Chinese automakers have been bombarding us with new and updated models faster than our browsers can keep up, but every once in a while, one stands out for more than just novelty. The Zeekr X is one of those. A sibling to the Volvo EX30, it carries sharper styling, a dash of swagger, and a promise of premium polish that suggests it’s aiming a little higher than your typical Chinese EV.

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The Geely-owned brand has recently landed in my home country, Greece, giving me the chance to see what the compact-sized Zeekr X is all about and, more importantly, take it for a drive.

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* Manufacturer | **Prices in Greece including a €3,000 local incentive for EVs

The X was introduced in late 2023 as the entry-level EV in Zeekr’s growing lineup. It has already been updated in China with more powerful motors and new color and trim options, but those have yet to reach export markets.

Like its Volvo EX30 and Smart #1 relatives, it rides on Geely’s SEA platform, which also underpins the Lynk & Co 02. It even made headlines as Euro NCAP’s safest EV, outperforming some far pricier rivals, including the Porsche Macan. Still, there’s more to this compact SUV than a glowing safety score.

Aggressive Looks, Familiar DNA

Zeekr is still a young brand, having been born in 2021. In terms of styling language, there’s a clear family resemblance with Geely stablemate Lynk & Co, yet Zeekr sits higher in the group’s hierarchy, positioned above Volvo and Polestar in terms of its premium aspirations.

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The Zeekr X has a sharp and modern exterior that will make you look twice when it passes by. Its “double-edged” headlights, greenhouse, door handles, mirrors, and taillights are reminiscent of the Lynk & Co 02, though without the coupe-SUV stance.

Other highlights include the glossy black cladding around the wheel arches and a sharp character line on the profile that extends to the side windows.

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At 4,432 mm long, it’s 199 mm longer than the Volvo EX30 and 28 mm shorter than the Lynk & Co 02. That puts it right among Europe’s compact premium EV-SUVs, including the BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes EQA.

Our press tester was the Long Range RWD variant, which sounds like a sweet spot in the lineup. It pairs a single 268 hp (200 kW) motor with the larger 69 kWh battery for up to 446 km (277 miles) of WLTP range. Visually, it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels rather than the 20-inch option which is reserved for the 422 hp AWD flagship.

Premium Aspirations

Open the frameless doors and you immediately sense that this brand aims for BMW territory in terms of perceived quality. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces, complemented by futuristic ambient lighting and ASMR-friendly switchgear finished in copper.

The configurable switches on the steering wheel are a nice touch, as they can also serve as physical controls for the A/C so you don’t have to fiddle with the screen all the time.

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The seats are upholstered in soft vegan leather and feature hard outer shells adding a futuristic note. Geely designers played safe in terms of the dashboard layout, combining a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with an 8.8-inch instrument cluster.

There is also a 24.3-inch augmented reality head-up display helping keep your eyes on the road. Equipment is generous, including a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system, and a full suite of ADAS.

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Rear passengers are also treated well. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the X offers noticeably better rear legroom and headroom than the Volvo EX30, making it a far more comfortable choice for adults or small families.

There is also plenty of in-car storage including a multi-functional central armrest. However, the boot is equivalent of a subcompact hatchback with a capacity of 362 lt (12.8 cubic feet), and the tiny 21 lt (0.4 cubic feet) frunk is mostly for storing charging cables.

Comfort Is the Key

My drive was brief, just a few hours during the local media presentation, so this is not a full review, but it was enough to get a good feel for the Zeekr X’s personality.

As with the Volvo EX30, the excellent SEA platform has the robustness of larger segments. Here, it is combined with a softer suspension setup for even higher levels of comfort and slightly better soundproofing.

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The steering has a nice feel, although I didn’t notice enough differentiation between the available modes (Comfort, Standard, and Sport). Still, the Zeekr X is more engaging than your average Chinese EV while keeping a neutral and predictable character in line with its Swedish R&D genes. The ADAS worked well overall, but a few over-eager alerts popped up on roads with faint lane markings.

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Performance-wise, the 268 hp RWD version feels plenty quick for daily use, making the 422 hp AWD variant seem somewhat indulgent. Interestingly, China’s updated models have bumped outputs to 335 hp and 489 hp respectively, hinting that future exports could get an extra jolt of power.

Overall, the extra range that should be around 400 km (250 miles) in real-life conditions and the extra playfulness of the RWD make it the preferred choice from my point of view – especially considering it offers a nearly identical equipment at a lower price.

The 69 kWh battery pack doesn’t have the ultra-fast charging capabilities of the Zeekr 001 flagship, but can go from 10-80% in under 30 minutes when connected to an 150 kW DC charger.

