Browse Review
Table of Contents
These days, if someone asks me, “What’s your dream car?” I’d probably default to an exotic sports car or a fully equipped 4×4. But reality has other plans—I’ve got a mortgage, a wife, two kids, and I’m caring for my elderly mother. By my calculations, a 5-seater just won’t cut it.
It’s 2024, and EV tech is no longer just a distant dream. I want a piece of that future, but I need to be realistic and practical like my sports car aspirations.
Enter the DFSK E5—a 7-seater premium mid-size SUV that checks all the boxes for someone like me, who wants practicality with a touch of cutting-edge tech.
Want your ride to look good? Check
Need 7 seats? Check.
Want a luxurious interior? Check.
Looking to save money on fuel? Check.
Sleek Exterior Meets Luxurious, Spacious Interior
The DFSK E5’s proportions lend it a commanding presence without being overly flashy. The front grille features a sleek, modern design with sharp headlights that are among the brightest we’ve tested.
The side profile is subtle and refined, while the rear boasts eye-catching taillights that demand attention. If our photos don’t already convince you of its beauty, look again—there’s plenty to appreciate.
Inside, your passengers will enjoy plush leather seats available in various colors, depending on the trim. As is standard with many Chinese cars, a sunroof is included, along with well-placed storage pockets, cubbies, and cup holders for all seven passengers.
We especially appreciate the physical buttons on the center console. The A/C performs admirably, there’s a wireless charger, and the wood trim wrapping around the cabin adds a premium touch.
The dual screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment are standard fare but responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Additional tech features include AV recording, a 360-degree camera system, and a 12-speaker audio setup. While we wish it had more volume, the sound distribution throughout the cabin is a plus.
On the practical side, the E5 offers a power tailgate and generous cargo space when the third row is folded down, making it an excellent five-seater. When in use, the third row is best suited for young adults or children. We would have liked USB ports back there, but at least cup holders are provided on both sides.
1,150 KM of Range: A Game-Changer
If the DFSK E5 were in a 7-seater SUV showdown and asked, “What sets you apart?” it would confidently answer, “I can cover over 1,000 kilometers on a single tank and full charge and I have 7 seats.”
The E5 comes equipped with a 60-liter fuel tank and a 16 kWh battery, offering an official 87 km EV range (we achieved 100 km during our test). Combined, the E5 provides a total range of up to 1,150 km. Impressive, right? Welcome to the world of PHEVs.
What drives this?
Under the hood, the E5 pairs a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 130 kW (175 PS) and 300 Nm of torque. While it’s not designed for aggressive cornering, the E5 excels at cruising comfortably along highways, with minimal outside noise and a plush, relaxing ride. In simple terms: it’s powerful, smooth, and comfortable.
The steering is light for easy city driving but firms up at higher speeds for added stability. A handy HEV/EV toggle on the center console allows easy switching between modes. Safety features (Blind spot monitoring, Lane Changing Assist, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert) are plentiful, enhancing peace of mind.
Throughout our five-day test, we only noticed the engine kicking in once—it’s that quiet.
This or the BYD Sealion 6?
It’s not difficult to expect buyers to compare the DFSK E5 to the BYD Sealion 6. I can tell you this though, it’s just as comfy (or even better than the aforementioned, it has 2 more seats, more physical buttons, has a bigger trunk, but it does lack the adaptive cruise control that we expect at this price and the Sealion has more practical things like more USB ports, but if you need to seat more people and need that practicality then the choice is clear, the DFSK E5 is for you.
Things we Like:
7 Seats / Bigger Boot
Super Comfy Ride
Legit 100KM range on Full EV
Plush interior
Things to Improve
Less Tech versus completion
ie. Needs Adaptive Cruise Control & more USB Ports for the price point
In collaboration with DFSK PH. All opinions and views expressed are entirely my own
