Dongfeng’s six-seat 008 range-extender SUV is on sale in the UAE at AED 139,900. MAHY Khoory Automotive sells it in one trim, with a claimed 200 km of electric range and 1,220 km in total.
What has Dongfeng launched?
MAHY Khoory Automotive, Dongfeng’s exclusive UAE dealer, launched the 008 on 19 October. The launch followed the opening of a new flagship showroom at Oasis Mall on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The 008 is a three-row SUV with six seats, and in China it’s sold as the Dongfeng eπ 008.
Saj Jabbar, Vice President of MAHY Khoory Automotive, called the car “an important milestone for the brand in the UAE”.
How much does the Dongfeng 008 cost?
The 008 comes in a single, fully equipped trim priced at AED 139,900. Dongfeng UAE’s own model page doesn’t list a price yet, so buyers should confirm the figure and any launch offers in the showroom.
That price puts it among other Chinese range-extender SUVs on sale in the UAE. For instance, the iCaur V27 starts at AED 134,999 and the Deepal G318 at AED 129,900. Both of those seat five, however, while the 008 seats six.
How does a range-extender work?
A range-extender drives its wheels with electric motors, like a battery-electric car. However, it also carries a petrol engine that works only as a generator. In the 008, a 1.5-litre turbo engine tops up the battery from a 51-litre fuel tank once the charge runs low.
In practice, owners can charge at home and drive on electricity for most short trips. On a longer run, the engine starts and they refuel at a petrol station as normal. As a result, running costs depend heavily on how often owners plug in. Dongfeng quotes 5.7 litres per 100 km once the battery is empty.
How far can it go on electricity alone?
Dongfeng claims 200 km on battery power and up to 1,220 km in total. Those are manufacturer figures, reported as measured on China’s CLTC cycle. That test tends to be more generous than Europe’s WLTP cycle. Consequently, real-world range will probably fall short, especially with the air conditioning working hard in summer.
For comparison, the five-seat Chinese version pairs a 34.32 kWh battery with a claimed 210 km of CLTC electric range. Other brands are also bringing range extenders to the Gulf with long total-range claims.
What powers the 008?
A single rear motor drives the 008, producing 200 kW (272 hp) and 340 Nm. It draws on a 34.32 kWh battery, which Dongfeng says will charge from 30 to 80 per cent in about 15 minutes on a DC charger. The car rides on 21-inch wheels. Dongfeng hasn’t published 0 to 100 km/h or top speed figures for the UAE model.
How much room is inside?
The 008 measures 5,002 mm long, with a 3,025 mm wheelbase. Its six seats sit in a 2+2+2 layout, with captain’s chairs in the middle row. With all seats in use, the boot holds 292 litres, rising to 783 litres with the third row folded.
Inside, there’s a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 19-speaker sound system and Apple CarPlay. An onboard fridge can cool to 5°C or warm to 50°C, so the cooling end will do most of the work in a UAE summer.
How safe is it?
The 008 carries a five-star rating from C-NCAP, China’s crash-test programme, and has six airbags. Dongfeng also fits driver-assistance systems and a 540-degree camera, which can show the ground beneath the front of the car.
Where can buyers see it?
In Dubai, the 008 is on display at Dongfeng’s showrooms at Oasis Mall and in Deira. Abu Dhabi has two Dongfeng showrooms, on Airport Road and in Musaffah, and service centres sit in Al Quoz and Musaffah.
Dongfeng and MAHY Khoory haven’t yet published warranty terms for the 008. Buyers should therefore ask about battery and vehicle cover before they sign.
