Following the launch of its first manufacturing mannequin – the 001 – final yr and the beginning of manufacturing of the 009 minivan final month, Chinese language premium EV model Zeekr will proceed its enlargement with two new fashions and an entry to the European market this yr.

The Geely-owned automaker introduced bold targets for 2023 in an inner letter from CEO An Conghui to the staff seen by CarNewsChina. These embody the goal to double gross sales and ship 140,000 automobiles, launch two new fashions, and enter Europe, amongst different goals.

Based on beforehand launched info, the 2 new EVs would be the Zeekr 003 compact SUV (codenamed BXE1) and a sedan codenamed CS1E, with the previous tipped to spearhead the model’s European enlargement later this yr.

Really, the Zeekr 003 was formally teased by father or mother firm Geely Group a few days in the past on Twitter. The images confirmed a prototype carrying an artwork car-like camouflage whereas testing in Sweden. Zeekr additionally confirmed darkish teaser images of the automobile it describes as a “premium city SUV” with wonderful drivability.

10 Pictures

The car seems to be decidedly trendy and options some Lynk & Co design cues such because the LED DRLs mounted on the entrance finish. Highlights embody the break up headlights, plunged hood, broad air consumption within the entrance bumper, pop-out door handles, and strange form of the C pillar. 

Seen from the rear, the Zeekr 003 reveals an prolonged roof spoiler, a really slender rear window that includes one of many smallest windshield wipers we have ever seen on a manufacturing automobile, and slim taillights united by a horizontal gentle strip that stops within the center because it meets the Zeekr lettering.

We do know the Zeekr 003 will use the identical Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA) EV platform because the Zeekr 001 and 009 – plus different EVs from the Geely, Lynk & Co, Sensible and Lotus manufacturers – however no powertrain specs can be found. Nonetheless, Zeekr notes that the 003 is able to accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) inside 4 seconds.

We additionally get a sign of the car’s measurement as one of many images reveals the Zeekr 003 parked behind an Audi e-tron GT. The compact SUV considerably shorter general than the Audi, and the wheelbase can also be shorter; the Zeekr noticeably increased, although. 

CarNewsChina estimates the Zeekr 003 is slightly below 4.4 meters (173.2 inches) lengthy, with a wheelbase of round 2.75 meters (108.2 inches). The crossover is clearly increased than the Audi.

Based on experiences from China, the Zeekr 003 is prone to launch within the first half of this yr, with a potential debut on the Shanghai Auto Present in April. In a while, the mannequin can even turn out to be obtainable in Europe.