Zeekr 7X Performance Review: The $72,900 Tesla Model Y Rival

Staggering luxury value, but the efficiency trade-off is real.

Zeekr 7X Performance AWD vs Tesla Model Y Performance — full hands-on review.

There is a $16,500 question when considering electric performance SUV money: Would you like the tech wrapped in clean, sterile code or that tech housed in familiar, tactile and traditionally luxurious accoutrements? That is the heart of the matter dividing the new Zeekr 7X Performance AWD and the popular, almost established-standard Tesla Model Y Performance. We have spent three days in both, pitting them back-to-back on Aussie roads. Here is our breakdown of their diametric opposition in driving dynamics, real-world energy usage and charging prowess and who should buy which.

Price and place in range

Starting from $72,900 before on-road costs, the Performance AWD is the king of the Zeekr 7X heap. This is more affordable than the $89,400 Tesla Model Y Performance ($98,863). The lowest rung on the 7X line-up starts just shy of $60,000 with the mid-tier Long Range RWD probably the sweet spot for 7X purchases. Australian prices include a September 2025 arrival date. The performance model only commands a small step up in price over its middle-ground sibling. While still more expensive than the top Hyundai Ioniq 5 variants or the Polestar 4, the Tesla’s top-tier performance credentials cost more than $16,000 extra on this comparison.

Design and first impressions

The Zeekr 7X has head-turning lines with its long roof and European Estate vibe giving it presence unlike any other EV on the road here. At night, the full rear LED light bar looks awesome. The interior splits dramatically from the Tesla’s theme. The Zeekr is as traditional, luxe and tactile as the best of the established German marques, packing rich leathers, a smorgasbord of screens, plus a focus on the sort of push-buttons we usually take for granted. It drives the exact opposite of a Model Y, a minimalist, glass box of screens commanding every interaction. It is up to personal preference whether you want a luxury car interior or a techy living room.

475kW, sub-four-second dash

There is massive punch in reserve from the 475kW/710Nm dual motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup in the 7X Performance AWD. We achieved a scintillating 0-100 km/h dash in 3.76 seconds, with the $72,900 Zeekr flying by us during a high-speed 80-120 km/h passing manoeuvre in 1.83s. Driving modes allow you to tailor throttle response across Eco, Comfort and Performance modes. Compare that with the Model Y’s claimed 3.5s and 378kW power and the Zeekr is objectively the quicker off the blocks. But there is a big penalty in the form of bulk, with the car weighing about 2317kg. The difference is palpable – we could make the slightly lighter Model Y feel a tad quicker initially just by having less car to motivate – it simply was not a night-and-day disparity. You will not need more power than the three modes offer. One-pedal driving exists in the Zeekr and it is usable, if never as aggressive as the best in the Tesla, where you are forced to dab the pedal every now and then to adjust regen levels.

How it drives – comfort tuned luxury versus sport-tuned tech

Key difference: The Zeekr rides on an air-suspension set-up that is single-chamber and with adaptive damping, the tuning for which is overwhelmingly comfort-biased. There is a "loping, wafty, sumptuous gait" it hits at 110 km/h that soaks up the undulations beautifully, feeling like one of the bigger, older German RWD station wagons, an effect amplified by the low wind noise inside. Coil-spring equipped and more sport-oriented Tesla Model Y with its tight handling on a twisty section felt tied-down, dialled-in and more alive under the load and faster into corners. The Zeekr’s much slower, lazier steering felt super faithful and consistent under load and we praised it. The Tesla’s faster, twitchier steering felt far less connected. The Zeekr’s steering wheel has a plus button where the car’s has the opposite button to increase reg/decel setting. Similarly, Tesla’s offers different steering-weight levels to swap between, that you would use an on-screen tap to access. While both cars offer customisable regen and steering modes, it is fair to say both cars are Polar Opposites in driving dynamics. For you, the 7X is serene, while the Model Y has sport hatchback feel.

Battery, range and charging, Zeekr wins

It is all here: Zeekr’s $72,900 Performance Model packs 100 kWh NMC battery set upon an 800V architecture which means outrageous charging speeds of 420 kW, averaging 260 kW across a 10-80% DC charge in 16 minutes, if you have plugged into an appropriate rapid charger. In terms of A/C charging, at 22 kW three-phase, it is double the charging rate offered by the Tesla ($89,400). Over a back-to-back test in back-to-back kilometres, the narrative splits, the Tesla leads with the town efficiency, consuming a fantastic 14.1 kWh/100km for a 560km urban range, which is miles ahead of the Zeekr’s 19.7kWh/100km, giving it 477km around town. When we get out of the suburbs and onto the highway at 110km/h, though, the bigger battery starts working its way back into the equation with a 519km highway range versus the Model Y’s 478km, despite consumption increasing to 18.1kWh/100km versus Tesla’s best 13kWh/100km. Best practice for its NMC battery is 80-90%, daily.

