Zeekr the premium electric brand under the Umbrella of Chinese auto giant Geely was founded in March 2021 and since then has launched two EVs in its lineup. One is the 001 electric crossover that debuted in April 2021 while the second was the 009 luxury electric MPV that was launched in August 2022. Now Zeekr has teased its latest offering which will be the third model in its portfolio and is expected to be released later this year.
Related: Zeekr 001 EV Breaks Not One, But Two Guinness World Records
Codenamed BXE1, the yet unnamed EV will spearhead Zeekr’s European expansion as the brand plans to start selling cars in the region towards the last quarter of this year. According to Chinese media reports, the car will be called 003 and will likely be unveiled at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show in April and be launched in China shortly after.
The 003 is underpinned by Geely’s Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA) and is comparable in size to the smart #1 which also sits on the same platform. Styled at Geely’s design center in Gothenburg, Sweden, the 003 will sport slim LED DRLs that blend into the bonnet shut lines as well as horizontally-mounted headlamps to make up a two-tier configuration, just like its sister 001.
Prominent creases can also be seen on the sides which have flush door handles and an upswept beltline that meets thick C-pillars. At the rear, the sloping roofline meets a spoiler and an upright window, the latter accompanied by full-width slim taillights at its base that is only divided by the Zeekr brand name.
Zeekr did not tease the interior of the 003 EV, but based on spy shots, there will be a minimalist dashboard that will feature a small digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a center console between the front seats that is kept separated from the center stack. There is no official word regarding the powertrain but as per reports, the 003 will be offered with single-motor, rear-wheel drive, and dual-motor, all-wheel drive setups. Power outputs will range from 268 hp (200 kW) to 422 hp (315 kW), which are very much the same as in smart #1.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
