In times gone by, crossovers were bland and boring to look at with uninspired designs focused on subtlety and practicality, rather than making a statement. This isn’t so true anymore, however, thanks in part to radical new compact crossovers hitting the market. The Zeekr X is one of them.
The latest product from the Geely-owned electric automaker, the X has surfaced online thanks to China’s trusty Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It could very well be one of the most dramatic crossovers we’ve recently laid eyes on and will be sold alongside the Zeekr 001 sedan and the Zeekr 009 MPV.
Car News China understands that the X will debut at the Shanghai Auto Show running from April 18-27 and that it will be sold in both four and five-seat configurations.
Read: Zeekr Wants To Double Its Sales This Year But Won’t Enter The U.S.
Underpinning the Zeekr X is Geely’s SEA platform, also used by the Smart #1 and the upcoming Volvo XC30. Entry-level models will come with a rear-mounted electric motor pumping out 268 hp (200 kW) while dual-motor variants will also have this 268 hp (200 kW) motor but also a 154 hp (115 kW) motor at the front wheels. These are the same powertrains as the Smart #1 and the flagship model should be able to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3 seconds and a 190 km/h (118 mph) top speed.
Then we come to the design. Much like the 001 and 009 from Zeekr, the X makes a bold statement with an unconventional shape and intriguing lines. The front end sports complex LED daytime running lights where you’d ordinarily expect to find the headlights. The main headlamps are then housed behind black panels running horizontally across the fascia.
Elsewhere, you will no doubt notice the intriguing design of the wheels, as well as the black arches. There are also dramatic creases running along the doors and a thick C-pillar that adds to the personality of the compact model. The rear end is rather minimalist compared to the front and is dominated by thin LED lights and a black bumper.
The Zeekr X will hit the Chinese market in the second quarter of this year before sales kick off in select European markets, including Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
