Luxury Electric SUV Zeekr EX1E Revealed Through Design Patent, Copy Cullinan?

EX1E Zeekr design approximate sketches. (Doc. CarNewsChina)

JAKARTA - Zeekr's newest luxury electric SUV, the premium electric car brand under Geely has just revealed part of its design through a patent image registered at the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

Launching CarNewsChina, July 1, the patent image features the back of the car, which is strongly suspected to be the Zeekr flagship SUV. The Zeekr EX1E, as alleged by a number of Chinese automotive observers.

However, the patent image looks quite similar to Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Previously, there was no official information regarding the Zeekr EX1E. However, based on the code name and leak of the Zeekr product plan disclosed by Deutsche Bank, it is possible that EX1E is their full-size flagship SUV.

The back design revealed in the patent shows EX1E has a flat roof line with a large sunset, a sloping D pillar, and the use of trim plastic on the wheel arch. In addition, there are also roof spoilers, charging ports on the left side, and back lights in the form of a trapium that is very similar to Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Uniquely, the EX1E tailgate (lattice gate) also adopts a split tailgate design like Cullinan, with the bottom foldable down and the top open upward. According to the patent document, these two tailgate parts are operated electrically.

Interestingly, this Zeekr EX1E design seems to deviate from the typical Zeekr design language they refer to as "Hidden Energy". It is suspected that Zeekr deliberately provides a unique appearance to highlight the luxurious impression and flagship status on EX1E.

The EX1E Zeekr electric SUV will most likely use the same SEA platform as other Zeekr models. its presence in the Chinese auto market next year is expected to be a strong competitor to the old players in the luxury SUV segment.