By Thomas, Automotive Expert at Autogefühl, Published: April 5, 2025

Greetings, car lovers! I’m Thomas, your host at Autogefühl, with over 15 years of automotive journalism under my belt, and today I’m diving into the Zeekr 001—a full-size electric estate that’s turning heads in Europe. Filmed in Portugal’s rainy embrace (shoutout to our Portuguese fans!), this sleek wagon echoes the Audi RS6’s bold design but costs half the price of premium German rivals, starting at just €55,000. Is this Chinese-built EV the ultimate value-for-money luxury car? From its striking exterior to its plush interior and driving dynamics, I’ve tested it all in 4K detail. Let’s explore if the Zeekr 001 redefines modern luxury—stick around for the full scoop!

What is the Zeekr 001? The Basics

The Zeekr 001, from Geely’s electric sub-brand Zeekr, is a full-size estate blending sporty aesthetics with family-friendly practicality. Launched in select European markets, it’s gunning for the likes of the BMW i5 Touring and Audi A6 e-tron—at a fraction of the cost. Here’s the rundown:

• Price: Starts at €55,000 (RWD); Privilege AWD trim around €70,000.
• Size: 4.96m (195 inches) long—proper estate territory.
• Powertrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options.
• Battery: 100 kWh gross (96 kWh net), 400V architecture.

It’s not just about price—this EV promises premium build quality and performance. Let’s see if it delivers.

Exterior Design: RS6 Vibes on a Budget

The Zeekr 001’s exterior is a head-turner, blending aggression with elegance:

• Front Signature: Vertical DRLs like “tiger claws,” split headlights, and a sculpted hood—painted in bright blue for this Privilege trim.
• Wheels: 22-inch alloys (standard on Privilege), enhancing its muscular stance.
• Rear Styling: Sleek taillight bar with “Zeekr” lettering—a modern trend ditching logos for brand names.
• Frunk: A tiny “cutie-frunky” for cables or a tire repair kit—don’t expect much here.
• Easter Eggs: Front screen silhouette of the Eiffel Tower—spot any other landmarks? Comment below!

At 4.96m, it’s a proper wagon, more aerodynamic than SUVs like the Zeekr 7X. Flush door handles pop out (a bit over-engineered for my taste), but the design rivals €100,000+ Germans. What’s your take—stunning or overdone?

Powertrain & Performance: Punchy Yet Practical

Under the hood—or rather, floor—the Zeekr 001 offers two flavors:

• RWD Base: 7.2 seconds 0-100km/h, relaxed but capable.
• AWD Privilege/Performance: 3.8 seconds 0-100km/h—brain-scrambling acceleration for an estate!
• Battery & Range: 100 kWh (96 kWh net), 460km (285 miles) real-world range at 21 kWh/100km (3 miles/kWh) in mixed conditions.
• Charging: 200kW DC peak (10-80% in under 30 minutes)—decent, though the Zeekr 7X’s 800V system is faster.

The AWD Privilege trim I drove felt sporty yet heavy (big battery, big wheels). It’s no lightweight, but that 3.8-second sprint is a thrill—more on driving later.

Interior: Plush Comfort Meets Smart Details

Step inside, and the Zeekr 001 oozes luxury for the price:

• Materials: Microfiber headliner and seats (from racing tech—light, glare-free), high-grade leatherette, and anodized trim.
• Seating: Plush, supportive front seats with cooling/heating; rear offers ample legroom, adjustable backrests, and headrests.
• Tech: 15.4-inch Tesla-style touchscreen, 12-speaker Yamaha surround sound, head-up display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Storage: 540L trunk (2m/78 inches), adaptive cupholders, USB-C ports.
• Quirks: There is no felt in door pockets, hard armrest, or capacitive steering controls (not my fave).

At 1.89m (6’2”), I found the cabin comfy, though the high floor (EV trait) angles legs upward. The microfiber’s racing roots add a cool backstory—lighter and practical. Build quality rivals premium brands, but minor misses (e.g., no soft-close doors) show it’s not flawless.

