2026 Zeekr ZX AWD Performance Review: Take note, Tesla fans, because this could be the best Chinese EV yet!

So what is it about the Zeekr 7X that’s cut through with Aussie electric SUV buyers so convincingly and so quickly?

Appearing in official sales figures for the first time in November, it was the top-selling medium SUV (EV, PHEV or ICE) over $60,000 and the third-best-selling EV in Australia outright, even if its 682 sales were still trounced by the Tesla Model Y’s 2269 deliveries.

Well, the only way to figure out what makes the Zeekr 7X tick is to spend some time with it. Yes, we went to the predominantly track-based launch in September, but now we’ve had a week with the flagship 7X Performance AWD (all-wheel drive).

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After some spec checking, some time inside and some driving we’ve got a handle on why the 7X stands out do much.

2026 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD price and equipment

If you’re not familiar with Zeekr it’s one of the more recent creations of the giant Chinese Geely automotive group. Alongside Geely itself, there areVolvo, Lotus, Smart, Polestar and Farizon, all of which sell in Australia. There are several more that don’t.

The 7X is the third Zeekr to go on-sale in Australia following on from the X compact electric SUV and the 009 large people-mover.

Like so many other Geely group EVs, the five-door five-seat 7X is based on a version of the widely used SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture). The Polestar 4 is a direct in-house rival also based on SEA.

But in that way typical of the Chinese auto industry, the 7X rips apart orthodoxy when it comes to pricing. It smokes the Polestar 4. But it shouldn’t feel bad, the Swede’s got lots of mates.

The two single motor rear-wheel drive 7X’s are priced at $57,900 (RWD) and $63,900 (Long Range), while the dual motor Performance AWD clocks in at a quite sensational $72,900.

For this you get a 475kW/710Nm powertrain, a 100kWh NMC battery, a claimed 543km range and fast charging up to 420kW DC courtesy of the 7X’s 800v  electric architecture.

Look, I won’t keep you in suspense, this thing is fricking impressive when charging. The fastest DC charger in our region is 350kW and the 7X, with the SOC at 40 per cent when we started, was gulping juice down at up to 296kW. Incredible.

But powertrain isn’t the 7XPAWD’s only boast when it comes to gear; 21-inch forged alloy wheels, height-adjustable air spring adaptive independent suspension, bigger Akebono brakes, 21-speaker audio (with two in the driver’s headrest), Nappa leather, powered everything, tri-zone climate control, a 13-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 36-inch head-up display.

It gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto of course and two 50W wireless smartphone chargers on angled pads a lot like a Tesla. Phones do get very hot when charging though.

Speaking of hot, there’s a panoramic sunroof that thankfully – unlike the roasting Model Y – has an inner cover.

Safety gear is all-encompassing of course. Along with plenty of (not too intrusive and/or switchable) driver assists, there are seven airbags and a five star ANCAP rating that has been freshly confirmed.

2026 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD: What we think

Right, let’s get in to the Zeekr 7X and go for a drive. Uh-oh, we’ve just arrived at the Zeekr’s most obvious negative. Its power doors.

During our time with the 7X they were despised by anyone who had the misfortune to deal with them. First you had to press the button on the pillar to start the opening process, then the door often wouldn’t open fully because it sensed an obstacle – like, um, the passenger wanting to get in.

Once inside, you had to go through the process of figuring out how to close and then open them when wanting to exit the car.

Jeepers, just ditch them Zeekr. Give us normal doors and openers, thanks!

Okay in the car now and you know what, it’s nice. Not too minimalist (think Tesla) and not too techy (think Audi). It charts a premium middle road that isn’t going to scare potential buyers off with its weirdness. There’s even an audio volume dial on the dash. That’s smart.

But you do have to access the screen for air-con adjustments including vent direction. Not so smart.

The 7X appears to be bolted together well. Typical Chinese auto industry perceived quality this. The centre console did seem a bit loose, but apparently that was because it can be released via a lever and swapped out for a fridge.

Alright, let’s get rolling. There’s a gear selector on the steering column, which is orthodox enough, the steering wheel itself is a power adjustable squircle and…. woah… just pressed the accelerator pedal quite hard. Yes, this thing is fast.

Not blindingly so, not as fast as 475kW/710Nm might suggest, but fast enough to put the hurt on any puny four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz or BMW SUV that dares mess with you during the school run.

To be frank, the 7X feels like it’s been throttled a bit for the initial jump and that’s just fine. It’s also bloody heavy (2460kg to be specific) and that can’t help with outright blinding speed. You’ll just have to settle for blurry.

What’s the flipside of all this capability in terms of consumption. On an enthusiastic drive we achieved 22kWh/100km, but it did drop into the teens during more relaxed cruising. The consumption claim is 19.9kWh/100km, which seems feasible.

Essentially, you should get 400-500km between oh-so-fast recharges.

Speaking of enthusiasm – go back two pars – and there’s no doubt the Zeekr 7X is a car capable of being driven in that way without falling to pieces.

Look, it’s not a super-sport as its name might suggest. Dialling through the multiple suspension, steering and powertrain settings shifts the 7X from quite blowsy, comfy and a bit rolly-polly to something tauter, thumpier and heavier (but in no way better) in its steering.

It’s a welcoming, confidence-inspiring drive. It’s an easy car to get the feel of and understand.

Only tyre roar is a noticeable driving discomfort. Maybe it’s intrusive because everything else is so quiet.

Essentially, 7X starts out as a cruiser and then kinda heads into bruiser territory without quite getting there. Great car for driving to a track, not a great one for punting around it. It’s a 2.46-tonne SUV for gawd’s sake.

And in that SUV role it delivers. I mean for carrying passengers and things. The seats are large, soft, comfortable and quite supportive. In the back they power recline.

Rear seat passengers also get plenty of space in each direction and all the necessary amenities (vents, USBs etc). There’s good storage front and rear and there’s lots of space in the boot as well. A small frunk helps take overflow.

But there’s no spare tyre. Boo, Hiss!!!!

2026 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD: What we think

I get it now, I get why the Zeekr 7X is attracting plenty of interest.

It’s a darn impressive family car, it’s not crazily expensive, has heaps of gear for the price and drives without any serious foibles. In fact it’s a very pleasant drive.

Sure, it’s got more power than you need and its doors are dumb. But along with the XPeng G6 I’d rate this the best electric SUV to come out of China.

It’s a potent and serious rival for the Tesla Model Y.

SCORE: 4.5/5

2026 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD specifications

Price: $72,900 (plus on-road costs)
Basics: EV , 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, AWD
Range: 543km (WLTP)
Battery capacity: 100kWh NMC
Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km
Energy consumption: 19.9kWh/100km
Motors: 1 front, 1 rear, 475kW/710Nm.
AC charging: 22kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 420kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 3.8 seconds