DFSK E3 EV

Model Overview

Officially badged as the "Dongfeng Fengon E3" within the brand's lineup, the DFSK E3 EV is the maiden all-electric B-segment SUV introduced in 2019 by DFSK under its Dongfeng Fengon marque. Making its official debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019 before going on sale in November that same year, the model was positioned as an accessible, high-value EV tailored for urban commutes and daily family motoring, serving as Dongfeng Fengon's strategic pioneer in its full-scale electrification drive.The Fengon E3 was offered in two powertrain choices: all-electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EVR), with prices spanning from RM129,800 to RM159,800. The core pure electric variants were priced between RM129,800 and RM149,800, while the EVR variants retailed from RM139,800 to RM159,800.Backing up the vehicle was an extensive 7-year or 150,000 km manufacturer warranty, underlining the brand's confidence in its build quality and long-term reliability.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Fengon E3 continues Dongfeng Fengon's signature wide-mouth corporate grille design. Up front, a prominent multi-slat chrome radiator grille is flanked by either halogen or LED headlamps, while the side profile features a floating-roof silhouette riding on 225/55 R18 alloy wheels, delivering a balanced stance that blends road presence with sporty cues.Dimensionally, the vehicle measures 4,385 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a 2,655 mm wheelbase and a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm—placing it at the upper end of the B-segment SUV category and nearing C-segment dimensions.Inside, the cabin adopts a driver-centric black interior theme. Higher-spec variants gain a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display paired with a full-LCD digital instrument cluster running on the Lin OS 4.0 intelligent connectivity system, which supports voice commands, mobile app remote access, and preset smart scenario modes. Amenities such as a rotary gear selector, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, and automatic climate control further bolster its tech appeal and perceived cabin quality within the RM100,000-class EV segment.

Powertrain and Performance

The all-electric Fengon E3 is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 120 kW (163 PS) and 300 Nm of peak torque, paired with a single-speed reduction gearbox. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h.Energy is supplied by a Lishen Power-sourced ternary lithium battery pack with a capacity of 52.56 kWh (specified as 53.6 kWh in select technical sheets), yielding an NEDC-rated combined driving range of 405 km.For charging, the SUV supports DC fast charging, taking 30 minutes to replenish the battery from 30% to 80%, while standard AC charging requires approximately 8 hours for a full charge.Official claims also highlighted a 0.5-hour fast charge time to full (in practical terms to 80%), offering respectable charging turnaround among contemporary entry-level electric SUVs.Meanwhile, the EVR version pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver around 100 km of pure electric range, effectively eliminating range anxiety when running on combined fuel and battery power.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, the Fengon E3 utilises a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup—a staple chassis configuration widely adopted by both conventional ICE crossovers and entry-level electric models in its class.Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while stopping power comes from ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, accompanied by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB).With a kerb weight of 1,690 kg and a laden ground clearance of 180 mm, the vehicle offers capable obstacle clearance on urban roads. Drivers can toggle between three selectable driving modes—Sport, ECO, and Standard Comfort—to balance throttle response against driving range.Suspension tuning is comfort-oriented, providing pliant bump absorption across paved urban tarmac; however, the rear torsion beam layout inevitably transmits noticeable body judder over harsher surface irregularities, in line with expectations for its price point.

Cabin and Features

Equipment levels on the Fengon E3 vary progressively across the trim ladder. The mid-to-high-spec Zhizun trim boasts a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen alongside a full-LCD meter panel, integrating the Lin OS 4.0 smart telematics suite that supports satellite navigation, voice control, connected services, and remote vehicle functions.Entry variants settle for an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with smartphone mirroring and touch capability. Standard kit across the range includes Bluetooth telephony, twin front USB charging ports, and a multifunction steering wheel, while range-topping trims add a Qi wireless charging pad and a 6-speaker sound system.Seating is finished in synthetic leather with electric adjustment for the driver on higher trims, compared to fabric upholstery on base variants. The rear bench features 60:40 split-folding functionality to expand boot capacity for grocery hauls or luggage. Other comfort amenities available across the range include an operable panoramic sunroof, push-button start, and automatic climate control.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the active safety front, the Fengon E3 comes comprehensively equipped as standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESP), with top-tier variants further benefiting from Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.Passive safety includes dual front SRS airbags as standard, with the flagship Zhizun variant upgrading to a 6-airbag setup by introducing front side and full-length curtain airbags, aligning with segment safety benchmarks for RM100,000-class electric SUVs.Parking and driving aids include a 360-degree surround-view camera and front/rear parking sensors on higher grades, while a reverse camera and cruise control are fitted as standard across all variants. The high-voltage battery pack is IP67-rated for dust and water ingress protection, ensuring reliable electrical safety during wading and heavy monsoon downpours.

Market Performance and Verdict

Serving as Dongfeng Fengon's maiden EV offering, the Fengon E3 carried the brand's hopes as a vanguard in the transition towards electrification. However, it suffered lacklustre showroom demand following its launch, recording only around 390 cumulative sales throughout 2025, with monthly deliveries languishing in single digits and leaving it virtually unnoticed in the mainstream SUV arena.From an ownership standpoint, drivers commended its nimble urban drivability, dependable 405 km range, and well-rounded safety equipment.Nevertheless, as the affordable EV market turned intensely competitive with aggressively priced contenders like the Wuling Bingo leveraging strong dealer footprints, the Fengon E3 failed to build traction in product updates, brand equity, or retail marketing, ultimately fading into market obscurity. In retrospect, offering near-compact SUV proportions, a 405 km range, and an accessible sub-RM150,000 price tag back in 2019, the Fengon E3 demonstrated Dongfeng Fengon's early ambition in the green vehicle space; yet its commercial fate laid bare the harsh challenges legacy carmakers face when competing with early-generation electric products.