At this year’s Chengdu Auto Show, Dongfeng Motor Corporation introduced the electric vehicle (EV) variant of its Aeolus L7, opening pre-sales with prices ranging from 130,000 to 150,000 yuan, equivalent to around $18,300 to $21,000. The official launch of the vehicle is anticipated for late September, sparking significant interest among potential buyers in China’s growing EV market.
The Aeolus L7 EV is powered by a robust 160 kW electric motor that generates a peak torque of 310 Nm. This motor is paired with Dongfeng’s proprietary 62.3 kWh Mach battery pack, which offers a CLTC-rated cruising range of 518 km on a full charge. For drivers seeking quick recharging, the vehicle supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be replenished from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes, which is a key selling point for the busy urban commuter.
As a compact SUV, the dimensions of the Dongfeng Aeolus L7 EV stand at 4685 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, and 1617 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2775 mm. Notably, the EV variant has a slightly shorter wheelbase compared to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version, but the overall design remains largely the same. The curb weight of the vehicle is 1740 kg, contributing to its stable driving performance.
In terms of exterior design, the Aeolus L7 EV maintains the sleek look of its PHEV counterpart. The front of the vehicle features a closed grille design, with a modern through-type light strip running across the top, connecting narrow light clusters on either side. From the side, the slightly curved roof adds to the car’s aerodynamic profile, while the two-tone body paint creates a floating roof effect. Additional exterior highlights include hidden door handles, blackened wheel arches, side skirts, and stylish 18-inch multi-spoke rims. At the rear, the vehicle is equipped with a spoiler and high-mounted brake lights, as well as blackened through-type taillights, enhanced by red reflective strips on either side of the lower bumper.
Inside the cabin, the Aeolus L7 EV impresses with a bold black and orange color scheme. It is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a larger 14.6-inch floating central control screen. The driver is provided with a sporty D-shaped steering wheel. The vehicle’s technology is powered by the WindLink OS 3.0 system, running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
It’s worth noting that Dongfeng introduced the PHEV variant of the Aeolus L7 in May 2023, priced between $17,800 and $21,700. As part of its broader strategy, Dongfeng Aeolus is committed to achieving 100% electrification by 2024. The company has ambitious plans to launch at least two new energy vehicles annually and introduce a total of eight new energy models within the next three years. This vision underscores Dongfeng’s dedication to contributing to the fast-evolving electric vehicle landscape.