Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) arm of Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group, has rolled out an upgraded version of its compact electric SUV, the Zeekr X, in an aggressive bid to sustain its momentum in China’s intensifying EV price war. The latest update introduces larger batteries, improved range, and enhanced fast-charging capabilities, while simultaneously lowering entry-level prices — a move aimed squarely at strengthening Zeekr’s foothold in the luxury compact segment.
The updated Zeekr X now starts at RMB 145,800 ($20,460) after time-limited incentives, down RMB 3,200 ($470) or 2.15% from the previous starting price of RMB 149,000. While the discount may appear modest, it reflects a broader strategic realignment by Zeekr to make its models more accessible amid relentless pricing pressure from domestic rivals such as BYD, XPeng, and Nio, as well as mainstream foreign competitors including Tesla and BMW.
A Sharper Price, A Bigger Battery
In one of the most notable technical upgrades, the base model of the Zeekr X now comes equipped with a 61.47-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, offering a CLTC-rated range of 530 kilometers (329 miles) — a significant improvement from the previous model’s 49-kWh pack and 420 km (261 miles) range. This marks an increase of over 26% in range capacity, signaling Zeekr’s intent to align its compact SUV more closely with consumer expectations for long-distance usability.
Charging speeds have also seen a notable boost. The single-motor variants can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes, putting them in direct competition with fast-charging leaders like the BYD Yuan Plus and the Tesla Model Y RWD in China.
The dual-motor variant, meanwhile, uses a 66-kWh ternary lithium battery, offering a slightly lower 512 km CLTC range, but compensating with far greater performance output. This version takes 30 minutes to reach the same 80% state of charge, reflecting its higher energy density and greater cooling requirements.
Powertrain and Performance: Compact Luxury with Punch
The 2025 Zeekr X lineup consists of three variants — the Max five-seat, Max four-seat, and Ultra five-seat trims — priced respectively at RMB 155,800, RMB 159,800, and RMB 175,800 before incentives. After applying Zeekr’s limited-time RMB 10,000 trade-in subsidy, the effective entry prices fall to RMB 145,800, RMB 149,800, and RMB 165,800.
The two Max variants are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 250 kW (335 horsepower) and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.6 seconds, offering an appealing blend of performance and efficiency for city commuters. The Ultra variant, on the other hand, boasts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a combined output of 365 kW (489 horsepower), capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.69 seconds — numbers that edge into sports sedan territory.
While Zeekr has maintained the X’s overall dimensions — 4,450 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,572 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm — the company has introduced subtle refinements to aerodynamics, suspension tuning, and noise insulation to elevate the model’s perceived luxury and comfort.
A Competitive Pivot in a Price-Driven Market
Zeekr’s decision to lower prices while improving specs comes amid an industry-wide shakeup in China’s EV market. With more than 100 brands vying for attention, price cuts have become a defining feature of 2025’s sales strategies.
“Price competition is no longer optional — it’s existential,” said one industry analyst based in Shanghai. “Zeekr is repositioning the X to capture a broader audience before competitors like Leapmotor and Neta undercut the premium segment.”
Indeed, Zeekr’s move follows similar actions by BYD, which recently slashed prices across its Ocean series, and Xpeng, which has rolled out extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants to offer better range-to-cost ratios. Zeekr’s pricing strategy signals that it intends to keep pace with these aggressive market shifts while retaining its image as a luxury-focused yet youth-oriented EV brand.
Built for Urban Sophistication
The Zeekr X, first introduced in April 2023, was conceived as a compact luxury SUV tailored for urban driving. Despite its smaller footprint, it carries a distinct upmarket positioning, competing against the Mercedes-Benz EQA, BMW iX1, and Audi Q4 e-tron in both features and technology.
Inside, the updated Zeekr X continues Zeekr’s tradition of minimalistic yet high-tech interiors. The cabin includes a rotating 14.6-inch central infotainment display, advanced voice AI controls, and premium sustainable materials. A key differentiator remains its four-seat configuration option, which offers lounge-style comfort in the rear — a rarity in compact SUVs.
Zeekr has also upgraded its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) software suite. While specific technical details remain undisclosed, the company confirmed that the 2025 Zeekr X now runs on an improved sensor fusion system compatible with Zeekr’s in-house developed NZP (Navigation Zeekr Pilot) semi-autonomous platform. This enhancement brings smoother lane-changing, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance functions, advancing the model toward higher-level autonomy readiness.
Deliveries, Momentum, and Market Headwinds
Zeekr reported 21,423 total vehicle deliveries in October, reflecting a 14.48% year-on-year decline, though a 17.34% increase month-on-month, according to company data released November 1. The Zeekr X, however, has seen a more turbulent sales pattern. It delivered 739 units in September, down 27.19% from the previous year and 13.57% lower month-on-month, according to CnEVPost data.
While October’s model-specific breakdown hasn’t been released, Zeekr executives are betting that the refreshed pricing and specification improvements will reverse the X’s recent slowdown. “The updated Zeekr X is about reaffirming our leadership in design, technology, and value,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “We’ve listened to customer feedback and refined every detail to make this SUV more compelling in every sense.”
Industry observers note that Zeekr’s pricing adjustments are likely part of a broader recalibration effort across Geely’s EV portfolio. The company is concurrently expanding its presence in Europe and Southeast Asia, where the Zeekr X is marketed as an affordable yet premium urban EV alternative.
Frequent Model Updates Reflect Market Agility
Zeekr’s rapid update cycle underscores the speed at which Chinese automakers are now iterating product lines. Since its debut in April 2023, the Zeekr X has undergone two major updates — the 2024 version in January and the 2025 edition in July — before this latest enhanced variant. The short intervals between refreshes illustrate both Zeekr’s technological agility and the growing pressure to stay ahead in a hypercompetitive domestic EV market.
That speed of innovation is made possible by Geely’s scalable Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which underpins several Zeekr models as well as vehicles from Smart, Polestar, and Lotus. The architecture allows for modular battery configurations and software-driven performance updates, enabling quick rollouts of improved variants without major reengineering.