ZEEKR's "Baby Bus" has gained significant attention since its unveiling, with its unique design and spatial concept drawing crowds. No one expected a Chinese automaker to bring a concept car's spatial solution to the market. In the broader context of the 2024 new energy vehicle market, the "Baby Bus" stands out as the most innovative.

Taking advantage of the new car's initial sales period, I visited a nearby ZEEKR offline experience store to personally assess whether this "new species of automobile" can truly meet public curiosity and expectations.

Before the experience, I interviewed staff who mentioned that the ZEEKR MIX has garnered high attention, with some customers deciding to trade in their cars immediately after seeing it. They were particularly impressed by its highly customizable spatial layout and comfort features. The store was unusually busy, with passersby coming in specifically to see the MIX, showing little interest in other products. Several overseas visitors also praised the new car; judging by their language, they appeared to be from Japan.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

Geographically, the local area is highly valuable, with consumers preferring compact K-Cars due to their flexible seating arrangements and minimal space occupation. To some extent, the ZEEKR MIX aligns well with their needs, even adding a sense of luxury and technology, which explains the praise it has received.

It must be said that the MIX's various innovative features are eye-catching. However, innovation is risky. Automakers demonstrating courage by creating unique vehicles and exploring new avenues deserve recognition, but market acceptance is another matter.

Whether the car's innovations have practical significance and whether its product capabilities justify a price tag of 280,000 yuan will be explored in this experience report.

Super "Cute" Design, Not Typical ZEEKR

Three years ago, no one anticipated the success of shooting brakes, yet ZEEKR made it happen, and it remains a pillar of the brand's sales today, even influencing other brands.

The ZEEKR MIX stands out even more than the 001. In the eyes of consumers, it embodies a highly approachable family character. If the 001's extreme is sportiness, then the MIX's extreme is cuteness.

The nickname "Baby Bus" is not undeserved, as many visitors to the store take a close look at the ZEEKR MIX.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

Its shape and size resemble the retro-inspired Volkswagen ID.BUZZ, but the ZEEKR MIX is relatively shorter and lower, giving it a "stout" appearance. The short front and rear overhangs leave ample space for the cabin, with its rounded boxy design serving to maximize spatial utilization.

If you recall the ZEEKR M-Vision concept car, the "Baby Bus" design should be familiar. The MIX could even be a trial run for Robotaxi applications.

Returning to the main topic, the ZEEKR MIX retains the same front-end style as the 007 and 7X, featuring standard 95-inch pixel headlights for various light shows when parked. Alternatively, you can save the 8,000 yuan and opt for electric leg rests instead.

The roof is equipped with a lidar and two built-in NVIDIA Orin-X chips, providing a total computing power of 508 TOPS and supporting high-level urban NOA assisted driving.

A creative aspect is the ZEEKR MIX's B-pillar-less body frame and door-opening mechanism. To maintain the body's integrity, the MIX forgoes the traditional MPV sliding door design, opting instead for a similar approach to airplane doors. The doors open and close via three swing arms (two below and one above) with hydraulic extension mechanisms.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

The door swing arm structure is well-hidden, with minimal exposed components. This design partly avoids the risk of "dooring," but the swing-arm side doors occupy more lateral space, necessitating adequate space reservation. Regarding the absence of a B-pillar, staff explained that ZEEKR reinforces the inside of the two doors, which act as energy absorbers when closed.

The interior exudes quality and technology, typical of ZEEKR standards. Soft leather covers the lower half of the doors, complemented by rich decorative elements without overcomplicating the design. The smart cockpit system remains ZEEKR's current offering, supporting AI large model multimodal voice interaction and special optimizations for the MIX's unique cabin design.

Notably, the ZEEKR MIX's central touchscreen supports manual deflection, with the largest adjustment angle in the ZEEKR lineup. The manual adjustment mechanism is commendable for its reliability and practicality, with a lower probability of damage compared to electronic steering.

After discussing the exterior design, let's turn to the ZEEKR MIX's core selling point – the cabin.

The "Living Room" Cabin is Comfortable but Niche

Whether considering design or definition, the ZEEKR MIX is a space-oriented pure electric vehicle, with space being the essence of the "Baby Bus."