How Much Does It Cost?

In Greece, where we tested it, the base Core RWD starts at €34,990 ($40,700), while the Long Range RWD sits at €39,990 ($46,500), and the top Privilege AWD costs €44,990 ($52,300). Each trim comes fully loaded.

The closely related Volvo EX30, by comparison, ranges from €36,175 to €48,448, while the larger Tesla Model Y starts from €36,175. All prices include Greece’s €3,000 EV incentive.

Another indirect competitor at a similar price point is the larger and more practical Tesla Model Y that currently starts from €36,175 ($42,100) in the same market. Keep in mind that all of the aforementioned prices include a €3,000 incentive for EVs.

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Zeekr representatives told us that the company plans on keeping prices consistent across all European markets. This means that the X will start from around €38,000 ($44,200) before incentives in Germany, undercutting its Volvo sibling and the Tesla Model Y by a couple of grand, while being almost €10,000 ($11,600) cheaper than the entry-level BMW iX1.

Eyes on Europe

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Zeekr has sold a total of 550,000 vehicles since its inception in 2021. The European rollout of the brand started in 2023, with new countries being added every year. The next step is to enter major European markets including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the UK by the end of 2026.

The brand’s R&D and design hub in Gothenburg, Sweden and regional offices in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, complement its Chinese operations, signaling long-term European ambitions.

Beyond the X compact SUV, Zeekr is currently offering the 7X midsize SUV and the 001 flagship shooting brake in the Old Continent. Still, the company’s Chinese lineup is much broader, including the 007 sedan, the Mix and 009 minivans, and the new 9X flagship SUV.

Verdict

After a short but telling encounter, the Zeekr X left a lasting impression. It feels more spacious, more comfortable, and more polished than the Volvo EX30 it shares bones with, while coming in cheaper. The ride quality, cabin refinement, and safety credentials suggest it’s one of the most convincing Chinese EVs yet to reach Europe.

If you can get past the unfamiliar badge, the Zeekr X makes a compelling case as a smart, well-rounded alternative in the compact electric SUV space.

Volvo recently introduced the 2026 EX90, which features a host of improvements including an all-new 800-volt electrical architecture. Now, the company has shared more details about the U.S.-spec version of its flagship electric SUV.

While the Swedish luxury brand didn’t go into many specifics, they confirmed plans to offer a new entry-level variant with a single electric motor.

Volvo went on to reveal the Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance will have upgraded powertrains that produce up to 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS). According to the company, that output officially makes the EX90 Twin Motor Performance the most powerful production Volvo ever built.

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Volvo didn’t mention numbers for the other variants, but the upgraded Polestar 3 offers a rear-wheel drive model with 329 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. The company also offers a dual-motor crossover with 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque.

Besides powertrain tweaks, Volvo mentioned a newly available electrochromic panoramic roof as well as ventilated Nappa leather seats. This is on top of the other upgrades, which include faster charging, new safety features, and additional computing power.

EX30 Now Offers Rear-Wheel Drive

The EX90 isn’t the only crossover gaining a new entry-level variant as Volvo will offer an EX30 Single Motor. It starts at $38,950, which makes it $7,700 less expensive than the Twin Motor Performance.

That’s a considerable savings and the model features a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). It enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.1 seconds and travel up to 261 miles (420 km) on a single charge.

Buyers will also find LED lighting units, rain-sensing wipers, and 19-inch wheels. They’re joined by a panoramic glass roof, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, ambient lighting, and a wireless smartphone charger. Rounding out the highlights are power front seats wrapped in eco-friendly upholstery.

On the safety front, there’s a host of driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Jam Assist. The crossover also has a Blind Spot Information System, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Pedestrian and Cyclist Steering Avoidance.

A Rugged New EX30 Cross Country

Also new for 2026 is the EX30 Cross Country. It starts at $48,150 and features a slightly more rugged design with additional ground clearance.

The model comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS). This enables the electric crossover to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and travel up to 227 miles (365 km) on a single charge.

On top of that, the Cross Country comes nicely equipped with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. They’re joined by extra safety features including Park Pilot Assist and a 360° camera system.

EX40 Gains A Black Edition

Last but not least, the EX40 gains a new Black Edition. It starts at $60,850 and features gloss black badging as well as black 20-inch wheels. Customers can also get an Onyx Black, Crystal White, Vapour Grey, or Denim Blue paint job.

Volvo didn’t say much else about the Black Edition, but it features Charcoal Connect Suede Textile and Microtech upholstery with contrasting white accents. Buyers will also find black flourishes as well as Dark Cutting Edge aluminum trim.