Zeekr X

First Impressions

Walking up to the 2026 Zeekr X at its preview event, my first thought was that it looks largely familiar from the outside. The design hasn't changed dramatically, and that's fine because it was already one of the better-looking compact EVs around. What immediately grabbed my attention was the promise of what's changed underneath the skin and inside the cabin.

Two trims are available: Standard and Flagship. Both share the same roughly 4.4-metre footprint that puts them squarely in B-segment compact territory, rubbing shoulders with the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and upcoming competitors. It doesn't look small in person though — it carries its proportions well.

Design and Exterior

Externally, the differences between trims come down to wheels and door mechanisms. The Flagship rides on handsome 20-inch alloy wheels with a forged-style design, while the Standard gets 19-inch rims with a different pattern. Both look good, but those 20s give the Flagship a noticeably more planted stance.

The Flagship's party trick is its electric front doors. Press the button and they pop open smoothly, complete with obstacle-detection sensors. There's even a hidden screen on the B-pillar that appears when you tap your key card — completely invisible when off. It's the kind of detail that makes you feel like you're getting something genuinely special. The rear doors also open electrically but must be closed manually, which feels like a missed opportunity compared to the fully electric four-door setup on the bigger 7X.

Interior and Tech

Step inside and this is where the 2026 update really shines. The Flagship I spent the most time in wore a striking orange interior that looked bold and premium. The black interior option is equally impressive with deep red seatbelts and subtle red stitching creating a moody, sophisticated vibe. The diamond-pattern quilting on the seats is genuinely attractive.

Materials are a clear step up from what you'd expect in this segment. The Flagship gets suede-like upholstery that feels excellent to the touch, while the Standard uses fabric — still nice, just different. Both trims get a panoramic glass roof, Yamaha speakers, and ambient lighting that plays across the centre console and speaker grilles.

The three-screen setup works well: a driver display behind the steering wheel, a central touchscreen, and an AR Head-up Display exclusive to the Flagship. The Touch Bar on the steering wheel is genuinely useful for quick access to the 360-degree camera, door locks, defogger, and electric tailgate. USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a 180W DC power outlet round out the connectivity options. Ventilated seats come standard on both trims, but massage is Flagship-only.

Space and Practicality

At 165 cm tall, I found about two fists of legroom behind my own driving position in the rear — adequate but not generous. Taller passengers will feel the squeeze. It's wider than the Volvo EX30 back there, which helps, but this is still a compact car and you feel it. The rear gets its own air vents and a USB-C port, plus a fold-down armrest with cupholders.

The boot is a reasonable size with a cover and fold-through capability for longer items. The electric tailgate with anti-pinch comes standard. It's practical enough for daily use but don't expect SUV-level cargo space.

Powertrain Highlights

The Standard runs a single motor with a 61 kWh LFP battery, while the Flagship gets dual motors producing over 480 horsepower and a 65 kWh NMC battery. The Flagship claims 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, which is genuinely rapid for anything in this class. Front-wheel drive for Standard, all-wheel drive for Flagship. I haven't had the chance to drive either yet, but on paper the performance gap between the two is significant.

Value for Money

Even the Standard trim comes loaded with features you wouldn't expect: Yamaha audio, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, and a full suite of driver aids. The Flagship justifies its premium with electric doors, dual motors, AR HUD, massage seats, and those gorgeous 20-inch wheels. For a compact EV, the equipment levels across both trims are hard to argue with — it genuinely feels like you're getting premium car features in a city-sized package.

Final Verdict

The 2026 Zeekr X is a seriously compelling proposition in the compact EV space. It looks good, feels premium inside, and offers a level of tech and refinement that punches well above its size class. If you want maximum performance and every luxury feature, the Flagship is the obvious choice. But even the Standard delivers an experience that should make several competitors nervous. Go see it in person — it's one of those cars that photographs well but impresses even more when you're sitting in it.