Zeekr 7X vs Audi A7

What's the difference?

The first thing that comes to mind in summing up the Zeekr 7X Performance is value. So much standard equipment for the money, stunning acceleration, top-shelf safety and a solid ownership package. It’s also practical, comfortable and the design inside and out is sleek. This electric SUV has thrown down a hefty gauntlet in challenging its existing opposition and there’s no doubt if you’re in this part of the market you should take a close look.

The Audi A7 is a really likeable car, one that is heavily focused on style but also emanates substance. The 55 TFSI model will appeal to many, but my initial impression is that the best buy in the range could well be the entry-level 45 TFSI. I can't wait to sample it sometime in 2019.

The 7X was developed at the Zeekr Design and Technology centre in Gothenburg, Sweden and arguably its most distinctive design element is the full-width band across the nose with standard LED headlights and DRL strip below. 

They’d be matrix units if we were in China and the black band would house Zeekr’s ‘Stargate’ panel capable of displaying words and digital animations. But ANCAP crash-test requirements put the kybosh on that for Australia and it’s been replaced by the black cover. But there’s still room to play with animations on the lights that remain, including musical accompaniment through internal and external speakers. 

Other than that, the car’s overall shape and proportions have a touch of Porsche Macan about them with a bulging mid-section and racy 21-inch rims filling the wheel arches.

There’s a slim, tail-light bar across the rear, a concealed wiper and an integrated spoiler on the top of the tailgate contributing to a smooth, clean look. No surprise, drag co-efficient is a slippery 0.25.

Inside, the fuss-free theme continues with a multi-layered dash design dominated by the 16-inch central media screen, compact digital instrument display and split-level centre console. And we’ll get to interacting with it all shortly.

Admirable restraint has been exercised in the simple surfacing and choice of trim materials with enough decoration to add visual interest.

If you can't find something interesting about the design of the Audi A7, there's a good chance you're visually impaired.

The original A7 Sportback was perhaps ahead of its time in the way it blended the lines of a coupe with the practicality of a big sedan, and the new second-generation version pushes the envelope even further into the future. The vision, according to chief designer Andreas Koglin, was "a clear form with sharp lines and tight shapes", including the distinguishable 'boat tail' at the rear.

This is a technologically advanced looking car - big, long, sleek and stylish. From the LED headlights (or matrix LED and laser lights - yes, frikkin' lasers that have the same 5500 Kelvin as the sun, according to Audi) and daytime running lights, to the long, lean LED tail-light assembly, there's an illuminated, enlightened air to the A7.

Plus, with the matrix lights, both ends of the car do a sort of disco sequence as part of the start up and shut down procedure for the car.

There are a few carefully balanced lines across the body of the A7 that help catch the light, which is something you can't really say about its closest direct rival, the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It still retains the 'big-metal-small-glasshouse' look of the existing model, but there are definitely more angles and interesting elements to this new-generation car.

There are two exterior types offered for Australia - the S line that you see here is the version that'll be fitted to the two higher grade models, while the entry-grade model gets a less aggressive look to its front and rear bumpers. To my eyes, the base car actually looks more luxurious, where the S line models - when not fitted with the optional black exterior styling pack that deletes the chrome trims outside - have a slightly uneasy look in the grille area. With a black edge to the single frame grille, it looks a touch more convincing.

The A7 is still large, at 4969mm long (-5mm) and riding on a longer 2926mm wheelbase (+12mm), spans 1908mm wide (2118mm including mirrors), but it's also a little bit taller, at 1422mm (+2mm). According to Audi, the interior space has been increased by 21mm in this generation, making for a more luxurious cabin than before.

Things are a little edgier in terms of design in the cockpit, too. Gone is the appealing wraparound dashboard design, with a more driver-focused treatment evident. It looks sharper, more shapely, and has improvements to the usability inside, too.

So, before even getting in the car it’s worth talking about this Performance grade’s auto-opening doors.

The physical door handles are still present but inoperative (except in an emergency), so it’s a press of a button on the B-pillar, or a swipe card if you prefer, and open sesame. 

