Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Zeekr has launched a new flagship variant, the 7X Black Special Edition, for its SUV line-up in Australia. This move follows a successful market entry for the Zeekr 7X, with the company reporting over 2,200 sales since its arrival last year. The SUV has also achieved significant market traction, ranking as the third best-selling electric vehicle in Australia during February.
New Top-Tier Variant Introduced
The 7X Black Special Edition is positioned at the apex of the 7X range, distinguished by a comprehensive suite of darker styling enhancements for both the exterior and interior. This new variant builds upon the specifications of the existing Performance AWD model but elevates its aesthetic appeal.
Priced at $75,900 before on-road costs, the Black Edition offers a premium, visually striking option for consumers. The introduction of special editions like this is a common strategy employed by automotive manufacturers to refresh existing models or introduce a high-end variant without altering the core mechanical components. These editions typically bundle distinctive styling tweaks and cosmetic upgrades, often commanding a higher price point.
Exterior Enhancements
The 7X Black Special Edition features an Onyx gloss paint finish, complemented by an array of gloss black exterior elements. These include:
- Gloss black finish for the front and rear lower bumpers.
- Gloss black lower door exterior trims.
- Black roof rails.
- 20-inch black alloy wheels.
- An exclusive black ‘7X’ badge on the rear.
Interior Refinements
Inside, the Black Special Edition further enhances its distinctiveness with black Nappa leather interior trim, providing a luxurious and cohesive aesthetic.
Addressing Customer Demand
Frank Li, managing director of Zeekr Australia, stated that the development of the Black Special Edition was a direct response to feedback from the brand’s early customers in the Australian market.
“The 7X Black Special Edition is our way of celebrating the reception the 7X has received since arriving in Australia,” Li said. “Our customers have consistently told us they wanted a darker, bolder expression of the 7X and we listened.”
Zeekr 7X: A Competitive Electric SUV Offering
The Zeekr 7X has positioned itself as a competitively priced electric SUV in the Australian market since its launch. The range begins with an entry-level rear-wheel-drive model, priced from $57,900 before on-road costs. This variant is equipped with a 75 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a WLTP driving range of up to 480 km.
A key technological feature across the 7X range is its 800-volt battery architecture, which supports rapid DC charging speeds of up to 450 kW. This allows for significantly reduced charging times, with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in under 16 minutes.
Furthermore, all Zeekr 7X models come standard with 22 kW AC charging capability. This is a notable feature, as it remains relatively uncommon among electric vehicles in this particular price segment.
Powertrain and Performance Options
For those seeking extended driving range, the Long Range RWD version of the 7X offers an improved range of up to 615 km, thanks to an upgraded 100 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack.
The Performance AWD variant, which serves as the basis for the new Black Edition, boasts impressive power figures. It delivers 475 kW of power and 710 Nm of torque. This performance enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 3.8 seconds. The estimated WLTP range for this performance-oriented model is over 540 km.
All Zeekr 7X models also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, providing a 3.3 kW output for external power needs.
Industry Trend of ‘Black Editions’
The introduction of ‘black-out’ special editions is a growing trend within the automotive industry. This approach allows manufacturers to introduce visual updates and create distinct, desirable variants without necessitating major mechanical engineering or platform changes.
Several prominent automotive brands have embraced this strategy in recent years. Examples include Porsche with its Taycan Black Edition, Volvo with its XC60 and XC90 Black Edition models, and Ford with limited-run versions of its Ranger and Everest pick-up trucks and SUVs. These special editions often appeal to consumers seeking a more assertive or premium visual presence for their vehicles.
Availability
The Zeekr 7X Black Edition is now available for order in Australia.
Zeekr 7X Key Features Summary
- 800 V Battery Technology: Enables 10-80% charge in under 16 minutes.
- Performance AWD & Black Edition: Accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with 475 kW / 710 Nm.
- Long Range RWD: Offers a WLTP range of up to 615 km.
- Infotainment: Features a 16-inch touchscreen and a 36.2-inch Augmented Reality Head-Up Display.
- Safety: Equipped with advanced driver assistance and safety systems.
- Safety Rating: Achieved a 5-star ANCAP rating.
Pricing (Excluding On-Road Costs)
- RWD: $57,900
- Long Range RWD: $63,900
- Performance AWD: $72,900
- Black Edition: $75,900