Zàijiàn, Zeekr…
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Our long-term test of the Zeekr 7X Long Range RWD has come to an end, with more than 5000km travelled over the course of six months. In that period we spent plenty of time with this premium-leaning Chinese electric SUV.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
It wasn’t just me driving it either. Our founders, editors and journalists all cycled through it, undertaking both short trips and long journeys, and various members of the CarExpert Melbourne office used it to run errands and ferry people to and from the airport.
Essentially, we wanted this test to be as broad and varied as the use cases of most owners. So how did it go?
Without giving it away at the top, we reckon the 7X is one of the best SUVs you can buy from a Chinese brand, especially for the money, and a great mid-size electric SUV alternative to the all-conquering Tesla Model Y.
It’s no wonder CarExpert receives so many questions and enquiries about the 7X, both on-site and via our social channels, and also why the Zeekr is rocketing up the VFACTS sales charts.
So, if you’ve been wondering about the longer-term ownership prospects of the super-popular Zeekr 7X, read on to find out what’s good and what’s not so good about living with one for an extended period.
How much does the Zeekr 7X cost?
The Long Range RWD on test here is priced at $63,900 plus on-roads and options, commanding a $6000 premium over the base grade.
Be the first to know: Add 7NEWS as your preferred news source on Google2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
The Crystal White exterior paint on our test car adds $1500, as does the optional ‘Black and Grey PU’ interior upholstery in lieu of the standard Black monotone colourway. So you’re looking at $66,900 plus ORCs, or about $73,400 drive-away according to the Chinese brand’s online configurator.
For reference, the Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range AWD costs $68,900 plus ORCs and, while it offers stronger dual-motor performance, it also delivers less claimed WLTP range (600km). The larger, three-row Model Y L in the same specification is dearer again at $74,900 plus ORCs, and its bigger battery quotes a lengthier 681km under the WLTP test regime.
Yes, there’s a sea of similarly sized Chinese electric SUV rivals available for less money, though few if any can match the Zeekr’s more refined and sophisticated package, at least in our opinion.
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What is the Zeekr 7X like on the inside?
The 7X’s cabin is well thought-out and nicely finished, and it largely dispenses with the chintzy feel of some other Chinese vehicles.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
There’s an almost European-style restraint to some of the interior design elements, and overall there’s a nice combination of clean lines and thoughtful touches mixed in with some new-age tech and classic cues.
For example, while there’s a massive 16-inch infotainment touchscreen jutting out of the dashboard, the slim digital instrument display ahead of the driver is recessed into the fascia behind the steering wheel like a traditional instrument binnacle.
Even the sporty steering wheel design with its flat top and bottom edges and circular central hub are reminiscent of more premium European designs rather than some of the more future-facing designs we’ve come to expect from a lot of Chinese brands.
Further, the intricate perforation pattern on the seat inserts and nicely finished contrasting top-stitched elements throughout also reiterate the Zeekr’s more premium-leaning pitch.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
The slim 13.02-inch (yes, that’s peculiarly particular) driver’s cluster is pretty basic in layout, with a very Tesla-like live driver-assistance display in the middle bookended by a power meter on the left and a trip computer on the right with configurable widgets.
Given the real estate available, it feels a little underutilised, and it’s a shame it doesn’t offer a virtual dial for speed or power meter like the incoming range-extender 8X and 9X electric SUVs – or many other digitised driver’s instruments, for that matter.
Zeekr’s ‘36.2-inch’ head-up display augments the slim digital binnacle, and offers similar levels of graphics and information, projected onto the glass in front of you. It also features augmented reality (AR) animations for turn-by-turn navigation prompts, which are a nice little add-on that work quite well.
Then there’s the big ol’ central touchscreen, tacked onto the dashboard like an iPad in an infotainment implementation solution that’s common to almost all Chinese brands and now spreading to many others.
Thankfully, unlike some other Chinese brands, the Zeekr mixes in some physical toggle switchgear and a more intuitive menu structure, even if it still manages to be a touch convoluted in some respects.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Resolution is wonderfully crisp, as is the brightness and colour. Processing power is snappy and allows for buttery smooth animations, which feels very high-end.
