Dongfeng eπ 007 Performance Review

TL;DR: At just $59,990 for the Performance AWD, the Dongfeng eπ 007 delivers standout value with strong EV performance (up to 400kW) and a smooth, comfortable driving experience that’s well suited to city life. It feels comfortable and surprisingly premium inside, although a fiddly infotainment system, limited rear-seat flexibility and tight headroom for taller passengers take the edge off an otherwise compelling package.

We spent a full week with the Dongfeng eπ 007 Performance and rather than racking up miles on a long drive, we tried it out in an urban setting, running mid-week errands and transporting people across the city.  

This is how many people use electric vehicles, and the 007 performed well under these conditions. Around town, it feels calm and surprisingly comfortable for a car capable of accelerating like a sports sedan.

Dongfeng eπ is a sub-brand of the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, the smallest of the Big Four state-owned car manufacturers in China, but one of the most connected.

Dongfeng has joint ventures with Nissan, Honda and Peugeot-Citroën, and in 2023 alone it shifted over 671,000 vehicles. So, while the badge may be unfamiliar in New Zealand, it is backed by some serious manufacturing muscle. 

The 007 Performance has high expectations to live up to. For the past few years, the sports electric sedan segment has been dominated by the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.

But at $54,990 for the Long Range RWD and $59,990 for the Performance AWD, the 007 immediately undercuts these closest rivals. It’s roughly $20,000 cheaper than the BYD Seal Performance, with European options like the BMW i4 Gran Coupe sitting well beyond reach in comparison.

Driving through Auckland’s inner suburbs, the 007 felt right at home, gliding almost silently with measured confidence. The electric motor whine becomes more noticeable at low speeds and confined areas and, oddly, it seemed to get louder the slower we drove.

Because the 007 lacks low-profile tyres, sharp bumps are easily absorbed, and road noise is kept to a minimum, even on the open road. From the cabin, it is a soft and settled ride that makes city driving a breeze. 

The lift-back body gives the 007 a generous amount of room inside, and there is plenty of space to stretch out in both rows. Legroom is excellent, and there is even enough room in the back for adults to fit comfortably.

The real limitation is headroom. For taller adults, the sloping roofline gets in the way. But for most people, it will be a non-issue. Overall, this car feels bigger on the inside than its sleek profile suggests.

For a family-sized electric lift-back, the 007 is sharp and responsive, especially when manoeuvring through heavy traffic. The steering reacts quickly without feeling floaty, and the car responds well to small inputs.

Power delivery is linear and predictable, building smoothly as you press the accelerator. There is no sudden surge or artificial drama that you can get from most electric performance cars.

This calm power delivery makes it easy to forget that the 007 can hit 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. That Performance AWD features Dongfeng’s Mach E EV platform and a 70.26kWh LFP battery, which delivers up to 400kW and 640Nm from its dual electric motors.

On the road, the 007 behaves like a well-mannered combustion car. It is easy and predictable to drive, which is good for those new to electric cars alhtough might be a slight disappointment for EV purists. 

The infotainment system can feel cluttered at first; everything lives on a large central touchscreen, packed with information and layered menus. This requires a sharp learning curve, and the small on-screen buttons can be fiddly to press while driving.

There were also some frustrations with the software and driver assistance systems. The ADAS suite is nearly good, but not quite there. Settings cannot be saved, so every ignition cycle means re-adjusting preferences.

The radio also has a habit of changing settings rather than remembering what you were listening to. None of these are deal-breakers, but they do chip away at an otherwise polished experience.

One practical downside is the rear seat configuration. The backrest is not split – not 60/40 or even 50/50 – it is one single piece. That limits flexibility when carrying oversized items while still taking passengers in the back.

For the money, very little comes close in size, performance or standard equipment. Does that low price show? Yes – but only slightly. The 007 does not feel as refined or cohesive as a BMW or Kia, but it does offer a huge amount of car for the money.

The 007 Performance is fast, spacious, comfortable and distinctive. It makes a convincing case for those willing to venture away from familiar brands, it delivers genuine value without feeling like a compromise.