The Dongfeng ePi 008 (sold under Dongfeng’s “ePi” / Yipai sub-brand) is a full-size, three-row family SUV that undercuts almost everything in its class. In range-extender (REEV) form it pairs a small petrol generator with a punchy rear electric motor for a combined range past 1,220 km, seats six in comfort, and even offers an in-cabin refrigerator — all from a Chinese starting price around $25,000. As the walkaround reviewer frames it, this is a direct value rival to the BYD Tang DM-i: “if you’re planning to buy a six- or seven-seater, you can definitely choose this — the third row is more spacious than the Tang DM-i.” It’s a lot of three-row SUV for the money, and Dongfeng says it’s ready for export.
Powertrain: Range-Extender (REEV)
The version in this walkaround is the REEV (range-extended EV). A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (147 PS / 210 Nm) works purely as a generator — it doesn’t drive the wheels — charging a 34.32 kWh LFP battery that feeds a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 272 PS (200 kW) and 340 Nm. That gives a CLTC EV-only range of 210 km and a combined range the reviewer and listing quote at 1,220 km for this 6-seat, 21-inch-wheel configuration (Dongfeng quotes up to 1,300 km on lighter trims). Top speed is 180 km/h; the reviewer noted Dongfeng hasn’t published a 0–100 km/h time. For buyers who want EV running costs without charging anxiety on long family trips, the REEV setup is the whole pitch. A pure-electric version with an 82.28 kWh battery and 636 km CLTC range is also offered.
| Architecture | REEV (range extender) |
|---|---|
| Generator engine | 1.5T, 147 PS / 210 Nm |
| Drive motor | Rear, 272 PS (200 kW) / 340 Nm |
| Battery | 34.32 kWh LFP |
| EV range (CLTC) | 210 km |
| Combined range | 1,220+ km |
| Top speed | 180 km/h |
| BODY TYPE | Full-size SUV, 6-seat (5-seat also offered) |
|---|---|
| POWERTRAIN | REEV (range extender); EV version also available |
| GENERATOR ENGINE | 1.5T, 147 PS / 210 Nm |
| DRIVE MOTOR | Rear, 272 PS (200 kW) / 340 Nm |
| BATTERY | 34.32 kWh LFP (REEV) |
| EV RANGE (CLTC) | 210 km |
| COMBINED RANGE | 1,220+ km |
| TOP SPEED | 180 km/h |
| PRICE (CHINA) | from ~¥173,600 (~$25,000) |
Dimensions & Space
| Length | 5,002 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,972 mm |
| Height | 1,732 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,025 mm |
| Cargo | 495 L |
| Seating | 6 (5 also offered) |
At 5,002 mm long on a 3,025 mm wheelbase, the ePi 008 is a genuine full-size three-row SUV. The walkaround stresses interior space as its strongest card: “enough leg space and head space” in the second row, and a third row the reviewer calls more spacious than the BYD Tang DM-i’s — with USB ports and cup holders back there. Cargo behind the third row is 495 litres. The cabin leans toward comfort and tech: leather seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof with shade, the optional fridge and rear entertainment screen.
| LENGTH | 5,002 mm (196.9 in) |
|---|---|
| WIDTH | 1,972 mm (77.6 in) |
| HEIGHT | 1,732 mm (68.2 in) |
| WHEELBASE | 3,025 mm (119.1 in) |
| CARGO | 495 L (behind 3rd row) |
| WHEELS | 21-inch, 265/45 R21 |
How It Compares
Verdict
- Huge value — full-size 6-seat REEV SUV from ~$25,000
- 1,220+ km combined range, no charging anxiety
- Third row genuinely roomier than the BYD Tang DM-i
- In-cabin refrigerator and rear entertainment screen offered
- 272 PS rear motor — decent pace for a family hauler
- Export-ready with English-switchable infotainment
- Only 210 km EV-only range — modest for daily all-electric use
- No official 0–100 km/h figure published
- 21-inch wheels may firm up the ride / dent efficiency
- 495 L boot is tight with all three rows up
- “ePi” sub-brand has low name recognition outside China
- Combined-range figures vary by trim (1,220 vs 1,300 km) — confirm at order
The Dongfeng ePi 008 REEV is a reminder of just how much three-row family SUV $25,000 now buys in China. It’s a full five metres long, seats six with a third row the reviewer rates above the segment-favorite BYD Tang DM-i, runs a 272 PS rear motor, and goes more than 1,220 km between fill-ups thanks to its range-extender layout — and it’ll even keep your drinks cold with an optional fridge. The trade-offs are sensible rather than damning: a modest 210 km EV-only range, no quoted 0–100 time, and a sub-brand few outside China will recognise. But as a practical, long-range, do-everything family hauler judged on space and equipment per dollar, the ePi 008 is one of the strongest value cases in its class — and with Dongfeng pitching it for export, it could become a familiar sight well beyond China.
