First look at the future electric SUV from Zeekr that will probably arrive in Europe in 2025

The Premium brand of the Chinese automotive giant Geely has just published the first images of its future electric SUV. Under the codename “CX1E” and with rumours pointing to the final name being Ark, this model is designed to compete with rivals of the calibre of the Tesla Model Y. It is currently the best-selling car in a good number of markets, including Europe.

Zeekr has developed the Ark on the PMA2 platform, the same one used by the new 007 saloon from the brand, derived from Geely’s SEA platform – Sustainable Experience Architecture. It is therefore no surprise that the dimensions of this new SUV will be similar, with latest reports placing it at around 4.7 metres in length.

The Zeekr is expected to offer the Ark in versions with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, as well as with dual motors and all-wheel drive. In the first case, the motor will deliver 310 kW of power, with 440 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the two motors that will feature in the all-wheel-drive versions will combine to produce 475 kW, with 710 Nm of torque. It is also quite likely that the Chinese manufacturer will offer in this new model its in-house developed 75 kWh LFP battery pack, which is already available in the brand’s 007 saloon.

As can be inferred from the images, the Ark keeps the conventional design lines of any SUV, but adds innovative features such as slim headlights, retractable and flush-mounted door handles, frameless mirrors, a LiDAR sensor and a slim full-width rear light bar. A light band similar to that of the 007, known as Stargate, could span the full width of the upper front of the vehicle, just above the main headlights. The lower section, on the other hand, appears to have an active grille that stays closed until it is needed.

When will it reach the market?

Zeekr plans to launch the Ark in China at the end of this same year. The company’s ambitious global plans could also lead the Chinese manufacturer to begin marketing this new electric SUV globally in 2025, just one year after its launch in its home market. Currently, Zeekr is present in almost 30 different countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Thailand and Mexico. By the end of the year, as we have already told you here at HighMotor on previous occasions, the company aims to expand its presence to a total of 50 countries and regions.