Honda launches China-only S7 electric SUV

Dongfeng-Honda, the Japanese manufacturer’s Chinese joint venture, has launched the ‘premium’ S7 electric SUV. The first of Honda’s next-gen electric vehicles, it aims to compete with the Tesla Model Y thanks to its 650-km range, up to 476 hp, and modern technology on board.

To put it mildly, Honda has not been at the forefront of electrification. The Japanese manufacturer’s first attempts consisted of the Honda e, a pretty but expensive city car with a tiny range, and the e:Ny1 SUV, an electric counterpart to the combustion-powered HR-V SUV that isn’t breaking any records.

First next-gen Honda EV for China

However, while Europe and North America will have to wait until the launch of the 0 Series EVs to get a next-gen Honda electric vehicle, China will get the scoop with the new Dongfeng-Honda S7. It is a mid-size electric SUV meant to compete with semi-premium rivals like the Tesla Model Y in China.

With a length of 4,750 mm, a width of 1,930 mm, and a height of 1,625 mm on a wheelbase of 2,930 mm, the Honda S7 falls precisely in the segment of roomy five-seater SUVs. It also adopts the brand’s new design language, with the new ‘H Mark’ logo and a Y-shaped LED light signature.

Inside, the Honda S7 innovates with a sizeable 24-inch infotainment screen in portrait orientation, a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster placed high (similar to Peugeot’s often-criticized i-Cockpit), and a 41.9-inch augmented-reality head-up display.

Digital side mirrors are also present, while the Honda Sensing 360+ system provides all of the contemporary ADAS features.

Up to 650 km range for €32,900

Two powertrain options are available: a single-motor RWD version with 200 kW (272 hp) or a dual-motor AWD version with 350 kW (476 hp). Both variants get the same 89.8 NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery pack, with a CLTC range of 650 and 620 km, respectively. Charging is relatively slow, with 10-80% in 36 minutes.

With a starting price of 259,900 yuan (€32,900), Honda is not aiming at the bottom of the market with its new S7. Indeed, it targets the Tesla Model Y directly, which is available in China at 263,500 yuan (€33,400) and offers a similar range and power figures in its base RWD configuration.

But compared to more budget-oriented electric SUVs like the Toyota bZ3X and the Hedmos Fukang 06 (from Dongfeng-Peugeot Citroën), which start at around 100,000 to 150,000 yuan (€13,000 to €20,000), it is more pricey.