Zeekr 001 Review 2026: Premium Chinese GT for Europe

The Zeekr 001 is the world’s first mass-produced electric shooting brake, and Zeekr Europe’s flagship aims straight at the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. I’ve driven both. The 001 doesn’t have the Taycan’s steering sharpness or brake feel, but it delivers 620 km WLTP range, 3.8-second AWD acceleration, and a five-star Euro NCAP rating at roughly half the price. German pricing starts at €59,990 (up from €44,990 in 2024); the Taycan Sport Turismo is well into six figures. For buyers who want a distinctive, well-equipped electric GT without Porsche budgets, the 001 is one of the most compelling options available in Europe right now.

The 001 launched in European markets in 2023 and is available in Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and Norway. German deliveries began in January 2025. Right-hand drive is expected within a couple of years. This review covers design, performance, software strengths and weaknesses, and how it stacks up against the Taycan and Tesla Model S. The Zeekr 001 complete guide has full specifications and pricing.

📅 Last Updated: March 2026

Design and Interior

The shooting brake profile gives the 001 a unique silhouette—coupe-like from the side, estate-practical from the rear. The turquoise side mirrors are divisive; I found them memorable rather than gimmicky. Drag coefficient is 0.23 Cd. Inside, the 2025 updates improved things: real steering wheel buttons replace haptics, and leather and Alcantara lift the cabin. The 16-inch swivelling infotainment display can rotate between portrait and landscape. It’s a useful feature, but software remains the weak point—slow startup (up to a minute in some cases), profile settings that don’t always persist, and ambient lighting bugs reported by owners. The 24.3-inch AR-HUD and 8.8-inch cluster work well when the system is responsive. The Zeekr Europe guide covers the full brand and model lineup.

Performance and Driving

The Long Range RWD produces 268 hp (200 kW) and 343 Nm, with 0–62 mph in 7.2 seconds—adequate for daily use. The Privilege and Performance AWD variants deliver 537–544 hp (400 kW) and 686–768 Nm, hitting 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. Acceleration is genuinely strong; overtaking is effortless. Top speed is 200 km/h (electronically limited). Range is a strength: the RWD achieves 620 km WLTP; real-world feedback suggests 350–370 miles in typical European conditions. The AWD models run 580–594 km WLTP. An optional 140 kWh CATL Qilin battery extends range to around 1,000 km—availability in Europe is still unclear.

Charging uses 800V architecture; 200 kW DC gets you 10–80% in under 30 minutes. You can add about 120 km in 5 minutes. The ride is comfortable—active air suspension absorbs bumps well. The 001 prioritises comfort over dynamic handling. It’s capable but not as sharp as the Taycan in corners. For buyers who want a refined, fast GT rather than a track tool, that’s fine. For driving enthusiasts, the Taycan retains an edge. The Zeekr 7X charges faster (13 minutes) if that’s a priority.

A Software Reality Check

I spent a morning with a 001 where the main screen took 55 seconds to become usable after a cold start. The dealer said recent OTAs have improved this but not fully fixed it. User profiles sometimes reset. Lane-keeping can feel overly assertive on narrow roads. These are software and calibration issues, not fundamental flaws. The hardware—battery, motors, chassis—is solid. If you can live with some software roughness, the 001 delivers. If you expect German-level polish from day one, you may be frustrated. Zeekr has been improving; expect more updates.

Safety and Euro NCAP

The 001 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2024 under the stricter protocols. It also earned five-star Green NCAP with 17.3–18.5 kWh/100 km combined consumption. Safety includes seven airbags (designed to stay inflated up to 6 seconds), AEB, lane keep, driver monitoring, and 11 high-resolution 8-megapixel cameras. The Chinese EV safety guide has broader context on Chinese EV safety in Europe.

001 vs Taycan vs Model S

Model	Power	0-100	Range	Est. Price
001 AWD	544 hp	3.8 s	585 km	€59,990+
Taycan Sport Turismo	476-884 hp	2.7-5.1 s	455-513 km	€100k+
Model S	670-1,020 hp	2.1-3.2 s	600+ km	€90k+

The Taycan offers sharper dynamics and brand prestige at a big premium. The Model S Plaid is faster; the 001 has more cargo space and a more distinctive design. The 001’s value proposition is strongest for buyers who want shooting brake practicality and performance without Taycan or Tesla pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zeekr 001 worth buying?

For buyers who want a distinctive electric shooting brake with strong range and performance at lower cost than Porsche or Tesla, the 001 is worth serious consideration. Software polish is improving but not yet perfect. The five-star safety and 620 km range are significant strengths. Test drive and verify that the software behaviour works for you.

How does the 001 compare to the Porsche Taycan?

The 001 undercuts the Taycan by a large margin and offers more range. The Taycan has superior steering, brakes, and chassis refinement. The 001 prioritises comfort and value. Both offer premium interiors and strong performance. Choice depends on whether you value driving dynamics (Taycan) or value and range (001).

What is the 001’s biggest weakness?

Software polish is the main weakness: slow startup, profile issues, and ADAS that can feel overly aggressive. These don’t affect the core car but can frustrate daily use. Build quality, performance, and charging are strong. Zeekr has been addressing these with OTA updates.

Is the 001 reliable?

Long-term reliability data is limited—the 001 is relatively new in Europe. The 5-year/100,000 km warranty (extendable to 10 years/200,000 km with maintenance) suggests confidence. Build quality from owner feedback is generally positive. Software issues are the main variable.

Verdict

The Zeekr 001 earns a strong recommendation for buyers seeking a premium electric shooting brake without Porsche or Tesla pricing. It delivers distinctive design, 620 km range, 3.8-second acceleration, and five-star safety. Software needs refinement, but the underlying package is compelling. At €59,990 in Germany, it’s one of the best value propositions in the premium EV space. See the Zeekr 001 complete guide and best value Chinese EVs for more comparison.

---

This review was last updated in March 2026. For the latest information, see Zeekr Europe.