The permanent virtual toolbar at the base of the screen houses the climate controls and an array of shortcuts to infotainment and vehicle functions, and it’s supplemented by some handy physical controls which toggle key functions within the same sub-menus.
I find virtual climate controls pretty fussy in general – even in my Cupra – but you can just leave everything in ‘AUTO’ and simply set and forget. Certain vehicle settings shouldn’t be buried in menu though, including things like acceleration and steering response, as well as regenerative braking modes.
Perhaps my biggest gripe is the fact that any quick adjustments to the steering wheel or side mirrors require a series of presses through the touchscreen, and then toggling any adjustments via the steering wheel controls. Car brands really need to stop doing this in the name of cost-saving – and I don’t care that you can save presets, because it’s bloody annoying.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
One highlight though is the surround camera system, which offers excellent quality vision as well as a nifty 3D view which projects a virtual 7X within its surroundings. It’s a nice party trick while also giving good visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings while navigating tight parking spots and the like.
The Long Range’s ‘Zeekr Sound Pro’ premium audio system is another highlight, with its 21 speakers, 7.1.4-channel layout, and speakers built into the driver’s head restraint. For a non-branded system (ie: not Bang & Olufsen or Harman Kardon), it offers great sound quality and depth, with a wide range of adjustment if you want to dial up the bass a bit.
You can also set it to centralise the audio experience to the driver when you’re in the vehicle solo, as well as using only the head restraint speakers for phone calls to prevent filling the cabin with conversation if you have company. It can be a little weird at first, but you can turn it on or off, and it’s another interesting option to have if you like it.
The dual wireless phone chargers on the centre console are conveniently placed and have a cooling vent so your phone doesn’t overheat, given the high 50W charging rate can get ’em warm. As you’d expect, they charge fairly reliably, though if your phone heats up it can affect the reliability of smartphone mirroring.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Speaking of, every now and then I had an issue where the 7X’s infotainment system wouldn’t register my voice prompts to Siri nor read messages out to me when requested.
To be fair, it’s something I’ve experienced with a number of Chinese cars with wireless Apple CarPlay, but when you’re on the go it’s a bit annoying. Fixing it usually required either disconnecting the phone and reconnecting, or turning off the car for a period of time and then starting it back up again.
Comfort up front is good, with the supple faux leather-trimmed seats offering good bolstering and support for the driver and front passenger – I don’t, however, agree that the dual-tone black and grey colour scheme should be a $1500 upcharge. Full electric adjustment for both front seats is handy (14-way driver, 10-way passenger), as are the heating, ventilation and memory functions.
You also have massage modes for both front seats, which works a treat on longer journeys. I usually opted for the ‘Activation’ preset which loosened up my lower back if I was feeling a little slouchy.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
The Zeekr 7X’s long 2900mm wheelbase opens up a generous amount of space in the second row for kids and adults alike. There is a heap of leg, knee and head room even for taller passengers behind taller drivers. Middle passengers aren’t all that much worse off either, thanks to the flat seat base and floor.
A standard panoramic glass roof lets more light in and makes the cabin feel airier, and the powered sunshade means you won’t just sit there burning in the summer sun, as in some rivals with fixed glass roofs.
Rear occupants will appreciate the power recline function of the second row, which offers a claimed 10 inches of adjustability. You also get standard heating for the outer rear seats, and the fold-down centre armrest has a lift-up lid with USB-A and -C charging outlets if you need to juice up your iPad.
Other amenities in the back include map pockets and a drawer behind the centre console, as well as standard ISOFIX anchor points in the outboard seating positions for child seats. There are also top-tether points behind all three rear seat positions, so every member of the family is catered for here.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Further back, there’s no third row of seating but there is a generous 539 litres of cargo capacity with all five seats in use, which expands to 1978L with the rear seatbacks folded down – though they don’t stow quite flat.
