The fully upgraded Zeekr 007 is really impressive, but I just can't quite get excited about it.

(Source: Bad Review X.PIN)

After avoiding a year of sharpening three swords, avoiding the big explosion of the SUV family, the episode that the Zeekr 007 owners least wanted to see has finally arrived.

Just a few days ago, the new version, which is essentially a facelift of the Zeekr 007 family (including the sedan and GT shooting brake), began pre-sale. Brother Neck also took advantage of his position to let everyone test the depth of the two models early.

If I had to sum up this facelift in one sentence, no, not even one sentence, if I had to use two sentences, it would be that the 007GT’s changes are relatively minor, while the 007 sedan’s modifications are revolutionary.

Interestingly, some old 007 sedan owners, after experiencing my test drive, actually started to feel lucky for having bought early.

As for why, let’s first see what upgrades Zeekr has made to the 007 sedan this time.

First is the exterior. Although it looks similar to the old model, the 007 sedan has actually undergone many detailed changes this time.

For example, the front bumper’s design remains consistent with the GT, but with the addition of air intakes on both sides, the front face is now much more three-dimensional.

The side mirrors and taillights now feature the familiar smart blue lights seen on competitors’ models, which look quite premium when lit. Of course, you may also notice that beneath the new small ducktail, the iconic water ripple reflective taillights of the old 007 are gone, replaced by a simple surface.

New (top) and old (bottom) taillights

For existing owners, this might be considered a reverse upgrade.

As for the interior, this is probably the part that old owners least want to face. Although it, like the exterior, is unified with the 007GT, the more complex structural layers, more solid materials and craftsmanship, and more subdued design details all make the previously somewhat gaudy 007 interior feel more upscale.

Especially the new steering wheel style, which is several levels better than the plastic-heavy design of the old model.

Beyond the overall changes, another major upgrade in the 007 interior is undoubtedly this thing.

It can turn its head, make expressions—believe me, I don’t need to say who the inspiration for the physical EVA robot is.

But unlike NIO’s NOMI, the EVA robot is an interior accessory connected via a wired connection. This means that after it hits the online store, owners of the old 007 and GT can also buy and hang it on their screens.

I just don’t know how many Zeekr owners will be willing to pay for this small accessory that somewhat clashes with the interior.

If you’re still not satisfied with the above interior and exterior changes, Zeekr has also, for the first time, offered a performance package called FR-Line for the 007 model.

Similar to BMW’s M Sport Package, for an as-yet-unknown but definitely not cheap price, you can get 20-inch gold wheels, larger brake calipers, sportier seats and steering wheel, and suede materials covering the entire interior.

However, even with 20-inch wheels, the width of the tires on the 007 remains 245mm front and rear. Given the significantly increased power, this is somewhat insufficient.

Yes, the biggest change in the new Zeekr 007, both inside and out, is the upgrade of the chassis system and the three-electric system.

On the chassis, the CCD electromagnetic damping adjustable shock absorbers are now standard on all models, and a sealed air suspension, which was absent in the old models, has been introduced.

In terms of power, the previous four-wheel-drive configuration with 165kW on the front axle and 310kW on the rear has been replaced with an even more exaggerated setup: 215kW on the front and 370kW on the rear.

A total peak of 796 horsepower, supported by a higher 900V platform (actually 924V).

When such terrifying power data is applied to 245-wide tires, the advantage is that at almost any legal speed on all known public roads, you can get instant explosive power and continuous acceleration.

But the downside is that, without any aggressive settings (like turning off traction control or enabling drift mode), the new 007 can easily spin the rear wheels on mountain roads.

Do not imitate on closed roads.

But that’s not my biggest criticism of the new 007. As long as you control your right foot, assisted by electronic controls, such god-like maneuvers are probably beyond most people.

What I, including old owners, find regrettable is actually the chassis feel of the new 007.

If you’ve ever driven the old 007, you wouldn’t deny that it’s a pure driver’s car.

Precise, heavy steering with a German car feel, combined with CCD + spiral springs, can deliver extremely clear road feedback and a stiff rear end under almost all settings.

It’s a car that makes you genuinely feel, “Ah, electric cars really do have inherent handling advantages.”

But after adding air suspension, the driving feel of the new 007 has become completely different. All vibrations are filtered out before reaching the interior.

Fine vibrations no longer occur, and impacts from the road no longer reach the tailbone directly.

The 007, in a way similar to the 001, has made a huge leap forward in comfort.

The extent is so significant that even the biggest weakness of mid-sized pure electric sedans—the rear passenger experience—has become a strength in the new 007.

The extent is so great that even when I drive it on winding mountain roads, I feel sleepy after a while.

Yes, the new 007 is just too comfortable. This change will surely lead many previously hesitant family users to place orders, and it will help this Zeekr model, currently the only sedan in the lineup, step out of the niche and try to compete on a bigger stage, even challenging Xiaomi’s SU7.

But this change also means one less truly driver-focused electric car on the market.

I understand that Zeekr’s decision is market-driven; after the 007GT Shooting Brake launched, the 007 series has been dominated by it.

People prefer more comfortable and practical models, and Zeekr’s move to produce more practical and comfortable new cars isn’t wrong.

But when a new “water bucket” car like the 007 appears in this market full of similar models, I don’t have much sentiment because it’s just doing what everyone else is doing.

However, the old 007 is a car I can’t tell people, “Just spend more to get XXX,” because at the price range we can access, it’s almost unmatched (the closest might be Tesla’s Model 3 Performance).

The old 007 four-wheel-drive performance version “Kung Fu Yellow.”

This story of a niche brother turning into a middle-aged uncle out of necessity is what really moves me.

If the market response remains good, Zeekr, can you give the 007 an FR version like the 001?

Written by: Deadly Empty Gun

Edited by: Neck Twisted to the Right