Xingtu Xingjiyuan ET vs. Dongfeng eπ008: The difference between 200,000-level 5/

tech | 2024-04-01

In 2024, selecting a mid-to-large SUV priced just over 200,000 yuan is not a difficult task, as various manufacturers have developed both pure electric and range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) options. The domestic market's demand has not yet reached a "unified" state, making the range performance and energy replenishment methods of such mid-to-large SUVs particularly important during holidays.

Therefore, the range-extended electric vehicle is also a form of energy architecture that I highly recommend at present. The contrasting sales figures of the popular Ideal L series and the lackluster performance of their own pure electric MEGA series show that consumers have already expressed their preferences with their wallets. Not every family can afford the Ideal L8, which starts at 320,000 yuan, but almost every family has the spatial needs for a mid-to-large SUV.

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At a price about 100,000 yuan cheaper than the Ideal L8, we can still find two excellent range-extended mid-to-large SUVs—the six-seater Dongfeng eπ008 and the large five-seater Exeed Star Genesis ET.

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Static ComparisonFirstly, I had the opportunity to experience the eπ008 at the Dongfeng Motor Test Field in Hubei earlier this year, and its rich rear comfort configuration made a significant impression. It even outperforms many MPVs in terms of comfort. Dongfeng was quite candid in stating: "The eπ008 is a family SUV that focuses on a refrigerator, sofa, and large color TV." They also brought in the Li Auto L8 for a direct back-to-back test drive experience. Of course, the results of the experience were a mix of pros and cons, considering the price difference of 100,000 yuan.

As for the Xingjiyuan ET, strictly speaking, the entire series is positioned as a large 5-seater SUV, serving as a more affordable alternative to the Li Auto L6/7 with a price difference of over 50,000 yuan. At a price just above 200,000 yuan, it lacks the second-row independent seats and third-row seats compared to the eπ008, and its wheelbase is 25mm shorter. It is evident that the Xingjiyuan ET is a large 5-seater SUV that emphasizes the driver's experience, and I believe that Xingtu has not taken the wrong direction in its positioning.

The pricing of the top configurations of the two models is quite interesting. The 210Max eπ008 is priced at 216,600 yuan, while the Extended Range 200 Pro+ Xingjiyuan ET is priced at 225,800 yuan, with a price difference of only 9,200 yuan. Regardless, the prices of these two vehicles are highly overlapping, but the 5-seater and 6-seater cater to consumer groups with completely different needs.

I will not elaborate on the exterior and interior design. From my previous test drive experience with the eπ008, this mid-to-large 6-seater SUV can be sold for less than 220,000 yuan because it has chosen to omit configurations related to driving and intelligent driving, such as lidar, variable damping suspension, and dual motors. It focuses on packing as much comfort as possible into the vehicle—essentially, it is an extended-range pure electric MPV with an SUV ground clearance and without sliding doors!

In the eπ008's rear configuration, you can find features like rear electric memory, second-row independent seats, rear sunshades, double-layer laminated glass for the rear, second-row zero-gravity seats with ventilation, heating, and massage functions that can move left and right, a sliding refrigerator, and a 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen. Of course, these rear configurations are all included in the limited-time silent comfort package, smart home appliance upgrade package, and zero-gravity seat package that come with the launch before July 31st.Even though the seats are made of synthetic leather, surrounded by a multitude of comfort features, the riding experience they provide far exceeds what genuine leather upholstery can offer. So much so that I even filmed a special episode of a rear seat experience video at the time, and the richness of the configuration also refreshed my perception of mid-large 6-seater SUVs in the 200,000 yuan price range.

Of course, as a large 5-seater SUV, the Star Era ET also provides ample dignity in the rear seat experience. The entire vehicle comes standard with soundproof glass, and the second-row seats can be electrically adjusted for both backrest and fore-aft positions. Apart from the lack of ventilation in the rear seats, which is not as good as the Ideal L6, its 3000mm wheelbase, coupled with the rare extra-long rear seat cushions in its class, already offers the best within the 5-seater SUV category at the same price point.

