Zeekr 7X Performance AWD 2025 Review

The 2025 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD is the most expensive member of the three-pronged 7X line-up, starting from an ultra-aggressive $72,900 plus on-road costs.

While the most expensive variant being priced ultra-aggressively might sound like an oxymoron, it works in the 7X’s favour since the Performance AWD savagely undercuts all of its key rivals, including the updated Tesla Model Y Performance, which is priced more than $16,000 upstream.

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT? That’s $24,474 dearer. Kia EV6 GT? Cough up another $26,690. Hyundai IONIQ 5 N? You may as well forget about it… $38,100 more expensive.

Adding insult to injury for the Ford, Kia and possibly the Tesla is the fact the hero 7X is significantly more powerful. Its dual e-motors are good for a combined 475kW/710Nm and 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds – but to be fair, all four competitors are quicker off the mark.

The motors draw current from a 100kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that provides a maximum WLTP range of 543km and can be recharged up to 450kW on DC power, yielding a claimed 10-80 per cent top-up in just 16 minutes.

So surely then, the 7X Performance AWD is shy on creature comforts against the competition? Nope. If anything, it’s got more.

Headline equipment on this Chinese halo includes a 16.0-inch HD touchscreen, power-adjustment for every seat, a 21-speaker premium audio system, power-opening and closing doors, height-adjustable air suspension with adaptive dampers, 21-inch alloys, Nappa leather upholstery, a powered steering wheel, 360-degree camera, 13.0-inch driver’s display and tri-zone climate control.

There is plenty more but seemingly not enough internet to list it all. However, some other key features worth mentioning include a glass roof, a 36.2-inch colour head-up display, electric rear window sunshades, clear chassis view and a bunch of novelty noises to keep the kids entertained.

All 7X’s feature a five-star NCAP safety rating but are yet to be tested by ANCAP Down Under.

The first thing most people judge a car on is the design. On this front, the 2025 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD gets a pass mark, but it hardly sets the world alight like the IONIQ 5 did when it debuted.

That same inoffensive vibe transfers to the cabin where we find an elegant and well-presented interior full of decent quality materials and classy design touches, not to mention plenty of headroom for something with a glass roof and vaguely rakish roofline.

There are plenty of storage options scattered around the place in a familiar Volvo sort of way (no surprises given Geely is the parent company to both), dual wireless charging pads and the widescreen infotainment unit is decent to look at, as well as snappy to respond.

Did we mention the value? Less than $75K (plus ORCs) for something with 475kW/710Nm and adjustable air suspension.

Unsurprisingly, this 2460kg medium SUV is rapid in its angriest drive modes and will launch from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds, even on its efficiency-focussed tyres – no doubt something a bit stickier would shave off a few extra tenths.

But, the rubber contributes to the Performance AWD’s impressive 543km claimed range – a similarly powered IONIQ 5 N will only go 448km – as does the height-adjustable air suspension which is easily this vehicle’s USP.

Whereas the N, GTs and Tesla are all very much road-bound high-performance crossovers, the halo Zeekr is more than capable of handling some mild forays off-road thanks to the 232mm of ground clearance on offer when the suspension is set to its highest position.

A lack of suspension reach and the eco-focused road tyres naturally prove the primary limiting factors, but there’s no doubt the 7X is one of the more versatile offerings in its class.

We didn’t get a chance to drive the 7X on public roads, but on the closest thing we could find, it proved comfortable and composed over bumps of all sizes and shapes at most reasonable speeds. Essentially, it’s a lot like the product from Zeekr’s sister brands Volvo and Polestar; there’s no indication from the chassis or dynamics this is a Chinese vehicle.

As good value, quick and refined as the 2025 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD is, it’s not perfect. Zeekr Australia bravely decided to launch the car at one of Australia’s most advanced and demanding motorsport facilities: The Bend Motorsport Park.

And despite the obvious connotations of its nameplate, spikey performance, four-piston brakes and big wheels etc, the 7X Performance is not a track car. Put simply, it’s under-tyred and a bit soft – even in its angriest settings – to truly exploit at a circuit.

There are decent levels of grip and the brakes work well when stomped on, but you can tell a racetrack isn’t its happy place. This isn’t overly surprising, and to be honest, we’d happily accept its on-road refinement and soft-roading versatility over outright track capability every day of the week.

Side note, the rear-drive variants struggled on the circuit with their soft suspension and actually felt a bit unstable above about 150km/h down the main straight, developing a subtle weave as speeds built.

But, as stated above, these are not track vehicles. There are still some gripes though, most of which can be aimed at the Performance. The doors are all electric release and power-opening which, while sounding cool on paper, proved a pain during regular ingress and egress.

This largely sets the tone for our initial complaints as the flagship seems to be stacked full of pointless features that ultimately prove either annoying or a waste of money.

Another example are the front air vents which can only be adjusted via the centre screen, with the same true of the steering wheel and wing mirrors.

The other silly novelty that raised our eyebrows was the selectable sound effects which range from animals to clearly fake sports car notes – what’s the point? Honestly, it’s a gimmick included for a gimmick’s sake.

And while using the centre screen to house certain controls might sound luxurious, it’s counter intuitive, making the car more irritating to operate and surely, more expensive.

If you’re after a fast, efficient, comfortable and versatile premium(ish) electric SUV… yes. The 2025 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD offers a heap of grunt, refinement and luxury for an alarmingly low asking price.

It’s not the sharpest or fastest contender out there, but it’s easily one of the most refined, versatile and best value propositions backed by a clear and concise warranty (seven years/unlimited kilometres for the vehicle, eight years/160,000km for the battery).

We didn’t get a chance to test out the fast-charging capabilities on our first local introduction, but the prospect of a 10-80 per cent top-up in as little as 16 minutes is definitely appealing… provided you have access to a compatible charger.

The fact the halo 7X is also inoffensive to look at, has a comfortable and spacious interior and is priced so damn sharply largely make it a winner based on these early impressions.

We’re not sure what the sales split between the rear-drive variants and the Performance AWD is at the moment, but we have zero doubt the 7X will continue to attract fans in their thousands.

2025 Zeekr 7X Performance AWD at a glance:
Price: $72,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: October 6
Powertrain: Dual electric motors
Output: 475kW/710Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 100kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC)
Range: 543km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 19.9 kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested (ANCAP)

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