Starting at RMB 365,000, Zeekr (极氪) 001 5th Anniversary Edition Now on Sale

What it is

Zeekr (极氪) has launched a 5th Anniversary Edition of its 001 fastback, priced from RMB 365,000 (36.5 万元). The special edition is built on the standard 001 platform but fitted with an FR‑LINE performance kit that grafts race‑oriented hardware and cosmetic touches onto an otherwise production luxury EV. Think carbon fiber wings, a red‑base anniversary badge, and a black‑roof/Glacier Silver paint option — small details meant to signal a sportier, limited run.

Interior and features

Inside, it has been reported that the car gains a host of performance and comfort upgrades: black‑and‑red “Obsidian Red” trim, Dinamica suede performance seats with FR‑LINE embroidery, a performance steering wheel with dual race‑style controls, and active lateral support for the driver’s seat. The Anniversary Edition reportedly ships with 22‑inch forged wheels, bespoke Pirelli P ZERO tires, Brembo six‑piston red calipers, KW adjustable coilovers and FR‑LINE metal pedals. Cabin tech includes a “Starry Concert Hall” audio package with a claimed peak output of 4,680 W, 3D deep‑massage front and rear seats, an 8‑inch 2K rear entertainment controller, automatic sensing doors and 31 perception sensors for assisted driving.

Performance and charging

On the performance side, it has been reported that Zeekr’s 5th Anniversary 001 uses a 900V electrical architecture (peak 924V) and a 103 kWh “Qilin” battery, supporting a 6C peak charging rate. Zeekr claims a 0–100 km/h time of 2.91 seconds, peak system output up to 925 hp and a top speed of 280 km/h, with a CLTC range up to 680 km and a 10%–80% charge in about 10 minutes. The car also reportedly features a high‑performance AWD system with motors rated to 680 kW peak and twin silicon‑carbide power modules, plus track‑oriented software functions — “Zeekr Track” with Race Mode, Free Drift, intelligent assisted drift and an AI coach.

Why it matters

Is this a halo model or a sign of escalating performance arms‑race among Chinese EV brands? Both. The Anniversary Edition underscores how China’s EV makers are pushing high‑voltage architectures and domestic partnerships for advanced power electronics to chase performance benchmarks usually associated with Western sports EVs. That push comes against a shifting geopolitical backdrop: export controls on advanced semiconductors and power‑electronics components in the West could complicate supply chains for high‑power modules even as domestic suppliers scale capacity. Either way, Zeekr’s new edition is a clear statement that premium Chinese EVs aim to compete on both luxury and track capability.