Recently, Dongfeng Forthing officially unveiled its upcoming Xinghai S7 all-electric sedan in China. Once launched (most likely in Q2 2024), it will target the 130,000 to 200,000 yuan (18,000 – 27,000 USD) market segment.
Based on Dongfeng’s S2-E platform, the Xinghai S7 has a drag coefficient of 0.195Cd. Its appearance is relatively mainstream comparing to the other models such as the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and BYD Seal, featuring a fastback design, frameless doors, hidden door handles, and multi-spoke rims. Positioned as a mid-to-large sedan, the car measures 4935/1915/1495 mm, with a 2915 mm wheelbase.
A closed grille is used in the front face, signifying its identity as an electric vehicle, coupled with the “7”-shaped headlights.
The taillights are the through-type, with a luminous LOGO in the middle, further improving the recognition. Power comes from a permanent magnet synchronous motor model TZ200XS3F0, with a maximum power of 160 kW and a peak torque of 310 Nm, paired with a 56.832 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 550 km. The top speed is 165 km/h and the 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time is 6.67 seconds. Under fast charging, it takes ~27.6 minutes to replenish the battery from 30% to 80%.
The interior features a D-shaped steering wheel, a floating central control screen, and an instrument panel. The center console is also hollowed out to provide additional storage space underneath and supports wireless charging for mobile phones.
In January and February this year, Dongfeng Forthing only sold 7,855 vehicles. In recent years, Dongfeng Forthing has been declining since its peak sales performance in 2016 with 260,000 vehicles, with only 122,300 vehicles sold in 2022 and 51,479 vehicles in 2023. Will the introduction of the Xinghai S7 change the tide? Can you guess the price tag of the car?
