Racing the Dongfeng Epsilon 007: Our High-Speed Journey on Chinese Highways
Dongfeng Unveils the eπ007 Liftback: A Sporty, Advanced Electric Sedan from China
The Dongfeng eπ007, a new electric liftback sedan, has been unveiled in China. It combines sporty aesthetics with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, offering enhanced practicality and impressive range.
Stylish Exterior, Minimalist Interior
The eπ007 boasts a sleek design with a low drag coefficient of 0.209, ensuring minimal wind resistance. The exterior is characterized by tinted windows, anti-chrome moldings, and a confident, sporty look. Inside, the cabin adopts a minimalist approach, presenting a clean and uncluttered environment. While physical buttons are scarce, the few available on the steering wheel prove useful.
Side mirrors are controlled via a tablet, a growing trend in Chinese cars. While this may be fashionable, it does present some inconvenience. Seats are comfortable, with ventilation for the front seats and heating for both the seats, steering wheel, washer nozzles, and windshield. Speakers are built into the driver's headrest, delivering music without unnecessary frills.
The instrument panel is simple, with easy-to-read gauges. A large multimedia screen dominates the dashboard, measuring approximately 15.6 inches and featuring Russian language and Apple CarPlay. The surround-view camera offers a clear image, including a full roof panorama, though this feature is not entirely novel.
Performance and Range
The hybrid version of the eπ007, which we tested, retails for approximately Br93,900. Purely electric variants are also available. On electric power alone, the car can travel up to 163 kilometers, based on theCLTC cycle. In real-world conditions, expect a range reduction of about a third.
Visibility is excellent, thanks to thin front pillars. The exterior design leans towards sportiness, but acceleration is more suitable for city driving, rather than breathtaking. With 218 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds, the eπ007 is capable and well-controlled, producing minimal noise other than a slight wheel hum.
The Dongfeng eπ007 is marketed as an EV for those who want to "catch the wave" between electric acceleration and gasoline generator charging, although the term EVR simply denotes an electric car with extended range. The gasoline generator is primarily used for rare situations when extra power is required, such as highway driving, but don't expect to rely on it heavily.
Final Thoughts
The Dongfeng eπ007 offers a blend of style, utility, and advanced electric technology, making it an appealing choice in China's competitive EV market. With its liftback body style, modern cabin, and competitive range, the eπ007 emerges as a notable contender.
The Dongfeng eπ007's minimalist interior, featuring a large multimedia screen and speakers built into the driver's headrest, embodies a modern lifestyle. Its hybrid variant, equipped with electric power and a gasoline generator, showcases the convergence of cars, sports, and electric-vehicles, catering to those who seek the thrill of electric acceleration while maintaining the familiarity of traditional fuel.
