Geely Zeekr 001 FR Performance

Geely Zeekr 001 FR Performance

Zeekr, the premium electric brand under Geely's vast automotive empire, launched the 001 in October 2021 as its inaugural model. The car's most striking feature is its body style — a shooting brake (or fastback wagon) configuration that gives it a dramatic profile unlike any other EV in its class. Standing nearly two meters wide, the 001 commands attention with its frameless doors, hidden door handles, and full-width LED light bar.

The 001 FR Performance variant packs a dual-motor AWD system producing 544 horsepower and 686 Nm of torque, built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the same modular platform that underpins the Volvo EX90, Polestar 3, and Lotus Eletre. The 100 kWh CATL Qilin battery features cell-to-pack technology and supports 800V ultra-fast charging on updated models, enabling 10-80% charging in approximately 15 minutes at compatible stations.

The interior reflects Zeekr's positioning as a premium brand. A 14.7-inch AMOLED central touchscreen sits below a 13.02-inch digital cluster, with a third 15.05-inch screen for rear passengers available as an option. Materials include Nappa leather, microfiber, and sustainable options. The YAMAHA-tuned 15-speaker sound system provides audiophile-grade sound, and the cabin features ambient lighting with 64 colors.

The chassis employs double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension with air springs and continuous damping control, providing a sophisticated ride that transitions smoothly between comfort and sport modes. Geely's vast engineering resources — the company owns Volvo, Lotus, Proton, and Lynk & Co — are evident in the 001's chassis tuning, which was conducted at Geely's test facility in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The 001 has been a significant commercial success, with monthly sales regularly exceeding 10,000 units in China. An updated version launched in 2024 brought improved efficiency, faster charging speeds, and enhanced driver assistance. Zeekr has also begun exporting the 001 to Europe, where it competes against the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, BMW i5 Touring, and Tesla Model S at a considerably lower price point.

The shooting brake body style, once almost exclusively the domain of European luxury marques, has found new life in the Zeekr 001, demonstrating that Chinese brands are no longer simply copying Western designs but creating distinctive vehicles with their own aesthetic identity.