It’s a long and wide load area that proved quite handy for carting the luggage of multiple people on airport runs, and there’s a 12V outlet in the rear if you need to plug in something like an esky, plus shopping bag hooks.
No, there’s no spare tyre of any type and, like almost every EV on sale, the 7X forces you to make do with a tyre repair kit. Oddly, there’s no standard cargo blind either, despite the little mounting points to house one…
You do get an underfloor storage cubby though, which is handy for storing charging cables.
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
There’s a 62L ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, and at the rear there’s an electric motor powered by a 100kWh lithium-ion NMC battery in Long Range specification, all running an 800V electrical architecture.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
It’s worth noting that Zeekr recently confirmed two separate updates for the 7X in the Chinese and European markets, which could both offer clues about what to expect in Australia.
In its Chinese domestic market, the 2027 Zeekr 7X will get a new 85kWh ‘Golden Brick’ LFP battery pack that’s expected to replace the existing 75kWh unit in base grades during the fourth quarter of 2026. It’s based on the Geely Group’s latest battery tech, which is claimed to last up to one million kilometres, and as many as 3500 charging cycles.
Earlier this year the larger 100kWh lithium-ion NMC battery (like the one in our test vehicle) was also updated in China to a 900V electrical architecture (versus 800V) and a DC fast-charging capacity of up to 620kW.
Meanwhile, Zeekr revealed a refreshed 7X at the Paris motor show with minor design changes as well as improvements to electric motor outputs and driving range.
Other changes for the European market include a new Bosch-based driver-assistance system, new colours and alloy wheel designs, as well as a redesigned centre console.
As it stands currently though, all versions of the Zeekr 7X in Australia can take 22kW three-phase AC charging and also have 3.3kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to power electrical appliances.
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the Zeekr 7X drive?
I spent a lot of time with the Zeekr 7X, in both everyday driving conditions as well as long-legged stints, and while I’ve come away impressed overall, the 7X is not without its flaws.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
As other members of the CarExpert team have said in the past, the 7X is one of the best Chinese-branded mid-size electric SUVs when it comes to comfort, refinement and dynamics, which is saying a lot given this is the fastest-growing part of the largest segment in Australia’s new-vehicle market right now, in terms of both sales volume and the number of players.
There’s definitely a leaning towards comfort for the chassis and ride quality, with softer driver controls and a cushy edge to the suspension. It’s particularly noticeable on my commute to the Melbourne office, which crosses from the Victorian capital’s eastern suburbs and through inner-city streets either on the upper or lower edges of Melbourne’s CBD.
In said scenarios, which include a mix of potholed, rippled tarmac, tram tracks, roadworks and drain covers – you name it – there’s a nice level of compliance to the Zeekr 7X’s ride, though at times that softness edges a little too close to being wobbly. The big battery and 2265kg of kerb mass no doubt contributes to this.
The 7X can at times take one or so extra body movements to settle than I’d like, both around town and on the highway. A suspension upgrade to better tie the 7X down without ruining its ride comfort could really elevate the Zeekr into contention alongside the segment leaders when it comes to dynamics.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
However, steering response is good, and commendable accuracy and weighting give the 7X a well balanced character behind the wheel, which can be dialled up or down using the 7X’s selectable drive modes. It’s reasonably quick to react across all modes, with the Zeekr’s rounded front-end being reasonably pointy and responsive without feeling overly sporty.
General feedback is less impressive, with a vague feel through the steering wheel at times. For the target consumer this is perhaps not a top priority, but compared to the latest Model Y, which is widely considered a benchmark for mid-size electric SUVs in terms of on-road behaviour, the Zeekr leaves a little room for improvement.
Another gripe that cropped up during my time with the car is the tendency for the frameless side windows to rattle a bit over corrugations like cobblestones. For a ‘luxury’ vehicle, this sort of thing isn’t particularly rewarding.
That said, however, general refinement from a sound insulation perspective is rather good. Wind and road noise are impressively suppressed, especially given the lack of powertrain noise to drown any of that out. You can also turn on several synthesised powertrain sounds if you want some audible response as you accelerate, but the droning at a cruise on the highway proved far too irritating for me to leave on.
