Dongfeng Fengon E5 Offers Plug-In Hybrid SUV at Aggressive Price Point
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
The Dongfeng Fengon E5, a new plug-in hybrid SUV, has launched in Israel for 149,900 shekels, aiming to capture market share with its aggressive pricing. While praised for its spaciousness, equipment, and value, reviews highlight concerns regarding ride comfort, safety features like the lack of blind-spot monitoring, and the car's automatic control over electric driving. Despite mixed assessments on its overall execution, its price point makes it a notable contender in the Israeli SUV market.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Dongfeng Fengon E5 plug-in hybrid SUV is priced at 149,900 shekels in Israel.
- It offers a large family SUV size with a combined 299 hp powertrain.
- Reviews praise its spaciousness, equipment, and competitive price.
- Concerns were raised about ride comfort, safety features, and automatic electric driving control.
- The vehicle's price is significantly lower than comparable plug-in hybrid SUVs.
The Dongfeng Fengon E5, a plug-in hybrid SUV, has been launched in Israel by D-Mobility, a subsidiary of the Wexler Group, at a competitive price of 149,900 shekels. This pricing positions the E5 as a large family SUV, measuring nearly 4.7 meters long, in a segment typically occupied by smaller crossovers or standard hybrids and EVs. D-Mobility aims to establish a significant presence for the Dongfeng brand in the Israeli market, where Chinese manufacturers already hold nearly half of all sales.
The E5 is based on the Aeolus Haoji, a long-standing model in China, utilizing Dongfeng's DSMA 2.0 platform. It arrives in Israel in a single configuration and trim level. Dongfeng is one of China's largest automakers, also owning brands like Forthing, which is sold in Israel by Auto Chen.
The SUV's dimensions place it at the larger end of the compact SUV category, with a length of 4.685 meters, width of 1.90 meters, height of 1.615 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.775 meters. It offers a trunk capacity of 525 liters, expandable to approximately 1,850 liters with the rear seats folded. The vehicle's curb weight is around 1,800 kg, considered reasonable for its size and powertrain.
The powertrain consists of a 188 hp electric motor, which handles most of the driving, and a 1.5-liter, 111 hp turbo-petrol engine that charges the battery and provides additional power when needed. The combined output reaches 299 hp, with front-wheel drive and a four-speed transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.6 seconds. The 17 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery is rated by the manufacturer for 81 km of electric range. Home charging is limited to 3.3 kW, and fast charging to 39 kW. The official combined range is approximately 1,200 km.
Standard equipment includes a 14.6-inch multimedia screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, surround-view cameras, a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, heated seats and steering wheel, and a power tailgate. Safety features include six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. However, blind-spot monitoring is absent, contributing to a lower safety rating from the Ministry of Transport. The vehicle comes with a six-year or 210,000 km warranty.
Reviews from Israeli automotive publications are mixed. Walla! Auto gave the E5 a score of 7 out of 10, praising its design, spaciousness, equipment, price, and warranty. Auto magazine highlighted the impressive insulation of the petrol engine and the suitability of the rear seats and trunk for families. Fuel consumption figures were around 16 km per liter in combined driving, with an electric range of about 70 km, comparable to standard hybrids. Both reviewers noted that the driver has limited control over electric-only driving, with the car's computer making the decisions. Auto magazine also expressed reservations about the single-level regenerative braking.
More significant criticisms focused on ride comfort and safety. Walla! Auto reported that the suspension is noisy and unsettled on uneven roads, and the Chinese tires compromise cornering grip. They also noted instances of the cruise control disengaging without warning. Auto magazine described the urban ride comfort as mediocre, with noticeable road noise and intrusive driver assistance systems. Both publications criticized the heavy reliance on the touchscreen for controls, including mirror adjustments, and the use of an adapter for Android Auto connectivity.
Ultimately, the reviewers' conclusions differed. Walla! Auto deemed the E5 a "missed opportunity," suggesting it was released before development was complete. In contrast, Auto magazine viewed it as a highly accessible entry point into the plug-in hybrid SUV market, emphasizing its price advantage over competitors like the JAC JS7 plug-in hybrid and even the smaller Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid.