This spring, a new Chinese competitor, the DongFeng Seres 3, will hit the market with a starting price of $37,032, $617 less than its nearest rival.
Its price tag of less than $37,000 makes it the most affordable electric SUV available, easing the way for more people to switch to electric mobility. This bold pricing approach will undoubtedly cause a stir in the market, possibly prompting well-established companies to reconsider their products and services.
DongFeng Seres 3 Specs
The Seres 3 has a 54 kWh battery and can supposedly go 205 miles on WLTP. Although it isn’t the best, it’s sufficient for the majority of daily commutes. A range of 315 miles is ideal for running errands in urban areas, much to the delight of city dwellers. While traveling on highways, it may be necessary to stop more often to charge. You won’t have to worry about running out of juice while you’re on the road thanks to the 30-minute fast charging feature. The Seres 3 can reach a top speed of 96 mph and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds thanks to its electric motor, which delivers 163 horsepower. Sure, it won’t turn heads, but it’s more than enough for the majority of drivers looking for a practical and comfortable daily driver.
The Seres 3 isn’t exactly towering, but its proportions make it useful in many situations. Its 4,385 mm length makes it roomy enough for families, and the 383 l trunk (which can expand to 1,422 l when the seats are folded) and plenty of legroom for passengers in the back make it a good choice. With more cargo space and maybe better value for money, it competes head-on with well-established mid-size electric vehicles like the MG ZS EV. But remember that its 1,850 mm width might make it a tight fit for some city streets or tight parking spots, so think about how you usually drive with this size in mind.
Active and Spirit are the two available trim levels for the Seres 3. While the more expensive Spirit trim unlocks safety features like lane departure warning, the more basic Active offers necessities like a touchscreen, rearview camera, and keyless start. Some shoppers watching their pennies may wish for more basic safety gear as a result of this.
Those looking for an affordable electric vehicle will find the Seres 3 to be an attractive option due to its reasonable price and reasonable range. Some people still don’t believe Chinese automakers can improve their products’ quality and technology. Nobody knows much about the Seres 3, so we don’t yet know how reliable it is or how good their after-sale support is.
When you consider the attractive price tag in light of the average performance, lack of standard safety features in the base trim, and other factors, it becomes clear that some corners were cut. However, the Seres 3 joins a market that is desperate for an affordable electric vehicle, and its respectable exterior and pleasant cabin might sway many on the fence about making a purchase.