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Dynamic Comparison

When it comes to driving, this is not the strong suit of the eπ008, but at least Dongfeng has achieved a first-tier level in terms of energy consumption. The range-extender version is equipped with a Mach 1.5T hybrid-specific engine, with a maximum power output of 108kW, a CLTC pure electric range of up to 210km, a fuel consumption of 5.55L/100km when the battery is depleted, and a combined range of 1300km.

As a range-extending SUV, the main focus is on the output power and torque of the electric motor. The rear-mounted single electric motor can achieve a maximum power of 200kW and a peak torque of 340Nm. From the actual experience, the power of the eπ008 is not only sufficient but even abundant. The rear-mounted motor provides better traction for power output. Although Dongfeng has not officially announced the acceleration performance of the eπ008, the experience is that of a vehicle that can break the 100km/h mark in about 8 seconds, which is quite impressive for a single-motor, 6-seater, mid-large SUV.The Star Era ET Extended Range version is equipped with a 1.5T range extender and an electric motor with a maximum power of 195 kilowatts, with the manufacturer claiming a thermal efficiency of the range extender of up to 44.5%. The rear-mounted electric motor has a maximum power of 195kW and a peak torque of 324Nm. The official acceleration time for 0 to 100 kilometers per hour is 7.8 seconds. Considering that the total vehicle weight of the Star Era ET is only 9kg lighter than the eπ008, at 2180kg, the difference in power experience between the two extended-range vehicles is not significant.

However, when it comes to chassis handling, there is a significant difference between the two vehicles just by looking at the hardware, and this difference is also reflected in the vehicle positioning. Firstly, looking at the suspension structure, the eπ008's front MacPherson and rear multi-link setup is a traditional transverse engine platform architecture. Therefore, to not fall behind in terms of drivability, Dongfeng has also equipped the eπ008 with an oversized tire and wheel configuration of 265/45 R21, which even the heavy 2490kg Li Auto L8 would need to spend 10,000 yuan to upgrade.

But in any case, in this class, the eπ008 is not an SUV that emphasizes driving feel. The 265-wide tires are more for safety redundancy in terms of grip, after all, there is no dual-motor four-wheel drive, nor the higher-level driving quality brought by adjustable suspension.

The Star Era ET's suspension structure is closer to the Li Auto series, with a front double-wishbone and rear five-link configuration, which is significantly more expensive. Moreover, the top configuration also includes height and damping adjustable air suspension, which is a substantial investment in hardware. Of course, this air suspension system is more focused on shock absorption performance and posture control, rather than the positioning of increasing suspension travel and passability like the Deep Blue G318.

Although the 255/50 R20 Continental tire package only requires an additional 3000 yuan, from the perspective of driving quality, the Star Era ET with air suspension is indeed a more premium existence. Even the Li Auto L6 MAX version only has a regular variable hydraulic damping suspension, and the entire series comes standard with a 6-piston brake system, which even the cost master Li Auto cannot match. It seems that Chery is quite insistent on configurations related to driving quality and handling control.03

Jia Shi Summary

The eπ008, after being equipped with the Smart Driving Navigation Upgrade Package, also possesses the same high-speed NOA feature without maps as the Star Era ET. However, neither vehicle is equipped with lidar, unless one chooses the Star Era ET pure electric 625 Pro City Smart Driving version specifically for smart driving capabilities.

With a price difference of only 9,200 yuan (the limited-time rights price for eπ008 is valid until July 31st), the two vehicles offer distinctly different answers, but this multiple-choice question is quite easy to answer. Families with children should prioritize the eπ008, with a 3025mm wheelbase and a spacious 6-seater layout, coupled with fully loaded second-row configurations, achieving first-class comfort features in the 200,000 yuan class, which is the enjoyment brought by the "refrigerator sofa big color TV."

The Star Era ET, also as a mid-to-large size SUV, naturally does not lag behind in terms of rear space with its large 5-seater layout. Additionally, the top-of-the-line adjustable damping air suspension ensures a comfortable ride quality, even imparting a sense of luxury. It also offers the most premium configuration in the 200,000 yuan class of extended-range SUVs, with selling points that are very prominent.Both cars are designed to challenge the Ideal L6/7/8 models, each with its own distinct advantages. It all comes down to whether you prefer the "fridge, sofa, big TV" experience or the more sophisticated driving quality brought by air suspension.