Zeekr 001 Review
Dubai’s skyline is changing, and so are its roads. More drivers are ditching gas guzzlers for electric vehicles (EVs). Although the traditional Japanese cars dominate the scene, the Chinese segment, especially EVs, is also expanding rapidly.
Among the Chinese options, a standout from the renowned Geely Group is making waves: the Zeekr 001. It was the brand’s first model, launched in April 2021, with another upgraded model introduced in 2024. But Zeekr decided to retain its original variant in the UAE.
This blog reviews Zeekr 001’s luxurious features, available trims, price points, and how it stacks up against competitors. We will find out if this Chinese EV is a hidden gem in Dubai’s premium market or just another flashy newcomer.
Zeekr’s Exterior and Interior Design
Upon my first look, I was impressed with the design. How should I describe it? Zeekr insists it’s a “shooting brake” – a term usually reserved for two-door coupes—but in reality, it’s a mix of sedan and hatchback with four doors.
The steeply raked roofline (more wagon than SUV) and frameless doors add a sporty flair, though rear headroom and cargo space (2144L max) suffer slightly as a result. At 4,955 mm long and 1,999 mm wide, it’s larger than a Tesla Model Y but avoids the bulkiness of traditional SUVs.
Step inside, and the Zeekr 001 feels like an AED 300,000+ car. Soft Nappa leather seats (heated as standard, ventilated, and massaging in higher trims), microfiber suede accents, and a minimalist dashboard design scream premium. The 15.4-inch central screen and slim 8.9-inch digital cluster, powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip, deliver buttery-smooth responsiveness.
Unique touches include the Smart Glass Roof, which transitions from transparent to opaque automatically or manually and even displays animated patterns (e.g., flowing water or leaves). While gimmicky, it’s a party trick that’ll impress passengers during Dubai’s sunset drives.
Available Colors and Accessories
In the UAE, the Zeekr 001 comes in three trims:
Long Range RWD (starting at 225,900 AED)
Premium AWD (from 259,900 AED)
Flagship AWD (priced at 269,000 AED)
Exterior options include five bold color choices: Phantom Black, Tech Grey, Crystal White, Electric Blue, and Energy Orange. For interiors, you can opt for Black & Grey or Blue & White dual-tone interiors, both trimmed in soft Nappa leather and microfiber suede.
There are a few trim-specific features. The Long Range RWD comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, 8-speaker audio, and basic seats (heated only). Premium AWD gets 22-inch forged rims, dual-motor power (544 horsepower(HP) ), and retains the 8-speaker system. Whereas, the Flagship AWD gets Active Air Suspension, 22-inch multi-spoke rims, 12 Yamaha speakers with a subwoofer, and ventilated/massaging front seats.
The Flagship also has 12-color ambient lighting (vs. 3-color in lower trims) and a 5.7-inch rear touchscreen for climate control.
Engine Specs and Performance
The Zeekr 001’s performance spectrum is as diverse as Dubai’s driving scenes.
The top-tier Flagship AWD flexes a dual-motor setup paired with a 100 kWh battery, pumping out 544 HP and 686 Nm of torque. Enough to rocket from 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. That’s quicker than a Tesla Model Y Long Range (4.9s) and neck-and-neck with a Porsche Taycan 4S (3.7s). What sets the Flagship apart is its Active Air Suspension, which adjusts ride height from 162mm to 193mm, gliding over potholes or stiffening for spirited cornering.
The Premium AWD shares the same dual-motor muscle (544 HP, 3.8s acceleration) but skips the air suspension, trading plush adaptability for raw, unfiltered thrills. It has Snow, Sand, and Off-Road driving modes, perfect for UAE’s desert paths.
At the base, the Long Range RWD dials things down with a single rear motor (272 HP) and a leisurely 7.2s 0-100 km/h sprint. It’s rear-wheel drive, lacks air suspension, and prioritizes efficiency over excitement. It’s best for Dubai’s bumper-to-bumper traffic or relaxed coastal drives.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Well, it’s a fully electric car, so we won’t be talking about fuel efficiency or MPG. What drivers should care about is the range per charge and charging speed.
Starting with range, the Long Range RWD variant compromises on power but delivers a class-leading 620 km (WLTP). That’s enough to breeze from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back twice on a single charge.
The dual-motor Premium and Flagship AWD models, while quicker, sacrifice some efficiency, offering 580 km (WLTP). That’s still solid for UAE road trips, though aggressive driving or blasting the A/C in summer will trim those numbers.
As for charging, Zeekr claims a 30-minute 10-80% top-up using a 300 kW charger. But here’s the catch: the UAE lacks 300 kW chargers (for now), so real-world charging times on local 150 kW stations will double. Still, the 100 kWh battery’s 800V architecture ensures it gulps electrons faster than most rivals. However, that’s practical when the infrastructure catches up.
Competitors and Market Comparison
Zeekr’s 001 is a fresh face in the UAE’s premium EV market, and there’s no direct rival offering its blend of wagon practicality, 3.8-second acceleration, and sub-300,000 AED pricing. But the fact is, in a market obsessed with brand prestige, the 001 will face skepticism.
Tesla Model Y remains the default choice for most UAE buyers, thanks to its established Supercharger network, sharper software, and lower starting price (≈230,000 AED). But the Zeekr counters with more: a quieter cabin, ventilated/massaging seats (Flagship trim), and a design that’s far less common on Dubai’s roads. For Porsche Taycan shoppers (starting at ≈500,000 AED), the 001’s performance feels like a steal. But you’ll miss the Porsche’s razor-sharp handling and badge appeal.
Then there’s the NIO ET5, another Chinese contender. It matches Zeekr’s tech (lidar, swappable batteries) but arrives as a sedan, lacking the 001’s wagon versatility.
So, ultimately who should consider buying Zeeker 001?
The Practical Enthusiast. You want Tesla-beating acceleration and a 2144L trunk for surfboards or golf bags.
Or the Luxury Bargain Hunter. You crave Taycan-level features (massaging seats, Yamaha audio) at half the price.