Driving Dynamics: Sporty Meets Sensible

I hit the Portuguese roads—rain, potholes, and all—to test the Zeekr 001 Privilege AWD:

• Acceleration: 3.8 seconds 0-100km/h in Sport mode—stiff suspension, thrilling punch.
• Handling: Precise steering, tight turning circle, but 22-inch wheels feel rough on bumps.
• Comfort Mode: Air suspension smooths big waves, though small jolts sneak through.
• Noise: Frameless doors squeak on rough roads (fixable?), but wind noise is low at 120km/h.
• Assist Systems: Adaptive cruise and lane-keeping work well; head-up display aids focus.

It’s fun, agile for its size, but not as polished as a BMW i5. The one-pedal driving option (adjustable regen) suits city stops, though I prefer manual braking for passengers. A German Autobahn test is next—stay tuned!

Tech & Features: Modern Meets Mixed

The Zeekr 001 balances innovation and quirks:

• Screen: 15.4-inch infotainment—fast (not the fastest), with big icons for safety.
• Sound: Yamaha 12-speaker system delivers crisp audio—love it.
• Controls: Capacitive steering buttons (volume, temp) are iffy; trunk button’s placement risks accidental opens.
• Air Suspension: Privilege trim exclusive—sporty yet comfy, not soft-tuned.

It’s tech-heavy but not perfect—German rivals edge out on assist systems. Still, CarPlay and range (460km real-world) keep it practical.

Practicality: Estate Life Done Right

For families or gear-haulers:

• Trunk: 540L standard, 2m long with seats folded—wide and versatile.
• Rear Space: Plush for tall adults, though high floor limits foot room.
• Extras: Underfloor storage, adjustable rear seats, 60W USB-C charging.

It’s shallower than some estates with the cover on, but remove it, and you’ve got 77cm (30 inches) of height—plenty for luggage or DIY runs.

Pros vs. Cons: The Full Picture

• Pros:
  • Stunning design at €55,000-€70,000
  • Premium interior build (microfiber, leatherette)
  • 3.8-second AWD acceleration
  • 460km real-world range
• Cons:
  • The frameless door squeaks on rough roads
  • Capacitive controls feel gimmicky
  • No frunk utility

Who’s It For? Your Ideal Ride

Perfect for:

• Budget Luxury Buyers: Want RS6 vibes without the €120,000 tag? This is it.
• EV Converts: Families needing space and range at a steal.
• Tech Lovers: Big screens and punchy performance appeal here.

If you crave German driving finesse, look elsewhere—but for value, it’s unmatched.

Price & Availability: The Deal

• Base RWD: €55,000—entry luxury.
• Privilege AWD: ~€70,000—loaded with air suspension, 22-inch wheels.
• Markets: Select Europe now, expanding soon (updates to follow).

At half the price of a BMW i5 (€100,000+), it’s a price-performance champ. Zeekr’s growth means more markets could get it by 2026.

Verdict: A Luxury Steal?

The Zeekr 001 is a revelation—stunning design, plush interior, and thrilling AWD power for €55,000-€70,000. It’s not perfect (squeaky doors, quirky controls), but it challenges German premiums at half the cost. I’d take it over an SUV for its aerodynamics and estate practicality—460km range seals the deal. Love it? Hate the quirks? Comment below and subscribe to Autogefühl for more—I’m Thomas, signing off!

Specs Snapshot

• Price: €55,000-€70,000
• Battery: 100kWh (460km range)
• Power: 3.8s (AWD) or 7.2s (RWD) 0-100km/h
• Trunk: 540L

Author Section

About the Author: Thomas

Thomas is the automotive expert behind Autogefühl, with over 15 years of reviewing cars globally. Based in Germany, he’s renowned for his detailed, unbiased tests—often in 4K—covering design, tech, and driving. A trusted voice for enthusiasts, Thomas brings insider knowledge straight to you. Follow him at Autogefühl for more!