- Zeekr has launched the futuristic and luxurious Mix, an electric minivan starting at $39,315 in China.
- It features a streamlined design and double sliding doors with a 58.3-inch wide opening.
- The interior is well-equipped, offering a 13-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment system.
Zeekr isn’t a stranger to vans, but their latest is far more futuristic than the 009. It’s known as the Mix and the model starts at ¥279,900 ($39,315) in China. If you’re wondering where it stands, think of it as a competitor to the VW ID. Buzz—but without the hefty price tag.
Billed as an “everyday car of the future,” the model has a “capsule-shaped” design that is said to draw inspiration from the Tiangong space station. That’s hyperbole at its best, but the Mix does look a little out of this world thanks to a streamlined aesthetic and an “Arc Sky” curved roof that features a massive glass panel.
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The model is also notable for having a Stargate light curtain that spans 95 inches (2,413 mm) and consists of more than 1,960 LEDs. It can display messages, perhaps to the Goa’uld, via a “magic canvas” function.
Rounding out the highlights are flush-mounted door handles, a hidden rear wiper, and 19- or 20-inch wheels. They’re joined by unique double sliding doors that provide a 58.3-inch (1480 mm) wide opening. To get around the lack of a traditional B-pillar, the doors have two ultra-high-strength steel pillars embedded within them.
In terms of size, the Mix measures 184.6 inches (4,688 mm) long, 78.5 inches (1,995 mm) wide, and 69.9 inches (1,775 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 118.4 inches (3,008 mm). That means the model is significantly shorter than minivans such as the Honda Odyssey, but has a similar wheelbase.
Moving into the cabin, Zeekr wanted to create a “welcoming ambiance similar to your own living room.” As part of this effort, there’s an S-shaped dash that features a 13-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment system.
More notably, there are electric front seats that can swivel 270 degrees and face rear seat occupants. They’re covered in Nappa leather and feature heating, ventilation and massage functions.
The front seats are separated by an electric center console, which slides back and forth on a 6.5 foot (2 meter) long rail. It can be equipped with a refrigerator as well as an assortment of accessories including large and small tables.
The rear seat is the star of the show as it offers tons of legroom as well as heating, ventilation and massage. The right rear seat also has an electric leg rest as well as an available electric footrest on the back of the front seat.
Other highlights include a flat floor, a microfiber headliner, and a 21-speaker audio system. They’re joined by a 50w wireless smartphone charger, a fragrance system, and a spacious cargo area that features a 220V outlet as well as room for 20 cubic feet (568 liter) of luggage.
The Mix rides on the SEA-M architecture and features 800V technology as well as two different battery packs. The smaller of the two is a 76 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate unit that provides a CLTC range of 342 miles (550 km). When low, the battery can go from a 10% to 80% charge in just 10.5 minutes.
Customers needing more range can opt for a 102 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack, which can go more than 435 miles (700 km) between charging sessions. When it needs to be replenished, a 15 minute stop can deliver up to 311 miles (500 km) of range.
The batteries power a rear-mounted motor producing 416 hp (310 kW / 421 PS) and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.8 seconds.
An assortment of driver assistance systems come standard including adaptive cruise control, automated parking, blind spot warning, and a surround view camera system. The Mix also sports a Lidar sensor and can be equipped with a High-Speed Autonomous Pilot Assist system.
