The air at the Giltrap Group Starship Supercar Show was thick with the scent of high-octane fuel and the buzz of exotic machinery, but one of the most significant reveals wasn’t a traditional supercar at all. Amidst the cacophony of V8s and V12s, a new brand made a powerful, yet silent, statement. Zeekr, the premium electric arm of the global Geely portfolio, has officially landed in New Zealand, and its opening salvo is the Zeekr 7X, a premium electric SUV that aims to blend luxury, blistering performance, and game-changing technology at a price point that demands attention.
Unveiled in Auckland, the 7X enters what Dane Fisher, General Manager of NordEast vehicle distributors, calls “the largest premium segment in the country,” a segment that has just tipped over 50% full-electric penetration. It’s a calculated and timely arrival. With pricing starting from just $69,990, a flagship model that sprints to 100km/h in a supercar-rivalling 3.8 seconds, and charging technology that can add hundreds of kilometres of range in the time it takes to grab a coffee, the Zeekr 7X is out to rewrite the rulebook.
Who is Zeekr and Why Should You Care?
For many Kiwis, Zeekr (ZE stands for Zero, symbolizing the starting point of infinite possibilities; E represents Evolving the Electric Era; and KR is inspired by Krypton, a noble gas that emits light when electrified, representing cutting-edge technology – phew) might be an unfamiliar name, but its family tree is deeply rooted in automotive excellence.
Founded in 2021, yes only 2021, Zeekr is part of the Geely Group, a powerhouse that also stewards the iconic brands of Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. This isn’t some fledgling start-up; it’s a brand built on a foundation of proven engineering, world-class design, and immense global scale. Since delivering its first vehicle in October 2021, Zeekr has already put over 520,000 cars on the road globally, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing EV brands in the world.
The New Zealand launch is being handled by NordEast, Giltrap Group’s new distribution division, which brings six core Geely brands under one roof with an ambitious goal: to deliver 5,000 electrified vehicles to the New Zealand market within three years. The passion behind the launch is palpable. At the unveiling, Dane Fisher described the brand’s arrival as a special moment for the entire team. “We’re launching a brand that we believe will redefine the premium electric mobility segment in New Zealand and set a stage for a bold electrified future,” he stated.
Designed in Sweden – A Philosophy of “Hidden Energy”
While the engineering might is global, the soul of the Zeekr 7X was forged in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the brand’s global design centre. It’s led by Head of Design, Stefan Sielaff, a man whose portfolio includes shaping the aesthetic of luxury titans like Bentley and Audi. His influence is immediately apparent. The 7X embodies a design philosophy called “Hidden Energy,” which Sielaff’s team describes as aiming for “an inherent confident and refined aesthetic.”
In person, this translates to an unmistakably sleek and sophisticated form. The lines are clean and sculpted, free of unnecessary clutter. Features like a floating roofline, a wide clamshell bonnet, frameless mirrors, and flush door handles create a smooth, almost liquid surface that is both elegant and functional. The vehicle’s proportions feel purposeful, with short overhangs, a long 2,900mm wheelbase, and wheels up to 21 inches giving it a confident, dynamic stance. During a video presentation at the launch, Sielaff explained his vision: “Luxury, I believe is an experience. It’s rooted in our genuine feelings, not just surface appearances… its aim is to make luxury accessible, not disturbing.” This ethos is reflected in the car’s practical side, with the optimized form yielding a generous 539-litre rear luggage compartment and up to 62 litres of storage in the front ‘frunk’ on the rear-wheel-drive model.
The Heart of the Matter: Performance That Thrills
Zeekr is offering the 7X in three distinct flavours, catering to a range of priorities from maximum efficiency to outright explosive performance. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): The entry point to the range is priced at $69,990 + ORC. Don’t let the ‘base model’ tag fool you; its single rear-axle motor produces a very healthy 310kW and 440Nm of torque. It offers an estimated WLTP range of 480km.
Long Range RWD: For those who prioritize distance, the $79,990 Long Range model uses the same potent 310kW motor but pairs it with a larger battery, stretching the WLTP range to an impressive 615km.
Performance AWD: This is the hero, the flagship model designed to rival sports cars.Priced at $94,990, it integrates a second electric motor on the front axle for a combined output of a staggering 475kW (637 hp) and 710Nm of instant torque. The result is a 0-100km/h sprint in a blistering 3.8 seconds. To manage that power and add capability, the Performance model also comes with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, an off-road mode that optimises traction, and active air suspension with continuous damper control that can increase ground clearance by up to 45mm for more challenging conditions.
Zeekr New Zealand Brand Manager, Michael Jones, perfectly captured the model’s duality, stating, “It delivers performance that rivals sports cars… with the confidence of up to 615km of range. Combined with ultra-fast charging and a luxurious, high-tech cabin, it makes premium electric driving more exciting and affordable than ever before.”
The Real Game-Changer: Ultra-Fast 800V Charging
Perhaps the most significant technological leap the Zeekr 7X brings to the mainstream is its 800-volt electrical architecture. While common in the ultra-premium EV space (think Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT), seeing it in a vehicle at this price point is a genuine game-changer. This high-voltage system allows for dramatically faster charging speeds, improved efficiency, and reduced weight. The RWD model is equipped with Zeekr’s 75kWh “Golden Battery,” while the Long-Range and Performance models feature a 100kWh battery pack. When connected to a 300kW DC fast charger (which are becoming more common across New Zealand) the results are astonishing. The RWD model can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in just 13 minutes. The larger-battery Long Range and Performance models take only slightly longer at 16 minutes. That’s a near-full charge in the time it takes to order a flat white and use the restroom, so a death blow to range anxiety.
For home charging, a powerful 22kW on-board AC charger is standard across the range. For owners with a compatible 22kW home wallbox, this means a full 10-100% charge can be completed in just 4.5 hours for the RWD model or 5.5 hours for the larger battery variants.
A Cabin of New Luxury and Intelligent Tech
Step inside, and the Zeekr 7X presents a cabin that it claims offers the same amount of room as a full-size SUV, designed as a “sanctuary of new luxury and technology.” The interior is spacious and finished with beautiful materials, creating a premium and comfortable environment for up to five occupants. On the top-tier Performance AWD model, features like electric front and rear doors and heated and cooled front massage seats elevate the experience, making every journey feel special.
The digital experience is powered by Qualcomm’s 8295 Snapdragon chip, the fastest processor yet in a Zeekr vehicle. This ensures the central 16-inch ultra-slim HD touchscreen is incredibly fast and responsive. The user interface is designed to be intuitive and immersive. For the ultimate in futuristic tech, an optional 36.2-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) projects key information like navigation and driver-assist warnings directly into the driver’s line of sight. A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is facilitated by 12 cameras and a radar system. These include features now expected in a premium vehicle, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Front- and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but also more advanced systems like a Moving Object and Pedestrian Display in the instrument cluster or AR-HUD, and a 3D Digital Surround View Monitoring system for easy parking.
How to Get One
The Zeekr 7X arrives in New Zealand as a deeply compelling package. The Australian market has already shown strong interest, with 2,000 pre-orders placed following its launch there in August. With its combination of striking Swedish design, staggering performance, truly next-generation charging speeds, and aggressive pricing, it has all the ingredients to shake up the established order in New Zealand’s booming premium EV market.
The Zeekr 7X is available for pre-order now in New Zealand. As an enticing launch offer, all NZ orders placed before November 30th, 2025, will receive a complimentary 3-year Service Package. With the 7X, Zeekr has brought its A-game. For Kiwi buyers looking for a premium electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on style, space, or performance, the benchmark may have just been reset.