There’s ‘pinch protection’ for the windows on all side doors and impact avoidance which means it will stop short of denting your neighbour at the car park.

After a week of press-button experience I could easily live without this functionality but my significant other loved it. So, personal preference reigns supreme.

At close to 4.8 metres long, a touch over 1.9m wide and around 1.7m tall (with a 2900mm wheelbase) the 7X is a ‘large’ medium SUV and the interior reflects its generous external dimensions. 

There’s plenty of breathing space and a bright open feel thanks in part to the standard panoramic glass roof with power-sliding shade.

In the front, in terms of practicality, there’s a large, deep bin between the seats with a lid that opens from the left and right, another section with two swing-out cupholders and a roll-top lid, plus a big area in the lower console plus generous door bins. And there are handy flip-top boxes in the door armrests.

Worth noting on our test example, opening and closing the sliding cover over the cupholder section generated a groaning noise like oversize nails scraping down a blackboard, which didn’t exactly fit the premium vibe.

The glove box is opened with a button on the dash, which feels overly complicated. But then, in terms of power and connectivity there are twin 50W device charging bays and two USB-C sockets in the lower console.

In a big win for parents loading small kids into car seats, the rear doors open to 90 degrees. Then for storage, you’ve got map pockets on the front seat backs, decent door bins, two cup or bottle holders and a lidded box in the pull-down centre armrest, a small oddments tray at the back of the centre console and a pair of drawers under the seat.

And in the back, in terms of space, sitting behind the driver’s seat set for my 183cm position, I’ve got ample headroom, legroom and more than enough foot room. 

There are power window shades, individual ventilation outlets in the B-pillars to manage the climate control for the rear section as well as one USB-A and a USB-C socket in the armrest box.

And then, there’s the Occupant Monitoring System, a camera view of the rear seat which instantly does away with the awkward 180-degree parental head turn from the front seats. A small camera in the B-pillar is activated by a dash-mounted button for a wide-angle, picture-in-picture video image on the main media screen. 

And don’t worry, if you’re in the back and don’t appreciate the attention, a simple sliding cover over the lens can block the shot. 

With the 60/40 split-folding rear seat upright the 7X boasts 539 litres (VDA) of boot space, which is pretty handy, and that number expands to a hefty 1978L with the back seat down. 

There’s a load-through hatch, tie-down anchors, multiple bag hooks, specific lighting, a 12-volt socket and two storage compartments under the floor. The height of the power tailgate is adjustable but there’s no hands-free function.

Braked trailer towing capacity is 2.0 tonnes (750kg unbraked) and it’s worth noting vehicle-to-load functionality (using a specific discharge cable in the main charge port) is onboard.

But there’s no spare tyre of any description, with a repair/inflator kit your only option, which in this market isn’t good enough.

According to Audi, the A7's interior is said to offer a "futuristic lounge type ambience". And if your vision of a lounge in the future includes beautiful textile finishes, quality trims, and your choice of three crisp screens to look at and interact with, it certainly lives up to that.

Unlike the existing model, which seemed to draw a bit more inspiration from the world of watercraft, the new model isn't as luxe looking, with a more tech-focused approach inside. The wraparound finish on the dash is gone, and everything is more driver-centric in its orientation - the screens are tilted just enough towards the pilot and the design of the dashboard helps anchor the person in the driver's seat as the most important in the car.

As a driver, I still struggle to come to terms with climate controls that require you to use a screen, and I think it's distracting, too. At least with the Audi screen there's the possibility to slide up or down on the temperature display to make quick changes, rather than having to tap the screen repeatedly.

The haptic feedback on the screens is something that does take a bit of getting used to, because the response time isn't as instant as some regular touchscreen systems, but the menus are all pretty logically laid out.

And of course, all the storage considerations are dealt with, including good cupholders between the seats, decent door pockets, some loose item caddies and so on. In the back there's a flip-down armrest with cupholders, bottle holders in the doors and map pockets on the seat backs. One really neat addition is illuminated seat belt buckles - clever!

Space back there is mostly good, but it's better if you're short. There's enough legroom and shoulder-room for three adults, but anyone taller than me (I'm 182cm) will likely lack some headroom due to the curvaceous roofline.