Regen braking is another key area of assessment for EVs, and in this area the 7X offers a few different settings from nothing to one-pedal driving. I generally preferred the more traditional coasting function as I was in and out of different cars regularly, though the one-pedal drive mode is one of the better ones we’ve sampled.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Visibility out of this nearly 4.8m-long, over 1.9m-wide family SUV is generally alright, with a good outward view via the front and side windows, as well as the assistance of the aforementioned surround camera system.
Rear vision through the raked rear window is a little slim via the rear-view mirror though, and the small side mirrors could use a little more size to offer a wider viewing angle. The thick rear pillars also hurt over-the-shoulder visibility, but once again you have assistance from the parking cameras as well as standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist.
Speaking of driver-assistance systems, the Zeekr’s suite of active safety technologies is among the best we’ve sampled from Chinese brands – largely because they actually all work.
For example, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring functions can be auto-activated together with a double pull down of the drive selector stalk, and they reliably keep the 7X centred in its lane while keeping a safe preset following distance from the vehicle up ahead.
The auto lane change feature also works well, but can occasionally be too slow or hesitant, and will also disengage if you apply any steering lock. This one can be left off.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist work as you’d expect, and the systems also show visual warnings in the cluster and head-up display, in addition to the usual lights and sounds.
We did plenty of driving at night and the slim LED headlights did a good job of illuminating the road ahead, while the auto high-beam function came in handy on poorly-lit roads and highways, where they activated and deactivated at the correct times to prevent dazzling oncoming road users. Given the segment this model competes in, however, adaptive or Matrix LED lighting tech would be on our wishlist for a future update.
The driver attention monitor can occasionally get a little annoying too, prompting you to keep your eyes on the road if you glance over at the touchscreen or the left-side mirror for too long, but with a couple of adjustments in the touchscreen you can turn off the incessant beeping tones that are so irritating in modern vehicles.
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
The Zeekr 7X is already pretty well equipped from base level, though the mid-spec Long Range adds more kit to go with its bigger battery and longer driving range.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
2026 Zeekr 7X RWD equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Panoramic glass roof incl. power sunshade
- Autonomous parking assist
- Sentry Mode
- 13.02-inch digital instrument cluster
- 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Wireless
- Satellite navigation
- 10-speaker sound system
- 2 x 50W wireless phone chargers
- Tri-zone climate control
- 4-zone voice command
- Ambient lighting
- Leatherette upholstery
- 14-way power driver’s seat incl. memory
- 10-way power passenger seat incl. memory
- Heated front, rear seats
- Rear bench with 10-degree power recline
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel – heated
Long Range RWD adds:
- Rear privacy glass
- 36.2-inch head-up display
- Power-adjustable steering wheel
- Massaging front seats
- Ventilated front seats
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the Zeekr 7X safe?
The Zeekr 7X lineup has a five-star ANCAP safety rating with a 2025 date stamp – and this applies to all variants.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 7 airbags
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking – AEB
- Auto Lane Change
- Auto park assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cross-traffic alert – front, rear
- Driver monitoring
- Lane-centring
- Lane-keep assist
- Parking sensors – front, rear
- Speed sign recognition
- Surround-view camera
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the Zeekr 7X cost to run?
Zeekr Australia offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle warranty with five years of roadside assistance. Meanwhile, the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km – with the battery’s state-of-health (SoH) warranted for 70 per cent of its original capacity.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
When it comes to current service pricing for the 7X, the Long Range RWD costs $4770 over the first eight years or 160,000km of ownership. Scheduled servicing is required every two years or 40,000km – whichever comes first.
Owners can opt to have yearly maintenance instead, though as it stands the eight-year service package already averages out to $596.25 per annum, which is pricey for an EV.
Range Test
To get a gauge of the realistic driving range the ‘Long Range’ 7X offers, I conducted a range test in which the vehicle was driven from a 100 per cent charge to five per cent over a week or so, including different team members and driving conditions.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
According to the trip computer, we ended up covering 483.8km before the 7X battery hit five per cent, at which point there was an indicated 23km of remaining range left. So, in a cold and rainy Melbourne winter, you could expect just over 500km of total real-world range at an indicated energy consumption rate of 17.7kWh per 100km and an average speed of 45km/h.
