CarteaNewsChinese CarsZeekr 001 in Saudi Arabia: Electric Driving, Pure Performance vs Smart Efficiency—Which Version Is Right for You?

Zeekr 001 in Saudi Arabia: Electric Driving, Pure Performance vs Smart Efficiency—Which Version Is Right for You?

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-09-16
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Zeekr 001 is fast becoming a star in Saudi Arabia’s luxury EV segment, offering buyers a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) for classic handling and long range, and all-wheel drive (AWD) for supercar-level power and road-gripping stability. The decision isn’t just about numbers—it’s a choice between crisp daily efficiency and breathtaking dynamic capability.

Driver at a Crossroads—Efficiency or Power?

Imagine a new EV buyer in Riyadh: should they choose the RWD Zeekr 001 for weekday commutes and quiet cross-country journeys, or the AWD—with acceleration and stability rivaling sports cars—for weekend thrills and all-weather confidence? After back-to-back test drives, the differences reveal themselves not only in statistics, but in the real-world experience and cutting-edge safety technology.

Powertrains and Performance

  • RWD (Standard):

    • Single rear motor, 272 hp, 343 Nm torque

    • 0–100 km/h in 7.2 seconds

  • AWD (Premium/Flagship):

    • Dual motors (front + rear), 544 hp, 686 Nm torque

    • 0–100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds

AWD gives drivers double the power, ideal for performance enthusiasts.

Range and Battery Efficiency

  • RWD:

    • Up to 620 km range (WLTP)

    • Consumption: 18.2 kWh/100 km

  • AWD:

    • 580–590 km range

    • Consumption: 18.5 kWh/100 km

RWD wins on longer battery range and cost-effective operation for daily trips.

Weight and Handling

  • RWD: 2,200 kg—lighter, nimble for city use

  • AWD: 2,335 kg—extra stability at speed and on slippery roads

Choose RWD for maneuverability or AWD for high-speed confidence and traction.

Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance

  • Both come with:

    • Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

    • Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)

    • Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

    • Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

    • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

    • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

    • Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

    • Smart parking aids (360° camera for AWD, rear for RWD)

  • AWD flagship adds air suspension with five driving modes for extra comfort and control.

Tech Highlights & Key Differences

  • AWD delivers thrilling performance, leading its price segment in sheer acceleration.

  • RWD offers maximum range—ideal for long-distance travelers or quiet commutes.

  • AWD excels in safety and stability on poor road surfaces, while RWD is tailored for affordable, efficient city driving.

  • Both trims come loaded with smart cockpit features, upscale materials, and next-gen driver aids.

Comparison Table

Version

Power

0–100 km/h

Range (km)

Weight (kg)

Price (SAR)

Highlight

RWD

272 hp

7.2 sec

620

2,200

265,500

Rear camera

AWD Prem.

544 hp

3.8 sec

590

2,335

282,750

360° camera

AWD Flag.

544 hp

3.8 sec

580

2,335

298,850

Air suspension

Zeekr 001 lets buyers tailor the EV experience to their own needs—choose RWD for unmatched range and daily refinement, or AWD for pulse-raising supercar dynamics and premium confidence in any weather. Smart safety, bold design, and luxury tech make every version a showcase of what electric driving can be in Saudi Arabia.

Also Read:

previous: GAC EMKOO 2026 in Saudi Arabia: Fuel vs Hybrid—Which SUV Drives Your Future Best?
Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.