Interior, tech and seats are a mixed bag

The tech advantages mount for Zeekr. You get a 16-inch centre touchscreen plus a 13-inch display for the driver (the Tesla is sans driver’s display), which is great, not least of all Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto – something not available even as an option on Tesla’s Model Y. There are two 50W induction phone chargers with cooling which is brilliant. Plus, you will enjoy the use of an excellent 35-inch head-up display (HUD) and interior camera looking towards the back-seat children. It is not all rosy, though. The front seats are genuinely a big drawback – too soft, lazy-boy wide, lacking in any sort of bolster you would demand of something carrying a ‘Performance’ badge. The rear seat is more comfortable than the Tesla’s for bottom-dwelling, though, as you gain inches of foot-to-seat room – only to lose out overall with a far bigger frunk in the Model Y. The self-closing electric doors – while a cool party trick – end up being the single most complained about item. The obstacle sensors are ultra-sensitive and often refuses to fully open, leaving you holding a gap in a wall for longer than you need to. A lack of a single 12V socket at all positions is odd too.

Zeekr 7X Performance vs Tesla Model Y Performance – At a Glance

Zeekr 7X Performance AWD : — $72,900 475 kW / 710 Nm 3.76 s (tested) 420 kW 260 kW 22 kW (3-phase) 19.7 kWh/100km Air (adaptive) Yes (13-inch) Yes ~40 L

Safety, warranty and servicing

Safety is no compromise in the 7X, it achieved 5 stars for ANCAP scoring 91% for adults and 87% for child occupants. Standard ADAS features cover all the bases and are some of the least intrusive nanny state features out there. Warranty is sound, too, 5 years for unlimited distance vehicle-wide and 8 years/160,000km for the battery. For the first 1000 Australian buyers, there is a bonus 7 years of coverage with 7 years road-side assistance. There is just one lingering point of caution to the $72,900 luxury performance value – post-purchase service. The young Australian operations of the brand do not yet have an infrastructure to call their own. Parts availability and body repair times are a mystery and it is early adoption gamble for buyers considering the car.

Who should buy it (and who should not)

**You should buy the Zeekr 7X if: ** you do not see the point in having traditional luxury comforts wrapped in minimalist tech. Air suspension on a comfortable long drive should be the top priority. Having wireless Apple CarPlay, a dedicated driver display and the familiar use of buttons than just screens is desirable. And having saved $16,500 on the car as a bonus. The 7X’s advantage for highway driving makes it an even better proposition here.

FAQ

How much is the Zeekr 7X Performance AWD in Australia?

The Zeekr 7X Performance AWD has a list price of $72,900 AUD before on-road costs. All Zeekr 7X models are priced under $60,000, with the mid-tier Long Range RWD placed below the Performance.

How fast does the Zeekr 7X Performance go from 0 to 100 km/h?

The Zeekr 7X Performance AWD hit 0-100 km/h in just 3.76 seconds in our testing (ahead of the official claim of 3.8 seconds). It reached 80-120 km/h in 1.83 seconds.

What is the Zeekr 7X Performance’s real-world range?

In our back-to-back back-to-back back-to-back testing we returned an urban range of 477km (19.7 kWh/100km) and a highway range of 519km (18.1 kWh/100km). It does not beat the Model Y in town, but it is better than the Tesla in long-distance touring capability.

How does the Zeekr 7X charge compared to the Tesla Model Y?

Zeekr wins on every charge count. The Zeekr supports 22kW (three-phase) A/C, double that of the Tesla’s 11kW AC charging capability and DC fast charges up to 420kW, with charging from 10-80% taking ~16 mins at an average of 260kW. The Tesla Model Y peaks at 250kW DC and will take ~29 minutes for the same charge.

Does the Zeekr 7X include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, the Zeekr 7X comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature Tesla still does not include even as an option for the Model Y. The Tesla also lacks a driver display, which the 7X has in the form of a 13-inch unit.

Is the Zeekr 7X safe? Is it rated by ANCAP?

Yes, the Zeekr 7X has achieved a 5-star ANCAP rating with 91% for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupant protection, coupled with a broad standard suite of ADAS features.

What warranty comes with the Zeekr 7X in Australia?

The Zeekr 7X comes with a 5-year unlimited-km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty. The first 1,000 Australian buyers to purchase a Zeekr 7X will get an extended 7-year warranty and 7 years of road-side assistance.