Zeekr finally arrives in France: the drama-filled saga comes to an end
Promise, postponed, start again. Since 2024, Zeekr had accustomed us to the art of unintentional suspense on the French market. Initially expected at the end of 2024, then pushed back to mid-2025, then again postponed indefinitely, the premium brand of the Geely group finally crossed the Rubicon: orders opened on April 2, 2026, with deliveries from May onwards. For enthusiasts who were waiting for this rare bird, the wait is over.
2021: birth of a brand born to conquer the West
Zeekr — pronounced "zikeur" — was founded in March 2021 by the Geely group, with the stated ambition of competing with Nio and Tesla in the premium battery-powered vehicle segment. Geely is the discreet giant from Hangzhou that surprised everyone in 2010 by snapping up Volvo for 1.5 billion dollars, before acquiring Polestar, Lotus and partnering with Mercedes-Benz to relaunch Smart. Suffice it to say, we're not talking about a carmaker that fumbles around.
Zeekr models are based on Geely's SEA platform (Sustainable Electric Architecture), shared with Volvo, Lynk & Co and electric Smart. But the most delightful part of the story is the styling DNA: all models are designed at the Global Design Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden. The cars proudly bear the inscription "Designed in Gothenburg". Chinese in capital, European at heart: that's the positioning they claim.
The brand's first model, the Zeekr 001, was unveiled on April 16, 2021 at the Shanghai Auto Show. This large electric shooting brake, styled like a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo revisited, sets the tone from the outset: Zeekr is not targeting the budget segment.
The European saga: from Scandinavia to France
Entry into Europe is cautious, starting from the north. Sweden and the Netherlands kick things off in 2023, followed by Norway and the Benelux. France, meanwhile, will have to wait.
Originally planned for 2024, then pushed back to 2025, the arrival had ultimately been postponed indefinitely last May, with executives vaguely mentioning 2026 or 2027. The reasons? An unappealing cocktail: recent fiscal developments, reform of benefits in kind for professionals and the central role of the eco-score had dampened enthusiasm. Not to mention that the vehicles, manufactured in China, are eligible for neither the French ecological bonus nor CEE schemes — a significant commercial disadvantage against European or Korean competitors.
But in this spring of 2026, the wind has changed. The French electric vehicle market has taken off: registrations now represent approximately a quarter of new car sales, and the last quarter of 2025 marked a historic turning point, with 100% electric models being registered for the first time more than petrol-powered vehicles. The timing is finally deemed right.
Four models to seduce, a promise of quality to convince
The French range revolves around four 100% electric models: the compact SUV Zeekr X, the new Zeekr 7GT, the large family SUV Zeekr 7X and the shooting brake Zeekr 001.
The Zeekr X plays the role of accessible ambassador. This 4.43 m crossover offers a 49 kWh battery in the base version and goes up to 69 kWh, with power outputs ranging from 200 kW in rear-wheel drive to 365 kW in all-wheel drive. WLTP range up to 415 km. Starting price: €37,990.
The Zeekr 7GT is the elegant shooting brake of the range, a direct competitor to the Volkswagen ID.7. It offers 75 kWh batteries (519 km range) or 100 kWh (655 km in rear-wheel drive), with ultra-fast charging: 10 to 80% in just 13 minutes for the smaller battery. Price: from €45,990.
The Zeekr 7X is the trump card for families. This large SUV shares the same architecture as the 7GT and delivers the same stunning charging performance. It starts at €52,990.
The Zeekr 001 embodies the top of the catalog. This electric shooting brake develops a combined output of 544 hp (400 kW) in Dual Motor version, with a 100 kWh battery for up to 620 km range and accepts fast charging up to 200 kW. Starting price: €59,990.
A network to build, a positioning to prove
Zeekr plans to open between 25 and 30 sales points in the coming months. The first locations will open in Aix-en-Provence, before rolling out to several key cities: Lyon, Paris and its region, Fréjus, Saint-Étienne and Rennes.
To reassure customers still wary of Chinese carmakers, the brand offers a 10-year or 200,000 km warranty (5 years renewable once), with 8 years of specific battery warranty. Something to make anyone still hesitant think twice.
The brand claims over 650,000 electric vehicles delivered worldwide to date. It aims for 1,500 sales in France for its first year, before accelerating towards 3,500 to 4,000 units in 2027. The foundations are there. All that remains is to conquer a French market that has already seen many Chinese promises come and go.
Zeekr in France: the real start begins now
After two years of false starts, Zeekr has finally set up shop in France with a coherent range, solid technology inherited from the Geely group, and design conceived in Sweden. The road will be long — European customs duties, the absence of an ecological bonus and cultural mistrust persist — but the brand is playing a different tune from the outsiders who preceded it.
Official Zeekr range brochures and catalogs are available for free download on Brochure Catalogue Voiture Neuve. The entire range is just waiting for you.
