China’s Zeekr brand, part of Geely’s expanding automotive empire, is making waves across Europe with its flagship electric fastback, the Zeekr 001. Although this model has been on sale in China for several years, it has only recently arrived on European roads. Despite being based on an older 400-volt platform rather than the newer 800-volt version now available in China, the 001 still manages to impress with its refinement, performance, and value.

A Newcomer With Premium Ambitions

Zeekr was launched in 2021 as Geely’s luxury-focused electric vehicle division. The 001 was its first production model, designed to showcase high levels of engineering and technology. While earlier expectations cast it as a budget alternative to the Porsche Taycan, spending time behind the wheel quickly dispels the notion that Zeekr is simply imitating established Western brands. Instead, it feels like a confident statement of capability from a young automaker unafraid to challenge Europe’s best.

The European-spec Zeekr 001 starts at €58,500, while the range-topping Privilege trim comes in at €68,000. For context, that’s well below the cost of many performance-oriented German EVs with similar specifications. The car delivers 536 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque via a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, hitting 0 to 62 mph in only 3.8 seconds. Power comes from a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery good for up to 385 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

Designed in Sweden, Built for Global Appeal

Although produced in China, the Zeekr 001 owes much of its design DNA to Europe. The car was penned in Sweden, under the same Geely umbrella that owns Volvo and Polestar. The result is a sleek, muscular silhouette with contemporary LED lighting details and a fastback profile reminiscent of European grand tourers. In person, the 001 looks larger and more imposing than its photos suggest. It outsizes the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo in width, height, and wheelbase, making it particularly roomy for rear passengers.

The fastback tail design stands out with a sophisticated light bar stretching the full width of the car. When locked or unlocked, the LEDs perform a welcoming animation — a small touch that reinforces the car’s attention to design detail. My test car’s 22-inch diamond-cut wheels and Phantom Black finish added to its elegant and understated presence. Despite its size, the 001’s proportions are well managed, especially when its air suspension lowers the body at speed.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and it’s instantly clear that Zeekr wants to be seen as a premium player. The cabin combines soft-touch synthetic materials with metallic accents and stylish copper stitching that adds personality without overwhelming the aesthetic. The front seats are supportive, though taller drivers may wish for greater steering wheel reach adjustment and thigh support. In contrast, the rear seats are exceptional — wide, heated, and power-reclining — paired with a dedicated touchscreen for climate and entertainment settings.

A 15-inch central display dominates the minimalist dashboard. It handles nearly all vehicle functions with crisp graphics and responsive menus. While the interface performs well overall, it can occasionally hesitate when switching between functions. A slightly updated version with better screen quality is already available in China and is expected to reach European markets in due time.

The infotainment can be polarizing, but Zeekr deserves praise for its attention to ergonomics elsewhere. The cabin feels serene even at high speeds, with excellent insulation from wind and tire noise. The steering wheel houses touch-sensitive pads that some may find unintuitive — an issue Zeekr’s facelifted model in China has already fixed with physical buttons.

Driving Character and Efficiency

Despite weighing just over 2.4 tons, the 001 manages its mass well. The adaptive air suspension does an impressive job absorbing imperfections while keeping body control tight in corners. Switch into the sportier mode, and the suspension lowers, sharpening handling to a surprising degree. The steering is light and mostly devoid of feedback — typical of today’s EVs — but the brake pedal feels natural and confidence-inspiring, blending regenerative and mechanical braking seamlessly.

Performance is brisk but never aggressive. In comfort mode, throttle response is deliberately smooth, making the car easy to drive in traffic. Engage sport mode, and acceleration becomes noticeably quicker, though still presented in a linear way rather than the instant rush some electric vehicles prefer.

Charging remains one of the few areas where the European version lags. Using a 400-volt system, peak fast charging tops out at 200 kW, adding around 70% charge in 30 minutes. Under ideal conditions, real-world highway efficiency ranges from 2.1 to 2.4 miles per kWh depending on speed and temperature — respectable figures for a big, luxurious EV.

A Compelling Alternative to Established Brands

What stands out most about the Zeekr 001 is how cohesive and mature it feels. The fit and finish rival many European luxury vehicles, and its ride and refinement are exceptional for its price range. The fact that Zeekr has achieved this level of sophistication in just a few years is remarkable.

For European buyers seeking something distinct from the usual German options — and at a significantly lower cost — the Zeekr 001 makes a persuasive case. Its unique mix of comfort, design quality, and performance suggest that the dominance of traditional premium manufacturers may not last forever. Zeekr may have taken its time crossing continents, but now that it’s here, it’s putting Europe’s EV scene on notice.