Dongfeng Fengxing Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe Vehicle Profile: Best Budget Range-Extender SUV with 230km EV Range
1. Verdict
Key Strengths
- 230 km of pure-electric range covers a full work week: Among budget range-extender SUVs, a 230 km CLTC electric range is a solid figure. At 40 km of daily commuting, the battery alone can handle five working days, and the fuel tank becomes a backup for long trips rather than a daily cost.
- Rear-wheel drive plus a multi-link rear axle is rare at this level: A single rear motor paired with MacPherson front and multi-link rear independent suspension is unusual in a segment dominated by front-wheel-drive layouts. It gives the car a real hardware foundation for traction off the line, body control in corners and rear-seat comfort.
- 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load output makes camping practical: The 3.3 kW external discharge can run an induction cooker, a projector and camping lights. For families who spend weekends outdoors, this is a working feature rather than a brochure number.
Watch Out (Key Caveats)
- Only two airbags, and they are both in front: The car has driver and passenger airbags only. There are no side airbags and no curtain airbags. Rivals in the same price bracket typically offer four to six airbags, so buyers should know this before signing.
- The traditional instrument cluster is gone: All driving information is folded into the 14.6-inch central touchscreen. It saves hardware cost and makes the cabin look cleaner, but drivers used to a mechanical cluster will find their eyes travelling further. Expect an adjustment period.
- No L2 driver assistance, so long highway runs are manual: This trim has cruise control and a reversing camera only. There is no lane keeping and no adaptive cruise. If your week is mostly highway and expressway, fatigue over long drives will be noticeable.
2. Model Overview
The Fengxing Leiting is a compact SUV from Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's Fengxing brand. The nameplate first arrived in 2023 as a pure electric model and became a flagship of Fengxing's three-year electrification strategy. In December 2025 the line added a range-extender version, and the 2025 230 Deluxe is the single trim offered, positioned as the brand's entry-level family SUV with no range anxiety.
Visually, the range-extender version simplifies the pure electric design: the large black panels on either side of the nose are gone, the split headlights remain, and the charge port moves to the centre of the front fascia for a cleaner look. The tail returns to a full-width LED light bar with air-guide styling on both sides. Dimensions are 4,600 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,700 mm tall on a 2,715 mm wheelbase. Compared with the pure electric version it is 30 mm longer and 20 mm taller, which makes room for the range-extender hardware and improves rear headroom. Six body colours are offered, including Gentian Purple, Jasper Green and Starlight White.
Inside, the cabin uses a brown and orange two-tone scheme built around a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen. Physical instruments are gone, with all driving data shown on the main display. The HMI 2.0 system supports voice control, navigation, media and phone mirroring. Standard equipment includes an electronic column shifter, synthetic leather seats, power adjustment for the driver's seat, automatic climate control and rear air vents.
On positioning, the Leiting range extender targets price-sensitive families who worry about charging access. It sits against compact range-extender SUVs from better-known brands. One honest note: the Leiting line has never sold in high volume, and the range-extender version mainly broadens the powertrain choice rather than changing the car's position in the market.
You can see the exterior and interior design in detail in the video below:
3. Basic Information
- Model: Dongfeng Fengxing Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe
- Powertrain: Range-extender electric (1.5L naturally aspirated generator plus rear-mounted single motor)
- Generator: 1.5L DOHC naturally aspirated, 75 kW (102 hp)
- Drive motor: Permanent magnet synchronous, 120 kW (163 hp), 240 N·m
- Drive layout: Rear-wheel drive
- CLTC electric range: 230 km
- CLTC combined range: 1,245 km
- Battery: 31.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (Sunwoda)
- Energy consumption: 19 kWh/100 km
- Fuel consumption on depleted battery: 5.4 L/100 km (WLTC)
- DC fast charging: About 0.5 hours (30–80 percent)
- AC charging: About 5.5 hours (10–100 percent)
- External discharge: 3.3 kW
- Dimensions: 4,600 x 1,860 x 1,700 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,715 mm
- Seats: 5 seats
- Top speed: 170 km/h
- Kerb weight: 1,810 kg
- Tyres: 225/65 R17
Maintenance and Manufacturer Service
A range extender adds an engine to the pure electric recipe, so servicing includes oil, oil filter and air filter changes. Because the generator runs at its efficient operating point and starts far less often than a conventional engine, service intervals can follow the manufacturer schedule. The high-voltage system carries an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty, with an extended policy for the first owner on non-commercial vehicles, subject to official terms. Ownership cost comes down to cheap electric driving plus the convenience of refuelling on long trips.