The boot is good at 535 litres - enough to deal with two golf bags, the brand claims. The shape of the boot means tall items mightn't fit, but the length and width is good, and you get tie-downs with a mesh net to keep things in order. And there's a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor.

There are three models in the range, and considering the most natural competitors to the Audi A7 - the Mercedes-Benz CLS (from $136,900) and the BMW 6 series GT (from $123,500) - there's an argument that this car is something of a bargain. Ahem. 'Bargain' is relative, clearly.

The entry-level model is the 45 TFSI, which lists at $113,900 plus on-road costs. That's pretty close to the existing starting point for the A7, but now there's a bit more gear included as standard. It doesn't arrive until around the middle of 2019, though.

This model is comprehensively kitted out, with standard inclusions consisting of 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, Audi's 'progressive steering' system, LED headlights with high-beam assist, an electronic tailgate with smart opening, keyless entry and push-button start, 'Valcona' leather trim and sports front seats, electric front seat adjustment and front seat heating and three-zone climate control air conditioning.

Other goodies include an LED interior ambient lighting package, head-up display, Audi's 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital driver information display, a 10.1-inch media screen and 8.6-inch control touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring, and wireless smartphone charging.

Next up the model range is the 55 TFSI, which has a list price of $131,900 before on-road costs - which is the exact same price, and carries the exact same level of standard specification, as the diesel-powered 50 TDI model (also due mid-2019). This splits the difference between the existing models, but still undercuts the rivals by a good margin.

Over the entry-grade model, the 50 TDI and 55 TFSI models bring matrix LED headlights (with light animation), a different 20-inch wheel design, the S line exterior styling pack - essentially a body kit with new front and rear bumpers incorporating mesh-look diffusers and new side sills, plus S line badging.

These two models also get different interior styling, too, with S line embossed leather seats, illuminated door sill trims, a flat-bottom leather wheel with paddle shifters, dark brushed aluminium inlays, stainless steel faced pedals, black headlining, piped floor mats, electric steering column adjustment and a Bang & Olufsen 3D 705-watt sound system with 16 speakers and subwoofer.

There's a lot of safety kit included at each price point, too - see the section below for a breakdown.

Audi has tried to simplify things in terms of optional gear - apparently its customers said there was too much complexity when it came to electing bits and bobs, so the company's local arm has just one optional package... and a few other items it says are very much "buyer specific".

The 'Premium Plus' package costs $6500 for the 45 TFSI and $8000 for the other two models (and you get air suspension included in those grades). Across all grades the pack adds 21-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear glass, a panoramic glass roof, an extended upholstery package, four-zone climate control with rear touch control panel, plus a colour interior lighting package with up to 30 colours.

Other options include metallic paint (up to $2200), a four-wheel steering system ($4200) and laser headlights ($2500).

The Zeekr 7X Performance is powered by dual electric motors, asynchronous magnet on the front axle and permanent magnet at the rear. Combined power is 475kW with peak torque at a grunty 710Nm.

That amount of muscle is up there at the top of the category with the likes of the MG IM6 Performance (572kW/802Nm), Tesla Model Y Performance (461kW/741Nm) and even the track-ready Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (448kW/740Nm).

All three drivetrains offered in the A7 have some form of mild hybridisation. The entry-level 45 TFSI engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo producing 180kW of power (at 5000-6000rpm) and 370Nm of torque (1600-4500rpm). It has a 0-100km/h claim of 6.8 seconds, and employs a seven-speed dual-clutch auto with quattro all-wheel drive. It employs a 12-volt mild-hybrid system to assist with stop-start traffic and uses brake regeneration, too.

The high-spec petrol is the 55 TFSI, a 3.0-litre V6 producing 250kW (at 5000-6400rpm) and 500Nm (1370-4500rpm). The 0-100 claim is 5.3sec, and it also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. It has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that uses a larger capacity battery and a belt-driven starter generator that recuperates energy in stop start traffic and, according to Audi, can also allow the car to coast for up to 40 seconds at speeds of 55-160km/h.

