paid a premium price to be early adopters, however Zeekr has since reduced the price in line with market forces. The Zeekr X has a premium feel, both aesthetically and in apparent build quality, I think justifying this price point.

We bought the Zeekr X because we wanted a small around town EV, which looks good, is comfortable, has reasonable range, and can be recharged at home using solar. We were impressed by its appearance, and performance on paper. 

At the time (late 2024), there weren’t many small EV’s on the market, and the X certainly ticked all the right boxes. Admittedly, we didn’t take it on a long drive prior to purchasing. 

The car is a delight to drive around town, with brisk acceleration and soft suspension which nicely smooths out bumps and potholes, creating a quiet, comfortable environment. 

But take the X out on a country road and you can find yourself in unsettling situations. 

There’s an excessive amount of rebound when going over bumps causing the car to bounce, and if you’re going around a corner, the car can twitch and yaw giving the impression it’d be easy to lose control. Add a loose surface to the equation (gravel or a recently resurfaced road), and things could easily turn nasty. 

This could be an easy fix for Zeekr engineers. Other brands spend time testing and modifying their vehicles to suite road conditions here, and this is something Zeekr should consider doing. Perhaps Zeekr has addressed this issue in the soon to be released 2026 update. 

Having owned the Zeekr X for around 16 months, it has proven to be a very reliable car with no mechanical issues. There haven’t been any recalls, and there are ‘over the air’ software updates from time to time. 

I’ve had a good look at its mechanical aspects and am impressed by the use of alloy components in its suspension, and other design elements. The fit and finish is excellent. Tolerances are consistent between panels, and the paint quality is excellent. I’d rate the X above average in this area. 

With the trend being to go bigger, it’s refreshing to drive a smaller car. It’s nimble and easy to manoeuvre into tight parking spaces, yet there is adequate cabin space for 4 adults. 

The ‘frunk’ has usable space, enough for a shopping bag or charging cables. The rear cargo space isn’t huge, but adequate for the demands of urban use and the occasional interstate trip. The 2026 update will have slightly more sub floor space in the back, a welcome addition for those who end up buying a new X. 

Like most cars on the market, the Zeekr X doesn’t have a spare. It does come with a compressor and puncture repair kit, and fortunately I haven’t had to test it out …..yet. I was pleasantly surprised to later find out that the Continental tyres fitted have self seal technology (Continental call it ContiSeal), a flexible layer within the tyre which apparently seals 80% of all punctures. I’ve never had a rapid tyre deflation in all of my 45 years of driving, with many punctures, so hopefully if I pick up a nail or screw in a tyre we’ll be able to make it to a tyre shop with the tyres fitted. 

One minor criticism of the Zeekr X has been the design of the centre console, which makes it difficult to access the drink holder underneath. The 2026 update has addressed this problem and improved the ergonomics, creating a dual phone charging bay and more practical storage area between the front seats. 

Summing up. Great small car with a quality feel and good looks which stands out from the rest of the herd. There are some annoying safety warnings, which could easily be fine-tuned by Zeekr through future ‘over the air’ software updates. And suspension shortcomings could also be eliminated with the 2026 refresh if the engineers take into consideration Australian road conditions. Let’s hope they do.

Owner: Craig

MORE: Submit your owner review and you could win a $200 voucher