Zeekr X Urban Review

One thing that I've been flummoxed by is how so many Cat A COE EVs are offered with an output of 100kW, when the power limit is up to 110kW. And it gets even more bewildering when the cars in question are considerably-sized EV SUVs that weigh more than two tonnes.

After all, adjusting the power output on EVs isn't nearly as complicated as on cars with internal combustion engines, and the heavy ones could surely benefit from some extra oomph.

You could imagine the head-scratching when I found myself sitting at the edge of the speed limit unknowingly when cruising on the expressway with the Cat A Zeekr X Urban. And that wasn't all - this EV crossover packs more surprises waiting for me to uncover.

The Zeekr X sure is one quirky looking electric crossover, but it sure is distinct as well

Hidden door handles, meowing like a cat and a cabin light with warm and cool tones?

The Zeekr X is quite a quirky-looking electric crossover, though I've always found its curious design - those 3D, two-claw head lights in particular - to be a familiar sight. With some sleuthing, I quickly found out why - this design language is clearly inspired by Zeekr's subsidiary Lynk & Co, which predates it, and I've seen photos of the latter's cars in the past and the unique design stuck in my head.

Distinct 3D head lights, sharp creases and a shoulder line that raises halfway up into the C-pillar gives the Zeekr X its unique flavour

Between the curious-looking head lights, sharp creases on its body, one-of-a-kind hidden door handles that flips open, and a shoulder line that raises halfway up into the C-pillars, the Zeekr X sure is a distinct car. While some might love it more than others, I believe we can all agree that no one would mistake it for something else.

The hidden door handles are executed in a one-of-a-kind manner, where the cover flips inwards

This is a car that can meow like a cat as well, cute!

Adding to the charming quirkiness is the functionality to blast music, announcements, and even cat meows and horse noises through the external speakers on the car. The interesting features continue within the cabin, including thoughtful elements such as hooks, the ability to install an optional freezer add-on, and a cabin light that toggles between warm and cool tones.

Yes, it is Cat A, but the Zeekr X Urban sits at the edge of the power limit, all while being on the lighter side, resulting in a truly perky drive

A Cat A car doesn't always have to be a compromise - the Zeekr X Urban proves it

Yes, with EVs' instantaneous torque delivery, even lower-powered examples are able to give you that jolt off the line. However, the limited power becomes apparent when you try to merge onto the expressway, or overtake another car that's cruising along at considerable pace.

With 148bhp and 343Nm on tap, the Zeekr X Urban completes the century spring in 8.7 seconds, which is among the fastest-accelerating Cat A COE cars

In fact, with many Cat A EVs, I'll unwittingly drive at around 80km/h on the expressways as they require a fair bit more throttle input to cruise at a quicker pace. With the Zeekr X Urban, however, I caught myself fringing the speed limit a couple of times when I had no intention to - the sub two-tonne weight coupled with 110kW (148bhp) and 343Nm of torque means the car will sustain and exceed highway speeds without much effort. In fact, it will even complete the century sprint in 8.7 seconds, while many of its Cat A peers does it in the ballpark of 10-11 seconds.

A comfortable range of over 400km makes the X Urban a sensible choice

The Zeekr X Urban impresses once again with its range, managing 441km from the same 66kWh battery found in all variants offered here. As a result of the lower output, the X Urban offers the longest range.

Despite being an economical Cat A variant, the Zeekr X Urban still gets all the bells and whistles that you'll find on the more expensive Cat B variant

On top of the competent powertrain, the Zeekr X Urban offers a pleasant drive with its responsive steering and controlled body movements. Its ride quality stands out with an adequate firmness with smoothed edges - while it isn't the plush ride you'll find in a luxury sedan, it definitely ranks near the top among crossovers and SUVs.

Pay less, get more

Normally, opting for the Cat A variants comes with a shortfall of equipment level as a cost-cutting measure to make the overall package more attractive. But that isn't the case with the Zeekr X Urban. Despite retailing at $188,999, which is a cool $10,000 off the Cat B Zeekr X Standard, the more affordable option manages to be better equipped as well.

In fact, you'll get ventilated and electric front row seats, which aren't found in the Cat B Standard variant (it's a $10,000 option)

The Cat A Zeekr X Urban that you see here gets ventilated and electric seats for the front row, but if you were to opt for the Cat B Standard variant, this feature is an optional extra.

From the panoramic roof to the electric tailgate, this Cat A variant is properly equipped

Meanwhile, everything else that you get in both cars is identical - this includes a complete suite of driving assist systems (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, Automatic Lane Change, Blind Spot Detection, Park Assist, etc), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, panoramic glass roof and an electric tailgate.

Inside, the cabin is premium and well-equipped, featuring a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen

Well-made, well-equipped and a pleasant experience

Zeekr is known for its luxurious and well-equipped interior, and the X Urban is no exception. Like in the other variants, this Cat A model features an 8.8-inch digital cluster along with a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen where you'll find all sorts of features, including the climate control - oh, the aircon vents are also controlled here, which is a little finicky, but thankfully there's the 'swing' option.

Everything is built to a high-quality finish - even the seat backs are upholstered

The well-insulated cabin is built to a high-quality finish with the use of premium materials, including a large amount of vegan leather and suede-like material - even the seat backs are upholstered and adorned with fancy rose-gold trim that you'll find throughout the interior, including the door release button and window switches.

By offering so much with the Zeekr X Urban, the brand has made it an easy choice

Zeekr made the choice simple

With the Flagship AWD variant, you get plenty more power, a fancy Yamaha sound system and ambient lighting, but it also comes in at $219,999 (over $30,000 more than the Urban), along with a costly road tax.

Opt for the Cat B Standard variant and you'll have to pay $10,000 more for more power (which you arguably don't really need), and you'll also lose ventilated seats. It almost seems as though Zeekr really wants you to buy the X Urban over the other variants, especially when you pit it against the Cat B Standard variant.

If you ask me, this is quite a no-brainer. With everything that it offers, the Zeekr X Urban is a truly compelling Cat A COE EV crossover.

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