The Zeekr 001 redefines driving comfort with its adaptive air suspension,
delivering a smooth, cloud-like experience on various terrains—a feature that even outshines some high-end traditional luxury vehicles.
With its advanced tech features, long range, and cost savings, the Zeekr 001 shows how electric vehicles can offer both luxury and practicality, potentially shifting consumer preferences in the high-end car market toward EVs.
By showcasing how a Chinese-made EV can rival European luxury brands in performance and quality, the Zeekr 001 could drive increased competition and innovation, impacting the global market’s view of Chinese automotive engineering.
Meet Rafa Rodrigo: a mid-30s entrepreneur with a flair for balancing life’s demands. Managing multiple businesses in the fast-paced world of restaurants, tech, and beyond, Rafa’s energy and drive are impossible to miss.
So, what happens when a driven guy like Rafa, who’s used to navigating life on the fast lane, gets behind the wheel of the Zeekr 001? Let’s just say it’s a match made in electric heaven. Rafa may be a petrolhead at heart, but his first dive into the world of electric vehicles has left quite the impression.
Sound That Stands Out
When Rafa steps into his Zeekr 001, the first thing that captivates him is the mind-blowing Yamaha sound system. This isn’t just any audio setup—it’s the kind of premium sound that makes your Spotify playlists come alive.
The crispness and depth are on a level that most luxury cars can only dream of. For Rafa, it’s a game-changer. Whether he’s cruising through the city or heading out for a weekend getaway, every drive is like being front row at a concert.Performance & Power Delivery
You’d think an EV wouldn’t quite cut it for someone who loves feeling the roar of a traditional engine.
Yet Rafa finds a lot to love about the Zeekr 001. “In terms of excitement, yes it’s a lot of fun,” he says, but he’s quick to point out that you don’t get the same road feedback as you would in a gas-powered beast. And that’s true across the board for most EVs.
The reason? Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, electric cars have fewer moving parts, and the weight distribution and regenerative braking systems contribute to a more isolated drive.
Some might call that a downside, but Rafa’s enjoying the instant power delivery. With 536 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, the car rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Like most EVs, you get that immediate punch of acceleration the moment you press the pedal.
I feel like it’s more comfy than it is to drive but power delivery, of course it’s an electric car, so you get an instant hit of power. Overall, if you want excitement in terms of a straight line then yeah it’s fun, but ‘feeling’ you don’t get much road feedback.
Rafa Rodrigo
If there’s one thing Rafa is obsessed with, though, it’s the air ride suspension. To put it bluntly, the Zeekr 001’s suspension system blows his other luxury cars out of the water—including his Maserati and even his old S-Class Mercedes.
The adaptive air suspension ensures a buttery smooth ride no matter the road conditions. Whether you’re navigating potholes or gliding down EDSA, this EV rides like it’s on clouds.
Cost Efficiency and Range: The EV Advantage
When we asked him to compare his favorite ride, the Toyota LC200, to his new Zeekr, he didn’t hold back. “It’s apples and oranges,” he says, but the economic edge is undeniable. Rafa’s saving an eye-popping ₱18,000 a month just by switching to electric—no small change, especially for someone who’s always on the go.
And let’s not forget, with public charging stations popping up all over Metro Manila, Rafa’s been getting his charge for free! So far, he’s hit up charging spots at SM Aura, Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Galleria, Power Plant Mall, and Estancia. Not too shabby for two months of cost-free rides.
The Zeekr 001 also boasts an impressive 400+ kilometer range on a full charge, which is more than enough for Rafa’s frequent long drives outside the city. And he’s not feeling any of that dreaded “range anxiety” that some people get with EVs, thanks to the reliable battery life and accessible charging options.
The Future of Luxury EVs
In terms of comfort, tech, and cost, it’s a real contender in the luxury category—and a sign that EVs are here to stay. And while Rafa admits EV infrastructure in the Philippines isn’t perfect, the Zeekr 001 is changing the game for him.
From its sleek design to its practical advantages, it’s a sleeper hit in the luxury category, proving that Chinese-made cars can more than hold their own against traditional European titans. And when you stack up the savings, comfort, and cutting-edge tech, it’s hard not to see the appeal.
So, the question is:
Could the Zeekr 001 redefine luxury for you?