There is a giant among us. It has absorbed known marques while creating their own signature as well. It is named Geely

Both Zeekr and Lynk & Co are premium brands under the Geely Holding Group the Chinese automotive giant that also owns Volvo and holds a stake in Aston Martin. Zeekr was established in March 2021 and operates as an independent brand, even though it shares its parent company with Volvo. By December 2024, Zeekr had surpassed 400,000 global sales in just 37 months.  Zeekr also recently acquired a controlling 51% stake in Lynk & Co, essentially taking over the reins of the sister brand. 

The two brands are strategically positioned quite differently. Geely’s “One Geely” strategy clarifies their roles: Zeekr targets tech-luxury, Geely Galaxy serves the mass market, and Lynk & Co remains focused on youth and performance.  All Zeekr models are designed in Europe at the brand’s Global Design Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, and the approach shows.

The Zeekr brand

Zeekr is the global luxury electric mobility technology brand under Zeekr Group. The brand and its first product were launched in Ningbo on April 15, 2021. Zeekr’s values are equality, diversity, and sustainability. It aims to create a harmonious coexistence between human, tech, and nature.

The Zeekr timeline

ZEEKR model gallery

ZEEKR 001

Do you remember when you first saw Bond driving an Aston Martin DB5? Did you know that Aston’s founder, David Brown, had a shooting brake (wagon) iteration made for him? Well, the Zeekr 001 is the business. It can be for a family-mover or highway traveller for style-minded owners. In Long range spec, 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.2s and if you have access to a closed track, the Zeekr 001 in performance spec completes 0-100km/h in 2.36s.

Architecture

Built on the 800V SEA1 platform, the 2026 Zeekr 001 measures approximately 4,977mm long, 1,999mm wide, and 1,545mm high with a 3,000mm wheelbase. Its distinctive exterior includes flush door handles, a dynamic rear rake, and a full-width LED light bar at the rear. 

Power

The 2025 AWD Long Range variant comes with an impressive 912 horsepower from its dual electric motors. The biggest change brought by the updated 001 is the 900V architecture, enabling much quicker charging. The AWD model can charge from 10–80% in just 7 minutes, if you can find a charger outputting over 1,140kW. Even with more typical 300–400kW chargers, sub-10-minute times are achievable. 

One variant offers a 370kW motor output with a 100kWh battery enabling a range of around 810km (CLTC). The 001 supports 5C fast charging, going from 10–80% in about 11 minutes, delivering approximately 472km of range in that window.

Key specifications

Horsepower: from 272 PS / 268 HP / 200 kW to 544 PS / 537 HP / 400 kW
Length: 495.5 cm / 195.08 inches Width: 199.9 cm / 78.7 inches Height: 156.0 cm / 61.42 inches Wheelbase: 299.9 cm / 118.07 inches
Curb Weight: from 2200 kg / 4850 lbs to 2350 kg / 5181 lbs
Max. Towing Capacity Weight: from 1500 kg / 3307 lbs to 2000 kg / 4409 lbs

Estimated Price: $38 000 USD (China)– $54 850 USD (Mexico)

Range 

The range kicks off with a Long Range RWD version using a single 268bhp motor, where 0–62mph takes 7.2 seconds and the 100kWh battery provides a hefty 385 miles of range. The Performance AWD adds an additional front motor for a total of 537bhp and a 0–62mph time of 3.8 seconds.  At the extreme end, the 001 FR is a China-only special edition with a quad-motor 1,265bhp powertrain and a 0–100km/h time of just 2.02 seconds. 

Driving impressions

Driving the Zeekr 001 is very similar driving the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. The name isn’t as recognizable but with stunning looks at a fraction of the price, the Zeekr 001 is an enticing proposition. Heady words as I own a Porsche.

Interior

The interior is a genuinely nice place to be, the materials are very nice there’s loads of space even in the rear seats, and it feels well put together. The 15.4-inch central infotainment screen controls almost everything and is responsive, if a little overcomplicated. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and a Yamaha audio system are included. 

ArenaEV’s hands-on review noted that the infotainment screen can swivel up to 30 degrees, up from a fixed unit, and the driver’s display and head-up unit offer fabulous image quality. The two-tone steering wheel now uses real physical buttons for controls rather than the previous haptic touch feedback, a welcome improvement.

Verdict

There is not doubt that the Zeekr 001 is one of the most distinctive electric vehicles on the market. The shooting-brake body is genuinely rare, the performance figures are extraordinary, and the value proposition versus European rivals is compelling. The brand recognition challenge remains real outside China. Should it find its way to your garage, you’ll find yourself staring at it with pride. But there is another, the Polestar 5. Read PIR’s article about it here.

The ZEEKR model overview