In its default state, the ZEEKR MIX is a spacious five-seater "minivan" with soft, premium-feeling seat upholstery. Both front and rear seats offer ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The rear seats have extended leg rests, a feature common in many SUVs and MPVs, making it unsuitable to describe the MIX solely in terms of comfort.

However, viewing it as a "wheeled living room" unlocks the car's greatest selling point. The spatial flexibility is remarkable, with rear seats that can move forward and backward, recline at unusually large angles, and even adopt a zero-gravity position. The front seats can rotate 180° (the passenger seat can rotate 270°), enabling face-to-face seating. The seats are integrated with seat belts, ensuring safety regardless of orientation.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

The center console can be moved to the rear, transforming the MIX into a luxurious four-seater. ZEEKR's philosophy is to give users maximum spatial flexibility, as mastering space is akin to mastering the "Baby Bus."

Upon closer inspection, the ZEEKR MIX's rear, front, and center console share three tracks on the floor. With sufficient imagination, one can create various seating arrangements within adjustable limits. The car offers preset face-to-face and restore modes, adjustable from the driver's seat or the infotainment screen. Front seats support manual rotation, ideal for fishing enthusiasts.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

I understand that certain groups have needs for long-distance camping, cycling, or fishing and appreciate the MIX's flexible space layout, allowing them to store bicycles, fishing gear, and camping equipment without worrying about space constraints or soiling the seats.

In the current version, adjusting the seats and center console results in noticeable delays, with a slight "lag" after releasing the button, making fine adjustments difficult. Switching to face-to-face mode takes about a minute, which, while elegant, may test the patience of the impatient.

Additionally, due to the operating mechanisms, the front passenger seat is partially blocked by the steering wheel, resulting in a shorter adjustment range compared to the driver's seat. This can cause uneven space distribution in face-to-face mode. It's also not advisable to move the front passenger seat too far forward due to limited headroom, which might be an issue for taller individuals.

The center console offers significant potential. Besides moving back and forth, it features various standardized interfaces for installing additional accessories, such as large tabletops for hotpot meals. The display car in the store demonstrated this with a stable tabletop and secondary locking mechanisms to prevent accidental detachment. A smaller tabletop is also available, occupying only one expansion port and included with the car purchase.

One issue with external accessories is the lack of dedicated storage space within the car. Items either need to be stored in the trunk or passenger compartment. Given the manual handling, while outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate it, others might find it inconvenient. For instance, the large tabletop is heavy, requiring considerable effort to move and install.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

On the bright side, standardized interfaces facilitate the development of accessory markets. The tabletop is just one of ZEEKR's current offerings, with potential for many third-party expansions to further enhance the car's playability. This hinges on sufficient "Baby Bus" sales to drive third-party accessory development, similar to phone case markets.

Such spatial definitions are typically found in concept cars, rarely materialized by automakers. From this perspective, the "Baby Bus" innovation serves as an industry benchmark. Personally, its spatial concept relies heavily on users' imagination regarding space utilization, making it more relatable to those skilled in interior decoration and organization.

Most people still view cars as traditional transportation tools. While users have high demands for interior space, the ZEEKR MIX represents a different level that may not suit everyone in the short term.

Driving Experience Compromised for the "Mobile Living Room"

Honestly, I didn't have high expectations for the ZEEKR MIX's driving experience due to its product positioning. It's not a performance-oriented model. Therefore, my primary focus was on the "Baby Bus's" comfort levels.

Starting with the passenger experience, the ZEEKR MIX has a shallow and flat firewall, offering limited legroom. For optimal comfort, the seat needs to be moved backward slightly. However, this increases the distance to the door handle, which I believe would be more convenient if placed on the armrest with anti-mistouch protection.

After a test ride with staff, my driving experience began.

Having driven other ZEEKR models, the learning curve for the MIX was relatively low for me, familiar with adjusting the mirrors and steering wheel electronically. However, visibility isn't ideal, with a long distance between the steering wheel and windshield, and the left view obstructed by the A-pillars. Extra caution is needed around blind spots.

