The Dongfeng 007 plays the long game. Spend a little time with it, and you may find that its appeal creeps up on you quietly, steadily, and rather convincingly.
The first thing you’ll probably mention upon looking at it is, “Wow, this actually looks pretty good.”
There are faint echoes of the Lotus Emeya and Aston Martin Vantage in the front-end, particularly in the way the eyebrow-like daytime running lights sit apart from the main headlamps. Its overall aesthetic is clean and restrained, with no unnecessary visual drama.
The rear is perhaps the most distinctive angle, where crystal-like tail-light elements add a touch of character without tipping into gimmickry.
As first impressions go, the Dongfeng 007 has it in the bag.
A Cabin That Makes Sense
The Dongfeng 007 presents a cockpit that prioritises usability over theatrics. The layout is straightforward and intuitive: an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel sits ahead of the driver, while a 15.6-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment duties. The interface is refreshingly uncluttered, though a slightly more responsive screen would have made the experience more seamless.
Apple CarPlay loads promptly upon entry, and throughout my time with the car, there was only one occasion where the system needed a moment to gather itself. Equipment levels are generous. Ambient lighting sets the mood, a 19-speaker Wanos audio system fills the cabin with sound, and the ventilated front seats are a blessing in our tropical climate.
There is a two-tier centre console, generously sized door bins, and ample storage for the detritus of daily life.
With a wheelbase stretching to 2,915mm, rear legroom for adults is commendable. However, there is limited foot space beneath the front seats, and taller passengers may find headroom a little tight due to the tapered roofline and panoramic glass. The tinted glass does a respectable job of deflecting heat, though a retractable sunshade would have been welcome.
The rear bench offers three proper headrests, ensuring the centre passenger is not treated as an afterthought. That said, those headrests do obstruct rearward visibility.
As with most fastbacks, the 007 benefits from generous boot space and a large boot aperture. With the rear seats in place, capacity stands at 452 litres, expanding to 1,026 litres when folded. There’s even a small frunk for extra charging cables or miscellaneous items.
Measured Performance
Powering the Dongfeng 007 is a 73.48kWh LFP battery, paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 200kW (268hp) and 310Nm of torque. The century sprint is duste in 5.8 seconds, and it is more than sufficient for daily driving.
But does it thrill? Not particularly. And that, I suspect, is entirely intentional.
The 007 does not deliver the kind of explosive acceleration that pins you to your seat. Instead, it offers a measured, progressive surge of power that is easy to modulate. You will still leave the traffic lights ahead of most other motorists, and merging into faster traffic presents no drama. Yet it does so with a calm composure that prioritises control over spectacle.
At first, this restraint can make the car feel somewhat ordinary. But the longer you spend behind the wheel, the more you appreciate its approachability. Smooth power delivery translates into smoother driving, which in turn makes for a more comfortable and safer experience. You won’t be impressing anyone if you’re barreling headfirst into a lamppost.
Handling is similarly composed. There is a mild tendency towards understeer, but it remains predictable and easy to manage. Fitment of sportier tyres would likely sharpen things further.
The suspension is firm enough to maintain composure through corners, yet never harsh over imperfect surfaces. Even in Sport mode, the car remains unflustered. Given its performance potential though, a little more braking bite would not go amiss.
Dongfeng claims a consumption figure of 4.7km/kWh, though real-world usage can surpass this with relative ease. With an official range of 650km, many drivers will find themselves charging perhaps once every week or so, a reassuring prospect for daily use.
The Appeal That Grows
Its design is understated, its cabin sensible, and its performance measured. It focuses on the fundamentals: usability, predictability, and day-to-day comfort.
Dongfeng’s decision not to oversell the 007’s sporting credentials feels honest. It is better, perhaps, to let drivers discover its strengths organically.
Technical Specifications
Dongfeng 007 (Premium)
Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 200 kW (268 bhp)
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0100km/h: 5.8 Seconds
Top Speed: 173 km/h
Battery Capacity: 73.48 kWh
Drive Range: 650 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 4.7 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$194,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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