The same 48-volt tech is used for the only diesel model in the range, the 50 TDI. This powertrain uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 210kW (3500-4000rpm) and 620Nm (2250-3000rpm), and unlike the petrols, it has an eight-speed automatic (not a dual-clutch). The claim for acceleration is 5.7sec from 0-100km/h.

The 7X boasts an 800V electrical architecture which means it has 420kW charging capability and even though the max public charging output currently available here is 350kW, at that level you can expect the 100kW NMC battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 13 minutes. AC charging is a handy 22kW for 10-100 per cent charging in four hours.

Claimed (WLTP) range is 543km and on test we saw average energy use of 18.8kWh/100km, which is in the middle of Zeekr’s claim of 17.7-19.9kWh/100km for the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle and more than acceptable for an EV of this size and weight.

The mild hybrid tech in each of the A7 models help it offer miserly fuel consumption.

The 45 TFSI model claims 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres; the 55 TFSI model just a touch more, at 7.3L/100km. And as you might expect, the 50 TDI diesel model is the most efficient, using a claimed 6.0L/100km.

We only drove the 55 TFSI on test, and the dashboard indicated display of 9.1L/100km seemed pretty respectable.

So, even at around 2.5 tonnes, with all that power and torque under your right foot, the 7X Performance can rocket from 0-100km/h in a supercar-like 3.8 seconds. It is properly quick.

Suspension is by double wishbones at the front and a five-link set-up at the rear and the hefty body is well-controlled in the main, although you can feel modest lateral movement on quick changes of direction. 

The ‘Continuous Control’ air suspension has three settings - Comfort / Standard / Sport - with a distinct difference between them.

In Comfort, small bumps and ruts still make their presence felt, but overall ride compliance is impressive. Hot tip is to avoid the Sport mode unless you’re determined to press on through your favourite set of corners, or (implausibly) line up for a track day.

The 7X rides on Zeekr’s ‘SEA’ (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform which features an integrated alloy diecast rear section which seemingly makes a ‘solid’ contribution to overall refinement and noise reduction.

Speaking of which, wind noise is close to imperceptible even at freeway speeds, helped in no small part by the car’s slippery drag coefficient.

The accurate speed-sensitive steering delivers good road feel, which isn’t always the case with larger EVs, and the big 21-inch (265/40) Continental EcoContact 7 tyres are pleasingly quiet while gripping with reassuring determination.

Braking is by ventilated discs all around with chunky four-piston calipers up front. There are two levels of regenerative braking and a ‘single-pedal’ setting, although the latter is best treated as a third regen level because it seems reluctant to bring the car to a full stop quickly enough, even in slow-moving traffic.

Important to mention crash-avoidance safety aids like lane-keeping assist and driver fatigue monitoring don’t intrude unduly. There are subtle occasional vibrations through the steering wheel and only when necessary. 

You’ve also got a 360-degree overhead view and a good quality reversing camera, both of which are super-handy when manoeuvring. Or if you want some real assistance ‘Automatic Park Assist’ will help you slot the car into the space you’re aiming for, as well.

Ergonomically speaking, while there’s a physical control for audio volume something like exterior mirror adjustment for example is via the combination of a screen slider and a steering wheel control which is fussy. That said, progression through screens and functions for media and car settings is logical and quick thanks in part to a grunty Qualcomm Snapdragon chip platform.

Under the heading of miscellaneous observations, an 11.6m turning circle is useful for a car of this size, the mega audio system cranks (with the driver’s headrest speaker a highlight) and the adaptive cruise works well, picking up acceleration rapidly when pulling out to overtake a slower-moving car in front.

A lot of the time when we go on new car launches the test drive route is planned to highlight handling dynamism, with less focus on the day-to-day drudgery most of us will actually encounter.

The launch of the Audi A7 was primarily of that design, too, but (thankfully?) there was some disgusting traffic to deal with on our in and out of Brisbane, where it was clear the A7 is superbly comfortable.

