At the recent Chengdu Auto Show, Dongfeng’s Aeolus L7 EV model launched for pre-order with a price range of 130,000 to 150,000 yuan (approximately $18,300 to $21,000 USD). The anticipated official launch date is set for late September. The Chinese market has recently seen the launch of the PHEV variant, boasting a competitive price range of 128,900 to 156,900 yuan (approximately $17,800 to $21,700 USD), effective as of this year in May.
The exterior design of the electric vehicle (EV) variant maintains the same aesthetic as its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) counterpart. The front façade features a discreet grille motif, complemented by a slender accent stripe running along the top, harmoniously integrating with the slim LED strips flanking either side.
At the rear of the vehicle, a sleek spoiler adorns the roof, while high-mounted brake lights provide enhanced visibility. The previously clear-through type taillight has undergone a process of darkening. The rear of each unit features integrated pink reflective strips strategically placed on either side for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The facade features a subtle curvature to the rooftop design. The twin-color physique crafts a striking floating roof effect, seamlessly paired with discreetly integrated door handles, darkened wheel arches, and side skirting, all complemented by intricate multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Dongfeng Aeolus L7 EV, a compact SUV in scale, measures 4685/1900/1617 mm, with a wheelbase of 2775 mm; notable for its shorter wheelbase compared to the PHEV variant, while other dimensions remain unchanged. The curb weight is approximately 1740 kilograms.
An electric motor boasting 160 kW of power and a peak torque of 310 Nm is mated to Dongfeng’s proprietary 62.3 kWh Mach battery pack, which enables a commendable CLTC-rated cruising range of 518 kilometers. The official quick-charge time is a mere 28 minutes, sufficient for recharging the battery from a depleted 30% to a respectable 80%.
Inside, the interior adopts a striking black and orange color scheme, making it visually arresting. The futuristic cockpit boasts a commanding 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, a sprawling 14.6-inch suspended central management display, and a sleek D-shaped steering wheel, seamlessly integrated with WindLink OS 3.0 and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
In July 2024, Dongfeng Aeolus reported an 8,039-vehicle drop in gross sales compared to the previous month, representing a significant 26.36% decline from June’s total of 10,917 vehicles. In a notable surge, 3,966 Dongfeng Aeolus L7 PHEVs were purchased, representing a 4% increase from the 3,816 units sold in June this year, ranking 127th among overall auto sales in the Chinese market.
Dongfeng Aeolus aims to achieve 100% electrification by 2024, with a minimum of two new electric vehicles introduced annually, and at least eight new electric models launched within the next three-year period.
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