Zeekr X vs. the competition

Zeekr has launched its entry into the Philippine electric crossover category, the X.

Not only does it look modern, but its suite of in-car technologies could give it the potential to sway new-energy vehicle buyers into becoming early adopters.

But, how does the Zeekr X stack up against the competition? To find out, let’s pit it against some of the nameplates that look to maintain their foothold in the segment.

Before we begin, here’s the Zeekr X at a glance.

Zeekr X

Outside, the Zeekr X wears a seamless fascia flanked by a pair of full LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights (DRL). At the center of its bonnet is the marque’s logo.

To its sides are frameless doors and windows. Non-existent are door handles, which have been replaced by buttons positioned on the pillars of the electric crossover.

It has electric side mirrors and a set of either 19- or 20-inch wheels with designs unique to their respective trims.

The rear end boasts LED taillamps, a third brake lamp under the hind section of its roof, an illuminated Zeekr logo, reflectors on each side of its lower front bumper, and an electric liftgate with height adjustment and memory function.

Inside, the Zeekr X comes with a leather-covered steering wheel and seats wrapped in polyurethane upholstery.

Past the aforementioned steering wheel is an 8.8-inch high-definition LCD instrument cluster accompanied by a 24.3-inch augmented reality head-up display. There’s also a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto at the center of the dashboard.

Other notable interior features include a 13-speaker Yamaha-made surround stereo premium audio unit, ambient lighting with Pixel RGB LED technology, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, a dual-zone air conditioning system, and air quality sensors paired with an N95 filter.

The base Premium RWD variant is propelled by a single high-performance permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), which is powered by a lithium nickel cobalt manganate battery.

It sends some 268 horsepower (hp) with 343 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque to the rear wheels.

On the other hand, the range-topping Flagship AWD trim gets an additional PMSM motor at the front wheel axle and adds approximately 154 hp with 200 Nm to the equation for a total output of 422 horses and up to 543 Nm of torque.

The former has a range of 445 kilometers (km) while the latter gets less at 425 km.

The Zeekr X is priced from P2.6 million-P3 million.

Now for those not buying what the Geely-owned brand’s crossover has to offer, here are a few alternatives.

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 is a viable option for those looking to buy an electric crossover.

At the fore, it dons adaptive LED headlamps and LED DRLs. The BYD branding is stamped on a silver trim that connects the two headlamps. In lieu of a traditional radiator grille are trims that highlight the cheeks of the crossover. Close to the chin are slats that give the Atto 3 a look not too distant from conventional internal combustion engine-powered vehicles.

To its sides are either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, clean-looking wheel wells, body-colored door handles, blacked-out pillars, and roof rails. It also sports power-folding side mirrors with a heater and puddle lamps.

Its rear is decorated with a horizontal LED light bar, taillamps, sequential turn signals, and an electric tailgate.

Overall, the BYD Atto 3 looks pretty much like a regular crossover and may assuage car buyers who do not like over-the-top, futuristic-looking cars.

Conversely, the BYD Atto 3’s interior has a lot going on. It has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-functional controls as well as seats finished in leather. Out of the ordinary is the trim on its dashboard and doors, which mimics the underbelly of a whale — which probably makes sense because the Atto 3 is bigger than a Dolphin.

It also gets a five-inch LCD instrument cluster complemented by a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, which by the way has Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and has a rotating function. Audio — for those who will be choosing the BYD Atto 3’s Premium variant — will be directed to an eight-speaker Dirac HD sound system.

Other noteworthy features include an automatic air conditioning system, a panoramic sunroof, a CN95 air filter, and a wireless charging tray.

Power for the BYD Atto 3 comes from a PMSM situated in the front wheel axle. It sends some 201 horses to the wheels with 310 Nm of torque. The crossover’s lithium-ion phosphate Blade battery offers the top-of-the-line variant about 480 km of emissions-free driving while the base Dynamic trim can drive up to 410 km on a single charge.

The BYD Atto 3 is priced from P1.598 million-P1.798 million.

Kia EV6

Arguably one of the first few electric crossovers to hit the country, the Kia EV6 offers its would-be owners some serious credentials.

The nameplate has won various awards overseas (Best EV of the Year by Hispanic Motor Press, Car of the Year by Car Expert, Best EV by The Drive, North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, Best of the Year by MotorWeek Driver’s Choice Award) proving that it has plenty to offer Filipino electric vehicle (EV) buyers who will choose the crossover from the Hyundai-owned brand.

Wearing a stylish and luxurious look, the Kia EV6 dons a modern-looking grille with an opulent latticework. Bordering the said grille are LED headlamps with auto leveling feature, LED DRLs, LED position lamps, a GT-Line-style bumper, and a skid plate.

The flanks of the Kia EV6 get chiseled door trims, electric side mirrors, a strong beltline, flush door handles, blacked-out pillars, and 20-inch alloy wheels that come as standard.

Its hind showcases a discreet spoiler with an integrated high-mount stop lamp, LED combination taillamps, a GT-Line rear bumper, a rear skid plate, and a power tailgate.

Inside, the Kia EV6 welcomes drivers with leather seats, a two-spoke leather steering wheel with multi-functional controls and paddle shifters, a curved panoramic instrument panel that measures 12.3 inches, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Audiophiles will enjoy listening to their favorite tunes thanks to a 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System.

Notably, the Kia EV6 has several upmarket features like a dashboard with GT-Line design, a slew of charging ports and a wireless charger, as well as aluminum scuff plates.

Kia slapped the EV6 with a PMSM paired with a lithium-ion battery that delivers 225 hp and 350 Nm to the rear wheels. A single-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic helps facilitate propulsion.

A single charge can let owners of the Kia EV6 to drive around up to 528 km.

Kia has priced the EV6 at P3.788 million.

Photos from Zeekr and Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

Zeekr X: the 2 available trims

Zeekr officially launched in PH