This month, the eagerly awaited Dongfeng eπ 008 is poised to make its grand entrance at the prestigious Beijing Auto Show. Teaser images of the forthcoming 6-seater SUV have recently surfaced, offering enthusiasts a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come. The eπ marque represents a fresh addition to the realm of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), operating under the auspices of Dongfeng Aeolus. This fledgling brand made its inaugural appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show last April, signaling its ambitions within the electric vehicle domain. March 14 marked the debut of the eπ 007, an electric sedan, which marked the pioneering venture of the brand into the consumer market. Positioned as a premium offering, albeit seemingly below the Dongfeng's Voyah range, the eπ 007 set the stage for what's to follow. Now, the spotlight turns to the Dongfeng eπ 008, formerly known by its internal codename S59, as it gears up to become the brand's second flagship model.
Captured during rigorous winter testing, the teaser images offer a glimpse into the Dongfeng eπ 008's imminent arrival. With the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) already giving its production nod, the vehicle's official launch appears imminent. Sizing up considerably larger than its predecessor, the eπ 008 is poised to assume the mantle of the brand's new flagship offering. With dimensions boasting a length of 5002 mm and a wheelbase stretching a generous 3025 mm, accompanied by a width of 1972 mm and a height of 1732 mm, ample space beckons within its third-row accommodations.
Design-wise, the Dongfeng eπ 008 charts its own course, departing from the cues of its predecessor, the eπ 007, save for a shared minimalistic ethos. Noteworthy enhancements include a striking headlight cluster spanning the width of the vehicle's front fascia, complemented by a corresponding light bar adorning the rear. Discerning buyers can opt for either 20 or 21-inch wheels, further enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Dongfeng eπ 008 offers consumers the choice between all-electric and extended-range variants. The all-electric iteration boasts a robust 200 kW electric motor, presumably situated at the rear axle, coupled with an 82.28 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, delivering an impressive range of 636 km. Meanwhile, the range-extended version features a four-cylinder 1.5T engine, generating a maximum output of 108 kW, serving as a generator. This extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variant offers a commendable all-electric range of 154 km, as per China's CLTC cycle. Although details regarding a dual-motor version remain scarce, given the precedent set by the Dongfeng eπ 007, such an offering appears plausible.
Leaked images of the Dongfeng eπ 008's interior reveal a striking resemblance to its sedan counterpart, the eπ 007. Enthusiasts can anticipate an array of premium features, including an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch floating center display, a dual-spoke multi-function steering wheel, plush leather seats, through-air vents, and a convenient wireless charging pad equipped with ventilation capabilities.
As anticipation mounts for its official unveiling, pricing details for the Dongfeng eπ 008 remain shrouded in mystery. However, industry speculation suggests that starting prices could hover around 170,000 yuan (approximately 23,500 USD), positioning it competitively against rivals such as the BYD Tang.