It’s worth noting that myself and Paul Maric, who were the most regular drivers of the vehicle during this time, have freeway-heavy commutes into our Melbourne office, so more lower-speed driving may have increased our recorded range. Still, we were well off the brand’s “target” WLTP claim of 615km for the Long Range variant.
Something else to keep in mind is the indicated range readout, which I noticed always showed 615km when the battery was full. If you want a more realistic indication you have to change the range from ‘Standard’ to ‘Dynamic’ in the Energy Management menu. The latter uses current trip computer metrics to come up with a more accurate projection.
For example, while the vehicle was charging and at ~28 per cent state of charge (SoC), the ‘Dynamic’ range readout showed 130km while the ‘Standard’ range was 180km. As I’ve found out of late, this is something common to a number of Chinese PHEVs and EVs, which often have settings to show either the official claimed range relative to battery charge, or a dynamic readout based on current energy consumption.
To see how the Zeekr 7X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Zeekr 7X
As our six-month stint with the 7X draws to a close, it’s become quite clear why Australian buyers are flocking to Zeekr showrooms.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
The 7X isn’t just ‘good for a Chinese car’, it’s good – period. While it doesn’t quite match the Model Y in terms of on-road dynamics or efficiency, it does offers a more conventional and premium-feeling cabin experience, a sharp design with nice colour and trim options, and a focus on cushy comfort and tech that actually works.
It’s an effortlessly powerful and refined car to commute in, handles well enough for a vehicle this size, has plenty of space for the family and their stuff, and easily offers 500km-plus of real-world driving range – though that’s still a fair way off the brand’s 615km “target” claim. The 400kW-plus DC fast-charging cap is also among the best in market right now.
Add to that a solid value offering in this Long Range-spec, and you have a very compelling alternative to the top-selling Tesla, and any other similarly sized electric SUV in this segment, really. Zeekr has clearly been paying attention to buyers and the Australian market as a whole.
That said, the 7X has a few areas ripe for improvement if Zeekr really wants to elevate it to class-leader status, and they’re not huge gaps in the broader scheme of things.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
The pricey paint and upholstery options should either be no-cost options or have their pricing reduced, for one, and then there’s the occasional lack of body control and rattly windows over corrugations. So some minor revisions to the standard spec sheet, some suspension fine-tuning and some attention to the door internals could quickly eliminate these gripes.
I’d also like to see more physical switchgear, namely for the powered steering wheel adjustment and the side mirrors, because burying them in the touchscreen is a flawed solution to a question I don’t think anyone has actually asked.
Then there are the questions around efficiency and range, given our 7X achieved Zeekr’s claimed energy consumption figure based on the trip computer, but was well off its range claim. Some clarity around that as well as removing the ‘Standard’ range readout based on claimed numbers rather than actual usage seems logical. The 7X is also not nearly as efficient as the ultra-economical Model Y.
Zeekr’s aftersales provisions (including warranty and servicing) aren’t as strong as those offered by some rival brands either, including its own Geely sister brand. On average, the 7X’s annual maintenance fee is relatively expensive and its five-year warranty is shorter than a number of its key competitors.
But all told, the Zeekr 7X puts in a very strong showing and it survived our six months of abuse unscathed and still feeling fresh. This long-term test has only strengthened its case as a vehicle I’d actually recommend to friends and family (as I have) who are shopping in this part of the market. I think the Long Range-spec is the sweet spot, too.
2026 Zeekr 7X: Long-term conclusion Credit: CarExpert
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Zeekr 7X. Click here to get a great deal.
MORE: Explore the Zeekr 7X showroom
Pros
- Swish design, premium cabin feel
- Effortless performance, cushy ride
- Spacious back seat and boot
Cons
- Too many touch-based controls
- Ambitious range claim
- Occasionally wobbly body control