Incentives and Policy
Tax treatment and purchase incentives for new energy vehicles vary widely by market, and so does the real cost of ownership:
| Market | Main Policy Direction |
|---|---|
| China | Purchase tax exemption for new energy vehicles continues, with charging infrastructure subsidies in some cities |
| United States | Federal clean vehicle tax credit, with additional state-level incentives |
| Germany | Tax benefits for electric and range-extender models, plus company car tax relief |
| Norway | VAT and import duty exemption, reduced road-use charges |
| Thailand | Reduced excise duty and cash incentives for electric vehicles |
Source: IEA Global EV Policy Explorer. Confirm current amounts with each market's latest notices.
4. Ownership Costs and Service
Warranty
The vehicle is covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty, with an eight-year or 160,000 km high-voltage warranty and an extended first-owner policy for non-commercial use. For long-term owners, that high-voltage coverage is one of the more concrete assurances this car offers.
Maintenance Cost
Servicing for a range extender sits between a pure EV and a combustion car. The motor and battery need almost nothing; the generator needs regular oil and filter changes. At 20,000 km a year, routine maintenance costs significantly less than a comparable petrol SUV, though more than a pure EV.
Charging and Energy Cost
Using the Q3 2026 world average residential electricity price of 0.179 USD/kWh published by Global Petrol Prices:
- Electric driving cost: A full charge of the 31.9 kWh battery costs about 5.71 USD. That covers 230 km of electric range, or roughly 0.025 USD per kilometre.
- Annual electric spend: Running entirely on electricity at 20,000 km a year, annual electricity spend lands near 500 USD.
- Fuel cost with a depleted battery: Once the battery runs down, the car consumes 5.4 L per 100 km. At recent international petrol prices that works out to roughly 0.10 USD per kilometre, still cheaper than a comparable petrol SUV.
This is the core appeal of a range extender for families: cheap day to day on electricity, no anxiety on long trips.
Incentives and Taxes
As noted above, policy differs sharply between markets. Buyers should confirm import duties, VAT and new energy incentives for the target market. The table above is compiled from the IEA Global EV Policy Explorer.
5. Competitor Comparison
Putting the Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe against three rivals in the same class reveals a few clear patterns across four key dimensions:
- Range Tiers: Range tiers are clearly separated. The Leiting offers 230 km of electric range, against 325 km for the XPeng MONA L03, 210 km for the AION i60 and 135 km for the Fulwin X3L. The Leiting sits in the upper middle: a weekly charge is realistic for most commuters.
- Power Output: Power output is not in the top tier. At 120 kW and 240 N·m the Leiting is conservative. The XPeng MONA L03 (183 kW, 280 N·m) and the Fulwin X3L (185 kW, 300 N·m) are noticeably stronger. The Leiting's advantage is its rear-drive layout, which gives better control of body attitude off the line and through corners.
- Charging Speed: Charging speed is a generation behind. The Leiting takes 0.5 hours from 30 to 80 percent, against 0.17 hours for the XPeng MONA L03, 0.25 hours for the AION i60 and 0.3 hours for the Fulwin X3L. Fast charging is the most obvious weak point.
- Dimensions and Space: Dimensions involve trade-offs. At 1,700 mm tall the Leiting wins on headroom and ground clearance. Its 1,860 mm width trails the 1,950 mm of the Fulwin X3L, while the AION i60 uses a 2,850 mm wheelbase to open up a roomier rear cabin.
1. Powertrain, Battery & Charging Performance
| Comparison point | Fengxing Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe | XPeng MONA L03 2026 Range Extender 1380 Plus | AION i60 2026 210 Advanced | Fulwin X3L 2025 135 Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Range extender | Range extender | Range extender | Range extender |
| CLTC electric range | 230 km | 325 km | 210 km | 135 km |
| CLTC combined range | 1,245 km | 1,380 km | 1,240 km | Not listed |
| Battery capacity | 31.9 kWh | 37.2 kWh | 29.165 kWh | 20.64 kWh |
| Cell supplier | Sunwoda | EVE Power | CALB | Gotion |
| DC fast charge | 0.5 h (30–80%) | 0.17 h (30–80%) | 0.25 h (30–80%) | 0.3 h (30–80%) |
| AC charge | 5.5 h (10–100%) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Energy consumption | 19 kWh/100 km | 15.3 kWh/100 km | 16.7 kWh/100 km | 18.7 kWh/100 km |
| