The Dongfeng Fengon E3 is a B-segment all-electric SUV introduced by DFSK Motor Co., Ltd. in 2019, serving as the marque's first mass-produced new energy vehicle. The EV made its global debut at the Auto Shanghai in April 2019 and was officially launched in the same year, signalling DFSK's formal venture into the electrification space. In China, the Fengon E3 was offered in two powertrain choices: all-electric (EV) and extended-range electric (EVR), whereas export markets primarily received the Glory E3 EV battery electric variant.
The 2020 E3 EV was priced between RM129,800 and RM149,800 (EV Zhiyue variant at RM129,800, EV Zhizun variant at RM149,800), while the EVR extended-range version retailed between RM149,800 and RM159,800. As of June 2026, the model has been discontinued and taken off the market in Mainland China, with official sales ceased. In overseas markets, the Glory E3 EV remains on sale in Indonesia and selected European markets as 2024–2026 model year offerings, carrying an estimated starting price of around Rp 445 Juta (approx. RM215,000) in Indonesia.
Targeted at urban commuters and daily family duties, its direct rivals include the BYD Yuan EV and BAIC BJEV EX Series.
The Dongfeng Fengon E3 incorporates Dongfeng Fengon's signature corporate styling. Up front, it features an expansive horizontal chrome grille lined with blue accents to denote its electrified credentials, flanked by LED headlamps and integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for a clean, mature aesthetic. In profile, a prominent dual-waistline crease pairs with blacked-out C-pillars to deliver a floating-roof appearance, accompanied by wing mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. At the rear, the minimalist tailgate sports LED combination taillights and a chrome-garnished lower bumper, retaining the grounded, conventional SUV look.
Dimension-wise, the Fengon E3 measures 4,385 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, riding on a 2,655 mm wheelbase with a fully-laden ground clearance of 180 mm and a kerb weight of 1,690 kg. Its dimensions are on par with typical B-segment SUVs, with a 5-seater layout tailored for everyday passenger and cargo hauling.
Inside, the Fengon E3 adopts a driver-focused cockpit layout, anchored by a full digital instrument cluster and a floating central touchscreen. The instrument display is an all-digital LCD unit, complemented by central infotainment screens ranging from 8.8 inches, 10.25 inches, up to 10.5–14 inches depending on the variant. Infotainment is powered by the Lin OS 4.0 connectivity suite, supporting voice command, smartphone app remote control, preset scene modes, and OTA updates. Other appointments include a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, an electronic rotary gear selector, and seats trimmed in either full leather or leather-fabric upholstery based on trim levels.
The Fengon E3 EV is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor in a front-wheel-drive configuration, producing 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, mated to a single-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.9 seconds, completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 155–160 km/h.
Energy is supplied by a Lishen-sourced 52.56 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack, delivering an NEDC-rated combined driving range of 405 km. The battery pack is rated for IP67 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes to ensure safe water-wading performance. DC fast charging allows a 20% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 30 minutes, while standard AC charging takes around 8 hours for a full top-up.
Drivers can toggle between three drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport—with Eco tuned for maximum range efficiency and Sport unleashing maximum motor output.
Alongside the pure EV, an EVR extended-range version was also available. Retaining the EV's 120 kW/163 PS motor and 52.56 kWh battery (offering a 100 km NEDC pure electric range), this variant adds a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine serving solely as a generator/range extender, extending total combined driving range to 950 km.
Underpinned by a front-wheel-drive setup, the Fengon E3 rides on front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam axle, a staple arrangement in this segment balancing production cost and interior packaging. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 R18 tyres front and rear. Stopping power is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, assisted by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold.
The chassis is tuned primarily for ride comfort, effectively absorbing surface undulations and minor road imperfections to suit everyday family commutes. Its 180 mm minimum ground clearance also allows for confident negotiation over speed bumps and mild uneven terrain.
On the active chassis front, the E3 includes a low-speed pedestrian alert system, which warns surrounding pedestrians during low-speed manoeuvres and reversing.
The Fengon E3's equipment list aligned well with mainstream market standards at its 2019 debut. As noted, the dashboard integrates a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen running Lin OS 4.0, which supports voice control (for navigation and multimedia), remote app vehicle management, scene presets, and OTA software updates. The infotainment also supports split-screen display to show navigation maps and audio media simultaneously.
Cabin comfort is enhanced by automatic climate control (dual-zone climate control on higher-spec trims), a multifunction leather steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, leather seats, power-adjustable driver's seat (on selected variants), front centre armrest, and a 4-speaker audio system. The driver's seat includes height adjustment, whereas the front passenger seat is manually adjustable. The range-topping 2020 EV Zhizun also adds a 360-degree surround-view camera to minimise blind spots during parking manoeuvres.
Practicality is well-catered for thanks to the 2,655 mm wheelbase, offering decent rear legroom that stands out in the subcompact segment. The boot features 60:40 split-folding rear seats for expanding cargo volume when carrying bulkier items, supplemented by various cabin storage cubbies for daily essentials.
Passive safety specifications vary by trim level: the export-spec Glory E3 and domestic top-spec trims (such as the EV Zhizun) come equipped with 6 SRS airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags), whereas the base domestic EV Zhiyue is limited to dual front airbags. Structural rigidity is reinforced by a high-strength steel safety cell to withstand collision impacts.
Active safety is comprehensive as standard across the range, featuring Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), alongside a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) providing real-time pressure readouts.
Regarding advanced driver assistance, the Fengon E3 is limited to basic cruise control, a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors, with the flagship EV Zhizun adding a 360-degree camera and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Notably, the model lacks Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, omitting systems such as Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Centring Assist (LCA), relying instead on basic passive crash safety and fundamental alerts.
Following its market launch, the Fengon E3 grappled with sluggish sales numbers. Reviewing the delivery trajectory from 2023 to 2025: 2023 annual sales stood at just over 500 units (averaging ~40 units/month), while 2024 saw around 1,000 units registered (~83 units/month). Demand shrank dramatically in 2025 to just 390 units, with a single-month peak of 296 units in May before monthly volumes dwindled to zero, recording zero units by February 2026. By March 2026, DFSK's overall brand sales dropped to 61 units, marking a 90% year-on-year contraction. To put this in perspective, while the Fengon E3 managed just 390 deliveries throughout 2025, its direct rival, the BYD Yuan EV, outsold it by more than a hundredfold in the same period.
On the consumer front, early adopters praised the crossover for its dependable real-world range (with the 405 km NEDC figure comfortably covering weekly commutes with manageable range degradation), generous cabin room courtesy of the 2,655 mm wheelbase, efficient power consumption during stop-and-go city driving, and solid safety kit on top-tier trims featuring 6 airbags, ESC, and TPMS at an accessible price point.
Conversely, owner complaints surfaced on platforms like 12365auto and motoring forums, pointing to inconsistencies in drive motor reliability, accelerated battery degradation, and fit-and-finish issues. Users highlighted significant range drops during cold weather or sustained high-speed highway cruising, alongside charging rates falling short of the claimed 30-minute DC benchmark. Furthermore, DFSK's limited brand equity in the NEV market compared to giants like BYD and GAC Aion, compounded by sparse dealership networks and slow product updates, severely hindered widespread market acceptance.
As DFSK's maiden attempt in the new energy segment, the Fengon E3 shouldered the brand's early electrification ambitions. Its core hardware—spanning a permanent magnet synchronous motor, ternary lithium pack, and range-extender setup—was respectable for its era. However, hampered by modest brand pull, sluggish model updates, and fierce market competition, the crossover struggled to carve out market share and remains largely on the sidelines in both domestic and international arenas.
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