Plug-in hybrid models perfectly solve the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles and the fuel economy issues of pure gasoline vehicles. Users have the choice of using electricity or gasoline, saving money on city commuting with electricity and enjoying long range on full gas and electric power for long trips. Most plug-in hybrid models on the market have a pure electric range of around 80-120km, requiring frequent charging for those who want to drive purely on electricity. To address this issue, the Dongfeng Fengshen L7, the first Dongfeng brand model equipped with Dongfeng Mach electric hybrid PHREV technology, is equipped with a large 30.2kWh battery, providing a pure electric range of up to 205km and fast charging capability, reaching 30%-80% SOC in just 26 minutes. Despite the official claim of a 205km pure electric range, testing has revealed even greater surprises.
The test drive started from Kunming Airport, covering 235km to Mile City. 80% on highways, 20% on city roads, using pure electric driving mode. Upon arrival, total electric range tested at 260.1km with 8.3kWh/100km energy consumption. Official 205km range seems conservative. Altitude difference may have affected results, showing Dongfeng’s PHREV efficiency and regenerative braking are high.
The next day’s test drive mainly focused on experiencing the fuel consumption performance of the Dongfeng Fengshen L7 PHREV. The total distance was 36.7km, with 30km at a speed of 120km/h on the highway. The actual fuel consumption was measured at 5.0L/100km, which is not far from the official claim of 3.8L/100km. It can be said that the Dongfeng Fengshen L7 PHREV with full fuel and full electric range can easily exceed 1500km. What makes the Dongfeng Maho PHREV stand out in electric hybrid vehicles.
1.5T hybrid special engine, thermal efficiency up to 45.18%, comprehensive maximum power of power system 265kW, peak torque 615N·m. This 1.5T hybrid special engine has advanced technologies such as variable cross-section turbocharging technology, high-pressure four-injection technology within 0.8 milliseconds, high exhaust gas recirculation rate, and ultra-lightweight design engine piston. In addition, the exhaust turbine end efficiency of this engine has increased by 78%, and the compression end efficiency has increased by 80%. It is worth mentioning that Dongfeng has developed a hybrid engine with a breakthrough thermal efficiency of 47%, which will exceed 48% by 2025, and has also carried out pre-research on new technologies to achieve a thermal efficiency breakthrough of 50%.
The Fengshen L7 uses a 4-speed intelligent hybrid electric drive system with 7 energy management modes and 26 sub-working modes. The system efficiency is 93%, with a high efficiency zone utilization rate of 95%. It has 4 fixed gears and 2 power split gears, balancing low-speed fuel consumption, smooth driving, low fuel consumption at high speeds, and excellent power performance. It is 9% more fuel efficient in comprehensive driving conditions compared to single gear, 4% more fuel efficient than 2 gears, and 2% more fuel efficient than 3 gears. In actual driving experience, the engine intervention is almost imperceptible, with a very smooth and powerful overall power output.
On the power battery, the Fengshen L7 is equipped with a 30.2kWh battery, featuring lithium branch crystal self-repair technology, achieving 2000 system cycle life. The bottom has a 1200MPa armor, honeycomb aluminum alloy frame, high resistance to compression of 300kN, withstands a 10m drop. It is worth mentioning that the lithium branch crystal self-repair technology is a bit of high-tech. As the number of battery charge and discharge cycles increases, lithium branch crystals will be generated inside the battery, causing a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes, resulting in high heat generation and thermal runaway. With the lithium branch crystal self-repair technology, the growth of lithium branch crystals can be slowed down, greatly improving the battery life and safety. In addition, Dongfeng Motor is currently developing solid-state batteries and 6C super fast charging technology, which will be able to charge 80% of the battery in 10 minutes in the future.
In terms of active safety, Mah battery adopts a thermoelectric isolation structure design and optimizes the exhaust channels between the battery cells. The spacing at the bottom of the cells is increased, increasing exhaust capacity by 85%. It also utilizes an emergency cooling system. In extreme cases of thermal runaway, the spray system above the cells can quickly intervene to achieve rapid cooling. A maximum temperature drop of 80°C in 10 seconds eliminates the risk of spontaneous combustion. The appearance has a slight combat style.
The Fengshen L7 is designed with a light-year journey as the design concept, creating a futuristic and stylish look. The new car measures 4685/1905/1625mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2775mm, positioning it as a compact plug-in hybrid SUV.
The front face of the Fengshen L7 is equipped with curved LED lights and flat, wide wing-shaped elements, creating a flying wing front face, further expanding the visual width, and creating an atmospheric and dynamic overall style.
