Zeekr's midsize electric SUV, the Zeekr 7X. [Zeekr Korea]
Zeekr's midsize electric SUV, the Zeekr 7X. [Zeekr Korea]

Zeekr's midsize electric SUV, the 7X, has surpassed 1,000 pre-orders ahead of its official launch in South Korea, with demand particularly concentrated in the top-tier Ultra and Max trims — signaling strong domestic consumer interest in high-performance, long-range electric SUVs.

Zeekr Korea announced Monday that the 7X crossed the 1,000 pre-order mark within about a month of opening reservations.

Pre-orders for the Zeekr 7X have been accepted since June 5 at nine stores nationwide, including locations in Seoul's Gangnam, Seocho and Gangseo districts, as well as Pangyo, Ilsan, Incheon, Suwon, Daejeon and Busan. The vehicle is offered in three trims: the rear-wheel-drive Pro and Max, and the all-wheel-drive Ultra. Prices start at 52.99 million won ($34,100) for the Pro, 59.99 million won for the Max and 69.99 million won for the Ultra.

The top-tier Ultra trim drew the most attention during the pre-order period. Equipped with dual electric motors, it produces a maximum output of 645 horsepower and peak torque of 72.4 kilogram-meters, with a 0-to-100 kilometers-per-hour sprint time of 3.9 seconds.

The Ultra also delivers on range. Under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy's standard ambient-temperature combined cycle certification, it covers 440 kilometers on a single charge. The trim comes with a 100-kilowatt-hour NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery and air suspension.

The Max trim also emerged as a popular choice. It shares the same 100-kWh NCM battery as the Ultra but uses a single rear motor, producing 421 horsepower and 45 kg-m of torque. Its certified range of 483 kilometers on a single charge makes it the most energy-efficient trim in the Zeekr 7X lineup sold in South Korea.

The Pro trim leads with a more accessible price point. It is powered by a 75-kWh lithium iron phosphate "Golden Battery" developed in-house by Zeekr, paired with the same single rear motor as the Max.

Zeekr Korea is offering trim-specific benefits for customers who pre-order through July 15. Pro trim buyers can purchase the Premium Comfort Package — which includes the Zeekr Sound Pro audio system and front-row massage and ventilated seats — at a 1 million won discount from the regular price of 2 million won.

Max and Ultra pre-order customers receive a complimentary refrigerator-and-warmer option. Those who choose the Stargate Lighting or Auto Door option are eligible for an additional discount of up to 1 million won.

"Despite being a luxury brand newly entering the Korean market, surpassing 1,000 pre-orders confirms the strong interest Korean consumers have shown in the Zeekr 7X," a Zeekr Korea official said. "In the second half of the year, we will work to let more people experience the Zeekr brand and its products through a variety of marketing activities that broaden our touchpoints with customers."

Zeekr Korea plans to expand its sales network from the current nine stores to 14 locations by year-end. The company is also building 11 service centers across the country, including one on Jeju, to establish an after-sales support system.

Zeekr is the luxury technology brand of China's Geely Automobile Group. The company develops electric vehicles and connectivity technology from research and design hubs in Gothenburg, Sweden, and in Hangzhou and Shanghai, China.


kwater@heraldcorp.com