Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the ZEEKR 001 for a comprehensive drive in the UAE.

With its long, low proportions, spacious cabin, powerful dual-motor configuration and sophisticated technology, the 001 represents one of ZEEKR’s most ambitious approaches to premium electric mobility.

The first thing that sets the 001 apart is its shape. Rather than following the increasingly familiar three-box electric-sedan formula, ZEEKR has created a shooting brake with a long roofline, fastback rear and muscular proportions. Measuring approximately 4,955 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,560 mm in height, with a 2,999 mm wheelbase, the 001 has a substantial road presence while retaining the sleek proportions of a performance-oriented grand tourer. Frameless doors, integrated full-width rear lighting and a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd further emphasise its aerodynamic focus.

The design is also highly functional. The large rear opening gives the 001 a level of practicality that is difficult to achieve with a conventional sedan, while the long wheelbase creates generous space for passengers. The rear cargo area can expand to as much as 2,144 liters with the rear seats folded, making the 001 capable of carrying considerably more than its sleek silhouette might suggest. For buyers who want the comfort and performance of a premium electric car without sacrificing everyday usability, this is one of the model’s strongest attributes.

For the UAE market, the 001 is offered in Long Range RWD, Performance AWD and Flagship AWD configurations. The Long Range version uses a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 272 hp and 343 Nm, and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery provides a claimed WLTP range of up to 620 km, making it the efficiency-focused version of the range.

The Performance and Flagship AWD versions take a very different approach. Their dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 544 hp and 686 Nm, allowing the 001 to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. That figure puts the large shooting brake firmly into performance-car territory, while the instant response of the electric motors gives the driver immediate access to the available torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h for the UAE-market model.

On the road, the 001’s acceleration is one of its most impressive characteristics. There is no waiting for a transmission to select the correct gear and no traditional engine revving before the power arrives. The moment the accelerator is pressed, the electric motors deliver their torque, pushing the car forward with remarkable smoothness. At the same time, the 001 does not feel like a vehicle designed purely around acceleration figures. Its long wheelbase and substantial dimensions give it a planted character that suits high-speed cruising particularly well.

The AWD versions also benefit from the additional traction provided by having electric motors on both axles. This becomes particularly useful on the UAE’s wide highways, where the 001 can build speed with impressive stability, but also when road conditions change. The driver can choose between different driving modes, including Comfort, Economy, Sport and personalised settings, while the higher AWD versions also offer additional terrain-oriented modes.

The Flagship AWD adds active air suspension to the package, giving the 001 another layer of sophistication. Combined with its substantial dimensions and long wheelbase, the system helps the car deliver the kind of relaxed ride expected from a premium grand tourer. The result is an electric car that feels more focused on covering long distances in comfort than simply delivering headline acceleration numbers.

The 001’s 100 kWh battery is central to its long-distance character. Depending on the version, the UAE-market car offers a WLTP range of up to 620 km in the Long Range RWD or 580 km in the AWD models. ZEEKR lists 10–80 percent DC charging in approximately 30 minutes when using a 200 kW DC charger, while a full 0–100 percent charge via a 22 kW AC charger is listed at around 5.5 hours. Actual charging times, of course, depend on the charger and conditions available.

Inside, the 001 continues the premium approach with a minimalist but highly digital cabin. A 15.4-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, supported by an 8.8-inch instrument display and a head-up display. Rear passengers also receive their own 5.7-inch touchscreen for controlling climate functions. The system is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 platform with 16 GB of memory and 128 GB of storage, while over-the-air updates allow the vehicle’s software to evolve without requiring a workshop visit for every improvement.

Technology extends well beyond the infotainment system. ZEEKR AD combines cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors to support the vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance functions, while the standard head-up display keeps key information within the driver’s field of vision. The intelligent voice assistant can also control functions such as navigation, music and cabin temperature, helping reduce the need to interact with the central screen while driving.

Comfort is another area where the 001 makes a strong impression. The cabin offers three-zone climate control, while the air-quality system combines filtration with air-quality monitoring. Higher specifications add ventilated and massaging front seats, while the Flagship AWD goes further with a premium Yamaha audio system featuring 12 speakers and a subwoofer. These features reinforce the 001’s role as a long-distance luxury car rather than simply a fast electric vehicle.

The UAE environment also highlights the importance of cabin cooling and thermal management. The 001’s large cabin, advanced climate-control system and air-quality technology contribute to a more comfortable environment during long drives, while the electric drivetrain delivers its performance without the vibration and mechanical noise associated with a conventional combustion engine.

From behind the wheel, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the 001 is how it blends several different personalities. In Long Range RWD form, it is a relaxed and efficient electric grand tourer designed around range and everyday usability. In AWD form, it becomes a genuinely rapid performance car, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds while retaining the practicality of its shooting-brake body. The Flagship adds air suspension and additional luxury equipment, pushing the car further toward premium grand-touring territory.

That versatility is important because the 001 does not rely on a single attribute to define itself. Its design gives it individuality, its electric powertrain provides effortless performance, its large battery supports long-distance driving and its shooting-brake body gives it a practical advantage over many similarly priced electric sedans. The combination makes it a vehicle that can serve as a daily commuter during the week and a capable long-distance tourer on the weekend.

The ZEEKR 001 also demonstrates how quickly the premium electric-car segment is evolving. Instead of simply imitating established luxury sedans, ZEEKR has chosen a distinctive body style and combined it with a high level of digital technology, substantial battery capacity and performance that rivals much more overtly sporting cars. It is a formula that gives the 001 its own identity in an increasingly crowded market.

For the UAE, that combination is particularly relevant. The country’s long highways and strong appetite for technology-driven luxury vehicles create an environment where the 001’s range, comfort and high-speed performance can all be appreciated. At the same time, its large cargo area and spacious rear cabin make it more versatile than many sleek electric alternatives.

The ZEEKR 001 ultimately succeeds by bringing together qualities that do not always appear in the same vehicle. The Long Range RWD version offers up to 620 km of WLTP range, while the 544 hp AWD versions deliver 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and up to 580 km of WLTP range. Add a 100 kWh battery, advanced digital technology, a spacious 2,144-liter maximum cargo capacity and the distinctive character of a shooting brake, and the 001 becomes much more than another premium electric car. It is a sophisticated grand tourer that shows how performance, luxury and practicality can coexist in the electric era.