First Drive: 2024 Zeekr X in the UAE

Zeekr, part of the Geely group, officially launched in the UAE under the Al Rostomani Group. We recently had a chance to test drive the Zeekr X, one of the latest electric cars to hit the Middle East.

They also released the Zeekr 001, but the real focus will be on the X, which is in the more popular SUV category.

From the outside, the Zeekr X was designed at Geely’s Global Design Centre in Stockholm and uses the same “Scalable Experience Architecture” found in the Volvo EX30.

The front has a pretty clean design, with its “bug eyes” headlights and vertical air vents in the bumper corners. The Zeekr X is equipped with 56 independently controlled LEDs. The headlights integrate daytime running lights, vehicle width indicators, and turn signals into one system.

On the side, a very distinct diagonal line runs across the doors, which continues up to the rear windows. The sloping roofline gives it the “SUV-coupe” look. The taillamps run across the tailgate, separated by the words “Zeekr” in the middle.

The Zeekr X gets a 69kWh battery. Our car had the dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, producing 422 hp and 543 Nm of torque. This helps it go from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds. The top speed is about 190 kph.

Our test drive was restricted to the track only. Judging by the body leaning around corners, the suspension is tuned more towards comfort. However, we cannot judge the ride quality since the track is smooth and does not accurately represent city roads.

When you put down the throttle at any speed under 100 kph, the instant torque hits you, pushing you back to your seat. The brake pedals have a rather mushy feel but have good stopping power. It is equipped with 4-piston brake calipers and AMS ventilated brake discs.

The interior is also very nice and targets the upper end of the market. It gets vegan upholstery, and the infotainment system screen is pretty massive, with a 14.6-inch touchscreen. Regarding the buttons on the steering wheel, though, we didn’t find them to be the most user-friendly.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. A/C controls are on the screen as well.

The Zeekr X is a well-put-together package. It has many features, is super fast, and the interior touches luxury territory. However, we didn’t have enough time to test the user-friendliness and responsiveness of the infotainment system, which we hope to provide in our extensive road test drive later. Prices start from AED 171,000.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the UAE in the Zeekr X buyer guide.