With sleek sedan proportions, a technology-forward cabin, and performance credentials that brush up against established sport sedans, the 007 looks determined to make its mark on Kiwi roads, and all at a compelling price point. What’s more, I have to say, it’s a vehicle I wanted to like, especially after my first taste at the track at Hamptons.
Sleek, Sculpted, and Surprisingly Sporty
At first glance, the Dongfeng 007 presents itself as a clean, modern liftback with athletic undertones. Its sleek fastback silhouette gives it the stance of a sporty executive sedan, and Dongfeng’s emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency is immediately evident too, with an impressive drag coefficient of 0.209 Cd, the car has the slipperiness to match its futuristic appearance.
The 007’s surface design leans heavily into the EV minimalism trend, smooth panels, sharp LED lighting elements, and a cohesive front end that avoids the anonymous appliance feel found in some EV SUVs. The result is a genuinely premium look that positions the 007 as a fresh but credible alternative to the more familiar names on the road.
High-Tech Cabin With Comfort at Its Core
Step inside, and the Dongfeng 007 continues delivering on its promise of ‘more’ for Kiwi drivers. The cabin is positioned as a high-tech, intelligent environment, and it shows in both layout and feature integration.
It has a predominantly digital cockpit with a spacious, driver‑oriented layout. Chinese EV manufacturers have become well-known for offering feature-rich cabins with expansive screens, efficient use of space, and high perceived quality, and the 007 fits this mould well. The panoramic roof is a bonus, it’s expansive, floods the cabin with light and through it you can watch the skyfall. Not sure about the white steering wheel though.
On the whole the cabin trim is good, however, look a little closer, and some of the materials come across as cheap and perishable, in particular, the door speakers. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I personably believe that the plastics that cover the speakers will wear quickly and the black beneath will appear – gut feel for sure, but time will tell.
Space is great, both front and rear and behind the scenes, the suspension hardware (MacPherson up front and a multi-link rear) does double duty, not only aiding on-road handling but also improving ride comfort, which contributes to the cabin’s refined feel for everyday driving in New Zealand conditions. But oddly, at 100km/h the sleekness of the sedan creates a high level of wind noise (no, I can’t explain that either).
Overall, the Dongfeng 007 interior strikes a satisfying balance between digital sophistication and long-distance comfort.
Smart, Connected, and Driver-Focused
Practical touches like the 50 W wireless phone charger are appreciated, though its shallow design allows phones to slide out during cornering, interrupting charging. Software and infotainment are more than comparable to other new-generation Chinese systems, initially unfamiliar but ultimately functional once learned. I have to say that although the inclusion of a headrest speaker for the driver is a great touch (and unexpected in this price bracket), the sound system is a long way from being premium audio. Also, the rear camera takes too long to activate, likely needing a software update.
The 007 has yet to get an ANCAP rating but it does have most of the usual ADAS suspects, rear cross alert, AEB etc, however, driver-assistance features does reveal another weakness and that’s the lane-keeping assist system – quite frankly it’s a handful, both in battling with the steering wheel and constantly beeping – it necessitates being shut off and awaiting an update in my humble opinion.
Long Range, Strong Performance, and Smart Charging
For many EV shoppers, powertrain performance is where the 007 Long Range RWD really stands out. With 200 kW of max power and 320 Nm of torque, it provides acceleration figures that land squarely in the “sporty daily driver” category – it won’t scare the living daylight out of you like the Performance model, but it’s more than ample. The 0–100 km/h sprint of 5.8 seconds is great for confident passing and spirited highway merging, and in RWD form, the car maintains a more traditional driver‑focused dynamic compared to the Performance AWD setup.
The 70.26 kWh LFP battery is another strong selling point. Lithium iron phosphate chemistry offers robust thermal stability, long cycle life, and consistent charging performance, ideal for New Zealand’s mix of urban commutes and intercity touring. Dongfeng pairs this with fast‑charging capabilities that help fully support the car’s long‑range aspirations.
In real world use, I started out at 520 km, the vehicle covered 253 km and still showed 270 km remaining, impressive figures given that much of the driving occurred on the motorway, where EV efficiency is typically reduced. This positions the 007 Long Range as a strong contender for those who need real-world range capability.
The Vehicle‑to‑Load (V2L) function adds a practical, lifestyle‑friendly dimension, allowing drivers to power tools, camping gear, appliances, or even another EV in a pinch. It’s a feature that has quickly become a favourite among EV owners who value utility alongside efficiency.
Smooth, Confident, and Surprisingly Engaging
The 007’s use of a front MacPherson strut and rear multi‑link independent suspension, is tuned for smooth and stable handling on New Zealand roads. This is a significant advantage over more basic torsion-beam setups found in many lower-priced EVs.
Combined with the long wheelbase typical of EV platforms, this suspension configuration delivers composed, confidence-inspiring driving on both motorways and winding rural routes. The RWD layout adds an extra degree of predictable driving engagement, helping the 007 feel more dynamically balanced than many FWD-focused alternatives.
The responsive electric powertrain, low centre of gravity from the underfloor battery pack, and efficient aerodynamics work together to create a driving experience that is both stable at speed and enjoyable around town. Expect direct acceleration, minimal body roll, and a comfortable, well-damped ride.
Visibility front and side is good, however, the rear is useless due to three large headrests that black the rear window. Great for passenger comfort, bad for driver views.
A Lot of EV for the Money
Priced from $54,990 plus ORC, the Dongfeng 007 Long Range undercuts many rivals while offering a compelling mix of range, performance, and features. Given its size, equipment, and power, it lands in a sweet spot for New Zealand buyers looking for a premium EV driving experience without the premium price tag.
Tarmac Takeaway – A Confident Step, albeit limited right now
The Dongfeng 007 Long Range sedan arrives as a confident, well-executed entry into the New Zealand EV market. With its sleek liftback styling, high-tech cabin, impressive range, and engaging dynamics, it offers a rounded package that appeals to drivers seeking both value and excitement. Backed by practical features like V2L and a durable LFP battery, the 007 feels perfectly tailored to the everyday needs of Kiwi drivers while also punching above its weight in performance and design.
If the EV market is a spy thriller (yes, I had to go there), the Dongfeng 007 (long dong) plays the role of the unexpected new agent, smart, stylish, and more capable than anticipated. While sedans may not be in vogue (or en-vogue if you’re more suave), the model brings enough substance and standout range performance to make it a competitive option for buyers willing to look beyond current market trends.
