Geely’s Swedish-Chinese subbrand Zeekr has just rolled out a refreshed version with more power, more range, and a surprisingly long list of luxury features of its compact electric SUV, the Zeekr X, a sibling to the Volvo EX30 (Belgium-built )and the Smart #1.
It packs a 61.47 kWh LFP battery, offering up to 530 km CLTC range, a notable jump from the previous 49 kWh version for a 2.15% lower starting price of 145,800 yuan (around €19,500). A dual-motor performance variant delivers 0-100 km/h in 3.69 seconds thanks to a 66 kWh pack and updated motors for 175,800 yuan (€21,500).
Unmistakable global intent
And while the refresh is launching in China first, its global intent is unmistakable. This is a car built with Europe firmly in mind, and it could soon shake up Belgium’s fast-growing EV segment.
At first glance, the 2025 Zeekr X looks familiar. Its crisp proportions, 4.45 metres long with a short, athletic stance, remain intact. Outside, subtle tweaks freshen the design: powered door handles, a motorised charging flap, and a new “Seattle Green” paint finish join the palette.
Aerodynamics and lighting details have also been fine-tuned, though the overall silhouette remains confidently understated. The real change lies beneath the skin.
Buyers in China now get a choice of two new batteries: a 61 kWh ‘Energee’ LFP pack good for 530 km CLTC range (around 400–425 km WLTP), and a 66 kWh CATL NCM pack offering 512 km CLTC (roughly 410–430 km WLTP). Both are more efficient than before and benefit from an upgraded thermal-management system.
Performance has also leaped. The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version now produces 250 kW (335 hp), while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive flagship unleashes 365 kW (489 hp) and sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. That’s quicker than many German rivals costing twice as much.
Inside, Zeekr has turned up the innovation. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.6-inch touchscreen that slides sideways on a 35-centimetre rail, allowing the passenger to take control of media or navigation. There’s also a mini-fridge between the seats — capable of cooling to –6 °C or warming to 50 °C — plus a 50-watt wireless phone charger and a password-protected glovebox.
Materials and fit have been subtly improved, and an upgraded infotainment chip makes the system feel snappier. It’s all very high-tech, yet executed with Scandinavian restraint rather than flashy overload.
Aggressive value statement
With prices in China starting at the equivalent of €21,800, Zeekr is making an aggressive value statement. The company calls this new model a global edition, a clear hint that these upgrades will serve as the basis for the 2026 European model.
In Belgium today, the Zeekr X is available as a Core RWD with a 330 km WLTP range at €37,990, a Long Range version with the 69 kWh NMC battery and 440 km WLTP range at €43,990, and a Privelege version at €48,990.
That’s not cheap, but Zeekr was launched in 2021 as Geely’s premium pure-electric vehicle (EV) brand, built to sit above Geely’s mainstream mass-market models but below ultra-luxury or niche marques.
Playing on the world stage
By blending near-supercar performance with family-car practicality and a sober, yet luxurious, interior straight out of a concept studio, Zeekr is proving it can play on the world stage.
If the refreshed model brings its powertrain and tech enhancements across while landing at the expected €40,000–48,000 range, the Zeekr X would sit neatly below the BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes EQA yet outgun them in both horsepower and tech toys.
Both Volvo and Smart are expected to follow Zeekr’s lead with updates to their compact EVs, though on different timelines. Volvo’s EX30, built on the same SEA2 platform, is already evolving with software upgrades, new drive modes.
The upcoming EX30 Cross Country variant for the 2026 model year signals incremental but steady enhancement rather than a complete redesign. Smart, meanwhile, has begun rolling out over-the-air improvements for the #1 and #3.
But larger hardware or performance updates are likely to arrive later, as the brand prepares to launch its next-generation Smart #2 city car in 2026. In short, both will benefit from the shared Geely tech advances driving Zeekr’s refresh, but Volvo’s evolution will come first, while Smart’s will follow more gradually.
