By Thomas, Automotive Expert at Autogefühl, Published: April 6, 2025

Hey, car fans! I’m Thomas, your guide at Autogefühl, with over 15 years of automotive journalism, and I’ve just tested the Zeekr 001—a luxury electric estate that’s shaking up the market. Filmed in Portugal’s rainy streets (big hello to our Portuguese readers!), this full-size wagon blends Audi RS6-inspired design with a jaw-dropping price tag starting at €55,000. Is it time to ditch German premiums for this Chinese contender? After driving it in 4K detail, I’ve compiled the top 10 reasons to buy the Zeekr 001 now, plus some drawbacks to keep it real. Let’s dive in and see why this EV estate is a steal!

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Zeekr 001

1. Unbeatable Price-to-Luxury Ratio

The Zeekr 001 starts at €55,000 (RWD) and tops out at €70,000 (Privilege AWD)—half the cost of rivals like the BMW i5 Touring (€100,000+) or Audi A6 e-tron. You get:

• Premium materials (microfiber, leatherette).
• High-end tech (15.4-inch screen, Yamaha sound).
• A 100 kWh battery—all for less.

It’s luxury without the premium price tag, making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers seeking upscale vibes.

2. Stunning Exterior Design

The Zeekr 001 turns heads with RS6-like flair:

• Front: Vertical “tiger claw” DRLs, split headlights, sculpted hood—gorgeous in bright blue.
• Rear: Sleek taillight bar with “Zeekr” lettering, a modern branding trend.
• Wheels: 22-inch alloys (Privilege trim) for a muscular stance.

At 4.96m (195 inches), it’s bold and aerodynamic—perfect for those who want style that stands out. What’s your favorite angle? Comment below!

3. Thrilling Performance Options

Whether you pick RWD or AWD, the Zeekr 001 delivers:

• RWD Base: 7.2 seconds 0-100km/h—smooth and efficient.
• AWD Privilege/Performance: 3.8 seconds 0-100km/h—heart-pounding acceleration for an estate.

I floored the Privilege AWD in Sport mode, and it’s a rush—ideal for thrill-seekers who don’t want an SUV’s bulk.

4. Impressive Real-World Range

The 100kWh battery (96kWh net) offers:

• Range: 460km (285 miles) real-world at 21 kWh/100km (3 miles/kWh), tested in mixed conditions.
• Charging: 200kW DC peak—10-80% in under 30 minutes.

It’s not the Zeekr 7X’s 800V speed, but for daily drives or road trips, this range keeps you moving, more than enough for most.

5. Plush Interior Comfort

Step inside, and the Zeekr 001 feels like a premium cocoon:

• Seats: Microfiber and leatherette—plush, supportive, with cooling/heating.
• Space: Roomy for 1.89m (6’2”) drivers; rear legroom galore.
• Headliner: Microfiber (racing-inspired—light, glare-free), plush sun visors.

I rested my head on the cushy restraint—rare comfort that beats many €100,000 rivals. It’s a shuttle-worthy haven!

6. Practical Estate Versatility

For families or gear-haulers, the Zeekr 001 shines:

• Trunk: 540L standard, 2m (78 inches) with seats folded—wide and flexible.
• Storage: Underfloor compartment, adaptive cupholders, USB-C ports.
• Rear Seats: Adjustable backrests for lounging or cargo.

It’s shallower with the cover, but remove it, and 77cm (30 inches) of height handles big loads—DIY or vacation-ready.

7. Advanced Tech Suite

Tech lovers will dig this:

• Screen: 15.4-inch Tesla-style infotainment—fast, with huge icons for safety.
• Audio: 12-speaker Yamaha surround sound—crisp and immersive.
• Extras: Head-up display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise.

It’s not the quickest system (Zeekr 7X wins there), but it’s modern and user-friendly—perfect for daily drives.

8. Air Suspension Comfort

Exclusive to the Privilege trim, the air suspension adapts:

• Sport Mode: Stiffens for feedback—great on twisty roads.
• Comfort Mode: Smooths big bumps, though 22-inch wheels limit softness.

I drove over Portugal’s potholes—waves evened out, and small jolts were felt. It’s sporty yet comfy, a rare balance for big EVs.

9. Premium Build Quality

At €55,000-€70,000, the Zeekr 001 punches above its weight:

• Materials: Microfiber seats/headliner, leatherette dash—rival German interiors.
• Details: Anodized trim, dampened glovebox, slick shifter.
• Fit: Tight seams, plush touches—Germans should take notes.

It’s not flawless (no felt in door pockets), but for the price, this build quality is astonishing.

10. Competitive Edge Over Germans

Why pick Zeekr over BMW or Audi?

• Price: Half the cost for a similar size and tech.
• Design: Bolder than an i5 or A6 e-tron—stands out.
• Value: 100 kWh battery and luxury features at €70,000 max.

Germans win on driving finesse, but Zeekr’s price-performance ratio is a game-changer—luxury for less.

Drawbacks: What’s Not Perfect?

No car’s flawless—here’s where the Zeekr 001 stumbles:

• Frameless Door Noise: Squeaks on rough roads—cheap-convertible vibes I’d fix with rubber treatment.
• Capacitive Controls: Steering buttons (volume, temp) feel gimmicky—give me real ones!
• No Frunk Utility: Tiny “cutie-frunky” only fits cables—not practical.
• High Rear Floor: EV battery raises leg angle—less comfy than combustion estates.
• Tech Lag: Slower system vs. Zeekr 7X; assist systems trail Germans.

These niggles don’t kill the deal, but they’re worth noting—especially for perfectionists.

Why Buy Now? Timing Matters

Zeekr’s expanding in Europe (more markets soon), and the 001’s buzz is growing. Grab it now to:

• Beat price hikes as demand rises.
• Enjoy early-adopter bragging rights.
• Lock in a luxury EV before waitlists hit.

It’s in select markets now—check local dealers for 2025 availability.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Zeekr 001?

The Zeekr 001 is a luxury estate steal—€55,000 gets you stunning design, plush comfort, and 460km range; €70,000 adds AWD thrills and air suspension. It’s not perfect (squeaky doors, quirky controls), but it outshines German rivals on value. I’d buy it for its bold looks and unbeatable price—would you? Tell me below, subscribe to Autogefühl, and share this top 10 list—I’m Thomas, out for now!

Quick Specs Recap

• Price: €55,000-€70,000
• Range: 460km (285 miles)
• Power: 3.8s (AWD) or 7.2s (RWD) 0-100km/h
• Trunk: 540L