(Image sourced from EV News China)

The approximately 50-degree steering angle is noteworthy, allowing a tighter turning radius. Coupled with a length under 4.7 meters, it excels in navigating complex curves and tight turns.

Powered by a 310kW rear-axle motor, the "Baby Bus" boasts more horsepower than typical MPVs, providing lively acceleration despite weighing 2.7 tons. Over uneven roads, the suspension handles bumps minimally, retaining a relatively raw driving feel or "firmness," distinct from mainstream SUVs but not uncomfortable for passengers.

Considering its shape, the large frontal area may increase wind noise at high speeds. Fortunately, the ZEEKR MIX excels in NVH performance, with clear conversations and minimal road noise.

Modern electric vehicles emphasize a "gasoline car feel" to prevent motion sickness. Regenerative braking is crucial. Staff adjusted the regenerative braking to its lowest setting (effectively zero), significantly reducing drag sensations when descending hills. The comfort brake setting is gentler, suitable for rides with passengers.

For more spirited driving, I don't recommend it. The MIX's tall stance and large steering angle can cause significant body roll during aggressive lane changes or high-speed turns, limiting handling capabilities. Even with ample power, avoid sudden accelerations.

Summarizing the ZEEKR MIX's driving experience is straightforward. Its drivetrain effectively moves the "living room" from point A to point B, offering no thrills but also no uncontrollable dynamics, falling into the middle ground. Whether the "Baby Bus" or other MPVs, they're never about performance.

At 280,000 yuan, Will Users Pay for the Innovative Experience?

When ZEEKR announced the MIX's price, the general reaction, including mine, was "too expensive."

Indeed, as a regular electric MPV, its hardware, build quality, driving experience, and ride quality aren't outstanding. Frankly, the less expensive ZEEKR 7X offers better driving and riding enjoyment with superior hardware.

Is the ZEEKR MIX just a "cash grab?" After my experience, I believe its high price is justified for other reasons.

In the automotive industry, the MIX represents ZEEKR's boldest attempt this year. Amidst homogenized car designs, differentiating approaches go beyond design language. ZEEKR daringly reinvents car forms, defying traditional thinking to turn concept cars into production models.

Some netizens consider the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ a direct competitor to the ZEEKR MIX, which I find premature. The ID.BUZZ is uniquely shaped but essentially a practical electric MPV or VAN. I experienced it at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year, but it's still not available in China.

(Photo courtesy of EV Tong)

Objectively speaking, with its innovative cockpit design and riding experience, the 'Baby Bus' is currently the only one of its kind in the industry, and its premium pricing reflects the cost of innovation. The positioning of the 'Baby Bus' is relatively clear, and the first-generation product does not reveal any compromise in craftsmanship or hardware, indicating a high degree of completion. The almost unlimited spatial flexibility is the charm of the 'Wheel-Mounted Penthouse', but this also requires users to have sufficient imagination; otherwise, the MIX is no different from an electric vehicle with adjustable seats.

Innovation inevitably means non-mainstream, directly impacting consumers' established perceptions, simplest of all being a deviation from mainstream vehicle usage needs. Therefore, many automakers opt for stability, producing vehicles that everyone needs.

Automakers take on significant risks in pursuing innovation. The best outcome is successfully leading trends and breaking out of the norm, while the worst is not being recognized by the market. For example, regarding the expandable modular attributes of the Zeekr MIX, many people find manual loading and unloading cumbersome, and daily life does not require such extensive outdoor attributes or the need for highly flexible spaces.

However, at least for now, the 'Baby Bus' has garnered sufficient attention and is not seen as just another 'same-looking' model in the eyes of consumers. Nonetheless, the number of onlookers is likely to exceed actual buyers, and time will tell the outcome. If the market response is positive, its next generation will further optimize details and experiences based on this foundation.

EV Tong still admires Zeekr's spirit of daring to try and make mistakes, as no one expected that shooting brakes would become a best-selling category. Zeekr MIX, BYD Seal 06GT, Qiyuan E07... There are still too few products in the market that dare to make mistakes. Occasionally, automakers also need to change their mindset and create 'new species' that others dare not venture into.

Otherwise, the Chinese automotive market would be dominated by either SUVs or sedans, which would be quite boring.

Source: Lei Technology