Dongfeng 007 200 kW Review – The Thinking Driver’s EV

What we like:

Well designed exterior

Good cabin build quality

Balanced chassis

What we dislike:

Door cards' finish can be improved

Can do with better tyres

There’s a certain satisfaction in driving something that isn’t yet another black, white or grey slab on wheels. The Dongfeng 007 in Mystic Purple stands out, not because it’s loud or garish, but because it exudes quiet confidence. It’s the kind of colour that makes people look twice, and in Singapore’s traffic of predictable paint jobs, that’s already a win.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another China-made EV”. But this isn’t one of those “good for the price” affairs; this one’s properly engineered. If I were a China-made EV, I’d probably be this 007: ahem, understated, capable, a little playful, and built to surprise.

First Impression

The first thing that strikes you is how solid it feels. Panel gaps are tight, paintwork is flawless, and the doors close with a reassuring thunk. It’s that tactile, mechanical satisfaction that tells you the engineers took pride in the details. There’s a sense of European intent in the way it’s put together, which says a lot for a brand many here might still be getting used to.

The proportions are just right too. The 007 avoids the awkward, bulbous silhouette that plagues some EVs. It’s clean, balanced and, I must say, quite handsome. The front end carries an assertive stance without overdesigning things; no unnecessary light bar theatrics or fake grilles. It’s contemporary, confident, and distinctly cohesive.

Chassis and Powertrain

This rear-wheel drive 200 kW (268 bhp) version is an interesting study in balance. The single-motor setup drives the rear axle, and power delivery is smooth yet assertive. There’s a linearity to the throttle response that speaks of careful calibration, none of that jumpy, on-off EV surge.

Dongfeng’s engineers clearly paid attention to chassis tuning. The weight distribution feels near 50:50, which gives the car excellent composure through corners. The suspension is multi-link at the rear, and paired with the car’s low centre of gravity (thank you, floor-mounted battery pack), the 007 corners with poise and predictability.

Push harder and you’ll find a chassis that communicates well. Body roll is restrained, and the steering, though electrically assisted, offers decent feedback. The car tracks faithfully, grips confidently, and can be hustled along with real enthusiasm. Give it proper high-performance tyres - something stickier than the stock eco-friendly Continentals - and it could start making Munich nervous.

Yet, comfort hasn’t been sacrificed. Around town, it glides over imperfections with mature damping, feeling supple but never soft; think VW Passat. It’s that sweet spot between control and compliance; sporty when you want it, soothing when you don’t.

Driving It

Dongfeng quotes a 650 km range from a full charge, and in reality, 550 to 600 km seems achievable with a gentle right foot. That makes the 007 a proper long-distance companion, not just another commuter EV pretending to go the distance.

And when you’re alone on an open stretch of road, flick it into Sport mode via the 15.6-inch infotainment screen. Instantly, throttle response sharpens, steering weights up, and the drivetrain feels more eager. The full 310 Nm of torque becomes available on demand, translating into brisk, unflustered acceleration. It’s not explosive, but there’s a muscular, rear-driven feel that’s both reassuring and enjoyable.

According to the local Dongfeng dealer Volt Auto, this 200 kW variant doesn’t come with the larger 19-inch wheels (standard are 18-inch) or beefy brake callipers as shown in photos here; however if you really want, those can be optioned.

Cabin Tech and Comfort

Inside, the Dongfeng 007 continues to impress. The full glass roof - with no physical sunshade - might raise eyebrows, but thermal management is surprisingly effective. Even under Singapore’s afternoon sun, the cabin remains cool thanks to excellent insulation and tinted glass.

Then there’s connectivity. Apple CarPlay integration is seamless: It connects instantly, runs without lag, and transitions between apps like navigation, calls and music with buttery smoothness. No dropouts, no random disconnections, it just works. For anyone who lives by Waze or Spotify, like yours truly, that’s a big tick.

Speaking of music, the WANOS 19-speaker surround sound system deserves praise. It fills the cabin with clarity and depth, delivering crisp highs and controlled bass even at higher volumes. Whether it’s an upbeat playlist on a morning commute or a late-night drive home with John Mayer playing softly in the background, it elevates the entire driving experience.

Small Gripes

The 8.8-inch digital driver display looks sleek, but the fonts are a tad small. I found myself squinting occasionally, especially in bright daylight. But I’m sure software update could easily fix this; a little tweak in typography would go a long way.

Then there’s the Lane Keeping Assist. It’s functional, yes, but a bit overzealous. The system tends to “tug” at the steering wheel even with the lightest deviation, which becomes annoying after a while. I ended up switching it off each time I got in.

Sometimes, it’s best to let the driver do the driving.

The Verdict

This sub-$230k (with COE) Dongfeng 007 200 kW RWD is a genuinely well-rounded EV. It’s well-built, well-mannered, and well-equipped. The chassis tuning, power delivery and refinement put it firmly in contention with established European rivals, while its comfort and range make it an excellent everyday companion.

And that Mystic Purple finish? It’s the icing on the cake, a statement of individuality in a sea of grayscale conformity.

If the Germans aren’t looking over their shoulders yet, perhaps they really should be.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

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