The front grille of the Fengshen L7 features a closed design to reduce drag. The cooling grille is located at the bottom and uses an active design that closes in pure electric mode to reduce drag.
The integrated LED welcome light and wing-shaped fog light area with “small tiger teeth” elements incorporate intelligent light language function, creating a warm emotional expression.
The car’s side profile has a hunting style, the floating roof is dynamic and stylish, hidden door handles and low drag wheels can provide longer range. It is worth mentioning that the tires are Wanli tires. In terms of actual driving experience, the tire noise is almost non-existent and the comfort is quite good.
The extended and raised waistline of the Fengshen L7 brings a fuller body visual, while the lower waistline adds more rugged sporty style.
The rear design of the Fengshen L7 is aggressive, especially the V-shaped spoiler and integrated high-mounted brake light, giving a strong visual impact. The rear also features a 2000mm long LED strip light, showcasing an attacking stance.
The Fengshen L7 has a charging power of 45kW, taking only 26 minutes to reach 30%-80% SOC. Dongfeng is currently developing solid-state batteries and 6C super fast charging technology, allowing for an 80% charge in just 10 minutes. The interior is more youthful.
The interior design of the Fengshen L7 leans towards a younger demographic, with vibrant colors and a flat-bottomed steering wheel for a stylish and sporty look.
The vehicle is equipped with WindLink OS 3.0 smart cockpit, standard with Qualcomm 8155 chip, 14.6-inch LCD display, and 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel. 100% voice interaction in all scenarios, achieving millisecond response time, recognizing 8 consecutive commands within 10 seconds, and even voice activation of in-car functions like “adjust rearview mirror”.
Floating island-style center console design, plenty of storage compartments for phones, water bottles, very convenient. Wind God L7 also has 128-color dynamic ambient lights and 13 speakers with independent amplifiers.
The front seats feature a one-piece sport design with a “T” shaped 3-stage backrest design + “2-stage” seat cushion design + “integrated” sport headrest, fully conforming to the body curve. The main driver’s seat has 6-way power adjustment with memory function, while the passenger seat has 4-way power adjustment, supporting seat heating/ventilation.
Ride comfortable, power abundant.
The 1.5T hybrid engine has a thermal efficiency of 45.18%, a maximum power output of 265kW, a peak torque of 615N·m, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. During normal driving, the electric motor provides smooth and powerful acceleration. The engine seamlessly kicks in when needed, without any jolts, only a slight engine noise can be heard. The acceleration in the second half of the journey remains strong and smooth, similar to driving in pure electric mode. At high speeds, you won’t notice which gear it’s in, the power system works like a “black box” that you don’t need to worry about, just feel the power as you press the pedal.
In detail, this 1.5T engine uses a water-cooled intercooler, which has the advantage of higher cooling efficiency, lower intake temperature, and improved engine thermal efficiency. While air-cooled intercoolers have good cooling efficiency at high speeds, they perform poorly in traffic jams, making water-cooled intercoolers more suitable for all road conditions.
The Fengshen L7 features front MacPherson independent suspension, rear multi-link independent suspension, with a bias towards comfort. The suspension isolates most road feel and small vibrations, but exhibits noticeable body bounce on larger bumps and average control when cornering quickly. Overall, this is a SUV suitable for smooth driving, meeting the comfort needs of most family users.
It is worth mentioning that the Fengshen L7 has excellent NVH performance. When driving at high speeds, there is no tire noise, and it is difficult to notice the engine noise. Only slight wind noise can be heard, and overall performance can even rival luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles.
One interesting point is that the Fengshen L7 is equipped with the i-Control smart electronic control system, which has AI predictive energy management. It automatically adjusts to the most fuel-efficient power mode by recognizing road conditions, allowing even novices to become a “golden right foot.”
In terms of intelligent driving, the Fengshen L7 has Level 2 driving assistance functions. By flicking the gear lever, you can activate the ACC adaptive cruise control. Flicking it twice activates lane keeping + ACC, which helps alleviate driver fatigue during long journeys.
Dongfeng Fengshen L7 PHREV is hybrid, range-extender, and all-electric, with a total range of 1500 km and pure electric range exceeding 205 km. Fuel consumption is only 3.8L per 100 km. Dongfeng Mahler Electric Hybrid PHREV can generate 3.66 kWh of electricity per liter of fuel in range-extender mode, setting an industry benchmark. Dongfeng, with strong R&D capabilities, is raising the overall industry standards for plug-in hybrid vehicles to new heights.