Zeekr X Premium RWD vs smart #1 Premium: Is the RM50k price gap worth paying?

Here is a question for you: With a budget between RM160k and RM210k, looking for an unconventional pure EV SUV, which way would you go?

Park the Zeekr X and smart #1 side by side, and it feels like meeting two entirely different personalities.

One is a high-tech upstart from China, brimming with spec-sheet wizardry and priced at RM158,800. The other is an urban boutique model carrying the halo of Mercedes-Benz design and an established brand pedigree, commanding RM209,000.

That RM50,000 price gap is enough to buy a brand-new Myvi with spare cash to boot. We cut through the fluff and break down both contenders to see where your money actually goes.

Spec comparison

Note: Bold indicates superior figures.

Performance

The Zeekr X Premium RWD features a rear-mounted single electric motor delivering 250 kW (340 PS) and 373 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.

The smart #1 Premium also uses a rear-wheel-drive single motor setup with 200 kW (268 hp) and 343 Nm, clocking the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

To put that into perspective: the Zeekr X delivers an extra 72 PS, 30 Nm more torque, and is a substantial 1.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h. In the ICE realm, 1.4 seconds might just be the gap of a gear change, but in the EV world, it separates two distinct performance brackets. Pin the throttle on the Zeekr X, and you will instantly feel the punch of 340 PS in a 4.4-metre crossover.

The smart #1’s 6.7-second sprint is certainly no slouch, but its power delivery is far more progressive and composed—not the sort of car that darts forward aggressively at the slightest prod.

Top speed-wise, the Zeekr X tops out at 190 km/h compared to the smart #1's 180 km/h. On Malaysian highways, this difference is practically negligible, but on paper, the Zeekr X remains the faster machine.

Battery & range

The Zeekr X is fitted with a 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a WLTP-rated range of 445 km. The smart #1 packs a larger 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, rated at 440 km WLTP.

Despite having a battery that is 5 kWh smaller, the Zeekr X returns 5 km more range. What does this mean?

It demonstrates superior energy efficiency on the Zeekr X, travelling further on less juice. The choice between LFP and NMC chemistries also showcases two different engineering philosophies: LFP is more robust with longer cycle life, whereas NMC offers higher energy density and better cold-weather efficiency.

In Malaysia’s year-round tropical climate, however, cold-weather degradation is virtually irrelevant. Thus, the Zeekr X takes this round by achieving higher range with a smaller battery, though the real-world difference is marginal.

Charging

Both cars max out at 150 kW for DC fast charging, taking roughly 30 minutes to replenish from 10% to 80%. This round ends in a dead heat.

On the AC charging front, however, the tables turn completely. The Zeekr X comes with an 11 kW on-board charger (OBC), taking approximately 7.5 hours from 0 to 100%—standard fare for overnight home charging.

The smart #1, by contrast, gives you a massive 22 kW. Plugged into a 22 kW AC wallbox, a full 0-100% charge takes just about 3.5 hours. To put that in context: plug in after work, have dinner and take a shower, and the car is already more than half full.

If you have access to a 22 kW AC wallbox at home or in the office, the smart #1 delivers a vastly superior daily charging routine. But if you rely primarily on public DC fast chargers, there is virtually no difference between the two.

Dimensions and cabin space

Both cars share an identical 2,750 mm wheelbase. However, the Zeekr X is longer, wider, and lower-slung—measuring 4,432 mm long and 1,566 mm high, it looks like a jacked-up hot hatch.

The smart #1 is shorter and taller at 4,270 mm long and 1,636 mm high, sporting quintessential urban SUV proportions.

In terms of luggage room, the smart #1's 411-litre boot is 7 litres larger than the Zeekr X's 404 litres—a difference negligible in daily life. Rear passenger room in both crossovers handles daily family runs with ease, though neither offers stretch-your-legs executive space. This round simply comes down to whether you prefer a sporty, low-slung stance or an upright, commanding SUV driving position.

Equipment

Unrolling the Zeekr X’s spec sheet reads like an enthusiast's ultimate wish list: 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, 24.3-inch AR head-up display, 13-speaker Yamaha audio system, 5.7-litre heating and cooling refrigerator, automatic power doors, 50W wireless charging, panoramic glass roof, 7 airbags, and a comprehensive ADAS suite.

The smart #1 is equally well-appointed: 12.8-inch central touchscreen, 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 13-speaker Beats audio system, head-up display, 64-colour ambient lighting, front ventilated seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, 7 airbags, and a full ADAS suite.

The Zeekr X offers a larger screen, plus an AR HUD and an on-board fridge that the smart #1 cannot match. On the flip side, the smart #1’s Beats audio brings branded acoustic tuning, while front ventilated seats are a genuine blessing in Malaysia’s sweltering heat. Both contenders offer Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, with no noticeable compromises in active and passive safety.

Positioning and aftersales

Zeekr is Geely’s premium EV marque and a newcomer to Malaysia, with its sales and service network currently expanding.

smart is distributed locally by Proton’s Pro-Net subsidiary, with dealerships established across major cities and a considerably more mature aftersales network. Combined with the brand halo of Mercedes-Benz design DNA, it enjoys higher local market recognition.

This round cannot be measured purely on numbers, but it significantly shapes your vehicle ownership experience over the next five years.

Opting for the Zeekr X nets you superior performance and newer technology, but requires accepting that the service network is still growing. Choosing the smart #1 offers a more established support ecosystem and stronger brand presence, though you pay an extra RM50,000 for the privilege.

Verdict

If your budget is capped around RM160,000, and you want segment-leading power, cutting-edge tech, and are comfortable supporting a rising brand as its network expands, the Zeekr X Premium RWD is practically unbeatable at this price point.

With 340 PS, a 5.3-second acceleration, AR HUD, and an on-board fridge, the RM158,800 price tag is undeniably aggressive value.

If you can stretch your budget past RM200,000 and place higher value on brand pedigree and established aftersales assurance, the smart #1 Premium will not disappoint. Its 22 kW AC charging capability is a huge daily convenience, front seat ventilation is indispensable in Malaysia, and the aesthetic pedigree of Mercedes-Benz design delivers tangible, lasting ownership appeal.