Well, that is, if you get the air suspension system. The ride was impressively cushioned, untroubled by sharp edges and road joins, and the suspension eliminated pothole effects, too. All the cars I drove on the launch were the 55 TFSI model, and all had the air suspension - the cynic in me thinks there's probably a reason for that, and I'd love to sample one without it.

This stint of stop-start driving saw the engine cut out at speeds up to 22km/h when you're decelerating, allowing us to coast to a stop without the engine burning fuel.

Once we exited the city limits and found ourselves on the roads of Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious, the chance presented itself to push the A7 in some bendy bits. With the dynamic drive mode selected, the transmission in sport mode, and about a hundred corners to contend with, the big German luxury hatch showed its skills.

The air suspension kept the circa-1815kg model relatively flat in the bends, but the front seats lacked adequate side bolster support despite being called 'sports' seats. Obviously physics were at play here.

The steering was more eager in the four-wheel steer version we sampled, and that's definitely an option for the enthusiastic owner to consider. Otherwise, the steering was accurate, if devoid of meaningful feel.

And while the engine was strong in its response and the transmission clever in its shift speed and intelligence, it became clear that this was a car that seemed more adept at open road cruising than bruising a series of hairpins. It didn't disappoint in terms of dynamics - it just felt its size.

Eventually when we reached an open road, the effortlessness of the A7 came to the fore. Comfort mode engaged, it paced along beautifully, the adaptive cruise taking its surroundings in nicely. There is a touch of wind noise and the suspension can be loud when you encounter pockmarked sections, but it doesn't feel flustered at speed.

One of the nice elements of the A7's smarts is that it will pulse the accelerator pedal to warn you that you could be saving fuel - say you're approaching an 80km/h zone, and you're driving at 100km/h, the throttle will throb to let you know you could ease off. Neat.

At the end of our day of driving, I was left with the impression that the Audi A7 is more than capable as a luxury saloon, one that was relaxing to drive - even when we encountered a five km traffic jam on the way back into Brisbane. It feels well engineered, without excessive gimmickry and with enough genuine quality to leave you feeling pampered.

The Audi A7 doesn't have a five-star safety rating from either ANCAP or Euro NCAP. It's hard to see it not getting that rating, if it were to be tested, because every trim grade has an array of high-tech safety equipment.

The A7 is fitted with a surround-view camera system (360 degree camera) and there are front, side and rear parking sensors, as well as Audi's version of auto emergency braking (AEB) which it calls 'pre sense' - and it operates up to 250km/h.

There's also a reverse AEB system, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert (front and rear), and there's adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist (allowing semi-autonomous driving up to 60km/h), a system that'll stop the car if it doesn't think you can make a gap in the traffic (Intersection Assist) and a system that prevents you from opening your door into the path of cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic.

There are dual ISOFIX child seat restraints in the back, as well as three top-tether attachments. The A7 has dual front airbags, side airbags front and rear, and curtain airbags (Audi claims a total of 10, but by most other makers' counts, that'd be eight).

The 7X Performance is covered by Zeekr’s five-year/unlimited km warranty, with eight-year/160,000km cover for the drive battery, neither of which are exceptional for the category. But there’s also five-year corrosion and paintwork warranty cover, with roadside assist included for the same period.

Recommended maintenance interval is two years/40,000km with optional health checks in between. Stick to the basic schedule and you’re looking at $1755 over the first five years.

Go for the complimentary first year service plus two other optional health checks and the figure is $2385, or an average of $477 per workshop visit over the same five years. Far from over the top for an EV in this part of the market.

The Zeekr dealer footprint currently takes in multiple sites in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney with additional locations in Canberra and Perth as well as The Sunshine Coast and Geelong, for a total of 14.

Some are currently ‘pop-ups’ with the intention to transition them to permanent status, with all dealers able to facilitate servicing (on site or at a separate location).

As with all Audi models, there's a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty offered. Mainstream brands seem to be pushing to five years' warranty, while the premium makers lag behind.

The company also offers a three-year pre-purchase capped price service plan called the 'Audi Genuine Care Service Plan', which you can bundle into your finance package. Exact pricing isn't known yet, but you can expect it to average out at about $650 for every 12 month/15,000km service (based on the previous generation model).