I have always wondered how higher powered BEVs these days handle twin motors or even triple DC electric motors set up. Some advanced hybrid systems like in the Omoda C9 PHEV have triple DC motors plus a turbo-petrol engine as well, thereby equaling four propulsion forces working in tandem or parallel.
Imagine a bullock-cart being pulled by one or two horses at the front, while a muscular buffalo is pushing it from the rear. While these three creatures may be instinctive enough to make sure their hard work of tugging and shoving are synchronizing with one another, I am sure at some point in time they do cancel each other’s effort – or torque in the case of electric motors.
Of course, the argument that the power management software – and hardware – dictates that an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system works in perfect harmony to the milliseconds in control and execution of power shunting and delivery to individual axles or at some time, a particular wheel. All being monitored by the absolutely awesome processing power of multiple ECUs and TCUs packing more oomph than the Apollo 11 rocket to the moon way back in 1969.
Which brings us to the Zeekr 7X RWD Long Range which I found to be more fluid, natural to steer and that little bit sweeter to push – versus the awe-inspiring and superlatives-riddled Zeekr 7X Performance AWD. Yes! Less can indeed be more. Also, such feedback is similarly noted for the BYD Sealion 7 AWD Performance versus the Sealion 7 Premium RWD.
The good:
- Excellent steering agility and accuracy in maneuvering the large SUV into bends.
- Faithful tracking into corners enabled by a set of superb double-wishbones up front, made up of chunky & thick light-weight aluminum and multi-link suspension at the rear.
- Grippy, silent yet comfy tyre: higher profile Continental EcoContact 7 (255/50 VR19, all around) simply performs better than its rounded-belly sidewall appearance would have you assumed otherwise.
- High speed stability despite not having air suspension.
- Excellent body control when cruising onto uneven road surfaces, highway expansion joints, surface ridges and badly patched roads.
- Appreciably good ride comfort even when seated behind.
- Near seamless EV driving of acceleration + deceleration (refined regeneration braking algorithm) with powerful “regular” pedal brake feel.
- No fancy electric closing doors: future-proof for trouble free ownership into the post-warranty years.
- Black leather interior is much easier to maintain in the long term, more child-friendly.
- Longer range single motor is frugal on electrons: average consumption of 16.0 – 17.0 kWh/100 kms; as is always the case of single RWD (or FWD) versus AWD twin motor brethren (as high as 19.0 kWh/100km)
- 22kW AC charging is class-leading, based on 800V architecture, tried and tested charging 20% to 100% in about 3.5 hours after plugging in, utilizing a home 3-phase AC wall-box.
- DC charging at max 420 kW to 480 kW is mighty handy when going outstation – utilizing public DC charging, 10% to 80% SOC in as little as 16 minutes (claimed).
- 100 kWh NMC battery is a much-welcomed standard spec for a premium BEV, giving 615 km range (WLTP) on a full charge.
The not so good (my personal findings):
- Frumpy front bumper design – here’s wishing for a facelift bumper to have a flatter, straighter front profile with boxy-yet-edgy elements, just like the Zeekr 7 GT.
- Slightly high upper arches bilaterally on its clam shell bonnet, magnifying 7X’s already borderline-excessive jelly mould styling when viewed squarely from the front.
- Zeekr Sound Pro audio system needs tweaking to get better audio quality: in HiFi and Extra Bass sound processing (DSP) presets after customizing its equalizer, respectively.
- Voice command needs OTA update to improve accuracy.
- No fancy electric powered doors: lack bragging rights at car social meets! (both sides of the same coin)
The Bad: NIL
Conclusion
Once again, the Zeekr 7X represents one of the best Chinese-engineered BEVs that money can buy out there now. Do not rule out the 7X RWD Long Range unless you really must have the extra comfy air suspension or those fancy motor-powered doors. Century sprint of 6.0 seconds and a claimed top speed of 210 km/h is more than enough for daily commute for most of us – seriously and practically.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not necessarily shared by MotaAuto.com.
