The DFSK C35 (marketed overseas as the Dongfeng DFSK C35) is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive compact panel van manufactured by DFSK, the light commercial vehicle (LCV) division of Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Built on the same platform as the C31 and C32 commercial truck line-up, the C35 transforms the conventional open cargo bed into a fully enclosed, high-capacity cargo compartment fitted with standard dual sliding side doors. Thanks to its remarkable space efficiency and agile city manoeuvrability, it serves as a core workhorse for domestic logistics and courier delivery fleets, while its pure electric derivative, the EC35 , is widely exported to Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, standing out as a prime example of Chinese electric commercial vans going global.
Positioned as a versatile urban commercial van, the petrol-powered DFSK C35 carries an accessible domestic price tag ranging from RM45,900 to RM61,900. Its key selling points centre on a square, fully enclosed cargo bay measuring 2.48 metres in length with up to 5.1 cubic metres of load volume, alongside seating flexibility offering a 2-seater Panel Van or a 5-seater/7-seater Crew Van. It specifically caters to modern last-mile delivery operations requiring weather, theft, and dust protection—including courier express, FMCG distribution, pharmaceutical cold chain, and postal services. In high-operating-cost overseas markets (such as Western Europe and South America), it is widely regarded as a cost-effective alternative to larger commercial vans like the Ford Transit for inner-city operations.
From a conventional petrol workhorse to a global pioneer in clean urban logistics, the evolution of the C35 highlights Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle's drive towards modern fleet electrification:
Establishing the Panel Van Standard (2012–2018): Developed on DFSK's proven C-series chassis, the C35 transformed the market from basic mixed-use passenger vans into a purpose-built commercial carrier, setting the benchmark for urban panel vans with its fully enclosed all-metal blind-window (or semi-glazed) body.
EC35 Electrification and Global Expansion (2019–2024): In response to domestic green vehicle initiatives and strict European low-emission regulations (such as London's ULEZ), DFSK introduced the all-electric EC35 (including the EC35 II). Powered by a circa-40 kWh battery pack offering 200 km to 300 km of driving range, it consistently ranked among the top three best-selling electric commercial vans domestically and secured Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) across Western Europe (including the UK, Spain, and Germany), entering municipal and postal fleets in high volumes.
2025/2026 Model Year Upgrades (2025 to present): Entering its latest model update cycle, DFSK launched the refreshed 2025/2026 C35 and EC35. The petrol variant features a refined 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (98–112 hp) tuned for improved thermal efficiency and tighter emissions compliance. The interior has also been thoroughly upgraded, adding Electric Power Steering (EPS) and front power windows as standard across the range, alongside an optional touchscreen infotainment head unit with reverse camera and an extended warranty of up to 5 years or 100,000 km (up to 7 years in select markets) tailored for hot and hilly export destinations in the Middle East and Latin America to maximise fleet uptime.
The DFSK C35 family has established a solid global presence through a dual-track strategy catering to both petrol and electric commercial segments. Domestically, it is a staple for on-demand logistics platforms (such as Huolala and Kuaigou Dache), easily navigating tight commercial basements and industrial estates. Internationally, the C35/EC35 delivers strong value with exceptionally low running costs per kilometre. In Spain, the UK, and Ireland, the electric EC35 leads green last-mile urban logistics for major delivery operators. Meanwhile, in Latin America and the Middle East—such as Peru, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia—the 2026 petrol C35 serves as a reliable mobile storefront for local businesses, praised for its robust powertrain and running gear (engine, manual gearbox, and rear axle) that handle continuous fully loaded runs with the air-conditioning on in 50°C desert heat.
Dimensionally, the 2026 C35 is tailored for tight urban streets, measuring 4,500 mm in length, 1,680 mm in width, and 2,000 mm in height, with a generous 3,050 mm wheelbase. Its compact footprint and tight 5.6-metre turning radius allow it to effortlessly access narrow residential lanes and standard underground carparks with 2.0-metre height limits.
Key cargo, powertrain, and chassis specifications are detailed below:
5.1 m³ Modular Enclosed Cargo Bay (Core Productivity):
Internal Cargo Dimensions (2-seater Panel Van): Length 2,480 mm, width 1,470 mm, height 1,290 mm.
High Loading/Unloading Efficiency: Setting it apart from conventional commercial trucks, the C35 features dual sliding side doors paired with a wide 180° upward-lifting tailgate (or optional twin barn doors), allowing operators to load and unload cargo swiftly in congested single-lane streets or tight loading bays. Rated payload capacity ranges from 700 kg to 1 tonne (1,000 kg) .
Heavy-Duty Commercial Powertrain (Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive):
1.5L Petrol Powertrain: Powered by a durable 1.5-litre inline-four naturally aspirated multi-point fuel-injected engine delivering 72–82 kW (approx. 98–112 hp) and 145–149 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission (5MT). Combined NEDC fuel consumption is rated at around 7.1 L/100 km .
All-Electric EC35 (Urban Green Energy Mainstay): Fitted with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing around 60 kW, paired with an approximate 41 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. It delivers a CLTC/NEDC range of 260–300 km and supports DC fast charging to achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes, ideally matching high-frequency daily delivery routes averaging 150–200 km.
Heavy-Duty Commercial Chassis & Suspension:
Featuring front independent MacPherson strut suspension and a heavy-duty rear 5-leaf progressive leaf spring non-independent setup with a rigid rear drive axle. When unladen, the front suspension and Electric Power Steering (EPS) provide light, passenger-car-like steering, while the reinforced rear leaf springs deliver excellent load-bearing stability and anti-sag performance under full payloads.
Inside, the 2026 C35/EC35 adopts a passenger-car-inspired cabin layout. Standard equipment includes high-output dual heating and cooling air-conditioning, front centre cabin lighting, and an LCD multi-info instrument cluster. High-spec export models and 5-seater Crew Van variants further feature a 7- to 9-inch Android-supported touchscreen infotainment head unit (integrating an HD reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, and dual USB fast-charging ports), noticeably improving driver comfort on daily routes.
In terms of safety, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) come standard across the range, with key body pillars and the front crash beam reinforced with high-strength steel. High-spec export variants also include dual front airbags and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as standard, offering dependable protection for fleet drivers on the road.
As global carbon-neutral policies tighten emissions requirements for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), the DFSK C35 lineup will focus on next-generation EV platforms and local knockdown (KD) assembly expansion in target regions. Over the next two years, DFSK plans to roll out an all-new electric commercial platform featuring integrated e-axle technology to reduce kerb weight and maximise usable cargo volume within compact dimensions, alongside a dedicated telematics fleet management system. Leveraging DFSK's expanding KD assembly operations in Indonesia, Latin America, and emerging markets, the C35 and EC35 will continue to serve as durable, cost-effective green workhorses for global last-mile delivery logistics.
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