The Zeekr 7GT is making its way to New Zealand. And as a bit of a ‘sneak peek’ we spent a day pushing this 500kW machine on customised exercises and around the challenging corners of Highlands Motorsport Park. What we discovered was the Zeekr 7GT somehow manages to balance genuine performance credentials with the refined comfort you expect from a grand tourer. AKA the Zeekr 7GT is something genuinely special.
From the outside – Long Wheelbase, Lower Stance
The Zeekr 7GT’s proportions are out to impress. Its defining characteristic is its notably long wheelbase paired with minimal overhang, creating a purposeful stance that speaks to its grand tourer DNA.
The front fascia employs Zeekr’s “two eyes, no mouth” design language, featuring a striking light bar across the front with customisable LEDs that can be personalised to your preference, a nice touch that adds individuality to an already distinctive design.
The profile view reveals a sloping long roof line that extends gracefully toward the rear, complemented by roof and boot spoilers that hint at aerodynamic purpose without appearing aggressive. While the side cladding and colour-contrasting lower sections add visual drama.
Basically, the Zeekr 7GT offers up a grounded, purposeful appearance that lives up to its performance aspirations.
Premium Comfort Meets Accessibility
Step inside, and the 7GT impresses with its blend of luxury and usability. The steering wheel borrows design inspiration from Zeekr’s high-performance 001 FR, featuring a sporty aesthetic combined with controls that make essential functions immediately accessible.
The infotainment system handles most functions through a large touchscreen, yet the piano keys provide intuitive access to the likes of climate control without requiring menu navigation.
Comfort is clearly not overlooked as the front seats come standard with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while rear passengers enjoy their own heated and ventilated seating arrangements. And for those that like their sounds, Zeekr has equipped the cabin with a high-end Zeekr Pro sound system featuring 23 speakers in a 7.1 channel configuration, delivering a peak power output of 2,160 watts.
The real practical hero is the storage capacity. With rear seats up, you’re looking at over 462+ litres of boot space, but fold those rear seats and the volume expands to over 1,735 litres, so you can take the Zeekr 7GT on extended trips without requiring roof boxes or trailers.
Smart and Safety-First
Zeekr has equipped the 7GT with over forty active safety technologies, ensuring the car remains practical and secure across diverse driving conditions. The implementation of a smart parking system and assisted driving navigation rounds out the technology suite, making urban driving less stressful and highway driving more manageable.
In fact, its safety credentials are impressive, with the 7GT having secured a five-star safety rating under the 2026 protocol, yep, this performance machine takes protection seriously.
Powertrain and Charging – Three Compelling Options
The Zeekr 7GT lineup comprises three distinct variants, each addressing different priorities. The standard-range model features a 75 kWh battery capable of rapid charging, from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes on DC charging infrastructure. For those requiring extended range, the CATL Qilin (Cell-to-Pack technology) variant steps up to 100 kWh capacity, achieving similar 80% charge in approximately 15 minutes.
However, the performance-focused all-wheel-drive variant is where things get genuinely exciting. Utilizing 450 kW DC charging capability and producing a peak power output of 500 kW, this version storms to 0–100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Impressed much?
Suspension and Handling
Managing the 7GT’s considerable power output requires sophisticated mechanical engineering. Zeekr has specified a genuinely premium suspension setup, double-wishbone front suspension paired with a five-link rear configuration. But there’s more sophistication lurking beneath the surface, a five-level adjustable air suspension combined with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) technology ensures the 7GT can be tailored to your driving preferences and road conditions.
The practical result became immediately apparent during our track testing at Highlands. The chassis displays remarkable composure through rapid direction changes, with the suspension maintaining control without transmitting harshness through the cabin. The side bolsters in the seats actively engage during cornering to keep occupants properly positioned, a detail borrowed from performance cars yet rarely seen in production vehicles. Dual wishbones up front and five multilinks at the rear create a platform that truly shines when driven with (ahem) purpose.
Grand Tourer Performance in Action
My time at Highlands Motorsport Park revealed the Zeekr 7GT’s genuine breadth of capability. Starting with the moose test (a severe lane-change exercise) the 7GT demonstrated the firm chassis control that characterises the entire package. With no brake intervention required, the car’s suspension and chassis stiffness provided remarkable confidence, allowing us to push hard through the obstacle course without fear of roll or loss of control.
In Sport mode, both the rear-wheel-drive long-range and all-wheel-drive variants showed their performance mettle on track. The rear-wheel-drive variant proved surprisingly composed, avoiding excessive understeer while delivering genuine entertainment through engaging dynamics.
The all-wheel-drive version, as expected, offered additional confidence through faster corners, though I have to say that the artificial engine sound (present to compensate for electric powertrain quietness) did irritate.
Through multiple track sessions, the Zeekr 7GT displayed remarkable capability for a luxury grand tourer. The suspension remained predictably well-tuned rather than bone-wrenchingly firm, allowing extended periods of spirited driving without fatigue. The braking proved effective and progressive, while acceleration through the gears (via multiple motor controllers) felt linear and controlled. Like I said in the outset, this is quite a machine.
Tarmac Takeaway
The Zeekr 7GT is a genuine grand tourer with the range and comfort to tackle long-distance cruising, yet it possesses legitimate performance credentials that translate to real enjoyment on winding roads and even track environments.
The suspension setup, interior refinement, fast charging capability, and substantial storage capacity make it thoroughly practical for daily duties, while the performance variants ensure true excitement remains available when circumstances allow.
Pricing has yet to be revealed, but if a GT is on your radar, then I recommend you take this for a spin.
