DongFeng Seres 3: The UK’s Most Affordable Electric SUV Arriving This Spring
Move over MG ZS EV—there’s a new budget EV challenger in the UK. The DongFeng Seres 3, a compact electric SUV from China, is set to arrive this spring with a starting price of $41,192, making it the most affordable electric SUV currently on the market. By undercutting its nearest rival by $687, the Seres 3 is poised to shake up the segment and attract price-conscious EV buyers.
Ultra-Competitive Pricing
The biggest draw of the DongFeng Seres 3 is undeniably its price. Coming in under $41,000, it lowers the barrier to entry for electric mobility and may force established brands to reconsider their pricing strategy. For drivers seeking the cheapest electric SUV in the UK, the Seres 3 instantly stands out.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The Seres 3 is equipped with a 54 kWh battery, delivering:
- 205 miles WLTP range
- Up to 315 miles of urban range
While the WLTP range isn’t class-leading, it’s perfectly adequate for daily commutes and city driving. Highway trips will require more charging stops, but the 30-minute fast charging capability ensures convenient top-ups on longer journeys.
Performance comes from a 163 hp electric motor, good for:
- 0–62 mph in 8.9 seconds
- 96 mph top speed
These numbers aren’t thrilling, but they suit drivers prioritizing comfort, practicality, and affordability.
Practical Size and Family-Friendly Interior
Despite being slightly smaller than some rivals, the DongFeng Seres 3 offers solid practicality:
- Length: 4,385 mm
- Width: 1,850 mm
- Boot space: 383 L (expandable to 1,422 L)
Rear-seat space is generous, making it suitable for families. Cargo capacity is competitive with models like the MG ZS EV, offering strong value for buyers wanting practicality without the premium price. However, its width may feel tight on narrow streets or in compact parking spaces—something urban drivers should keep in mind.
Trim Levels: Active vs. Spirit
The Seres 3 arrives in two trims:
- Active (base trim): touchscreen, rearview camera, keyless start
- Spirit (top trim): adds lane departure warning and more safety features
Budget shoppers may find the lack of certain safety features in the entry model disappointing, especially as these are becoming standard in many rival EVs.
Should You Consider the DongFeng Seres 3?
The DongFeng Seres 3 brings an appealing combination of affordability, decent range, and family-friendly practicality. However, there are trade-offs:
- Limited standard safety features in the base trim
- Average performance
- Unproven long-term reliability and after-sales support in the UK
Still, for buyers looking for the cheapest electric SUV with respectable range and comfort, the Seres 3 could be exactly what the market has been waiting for.
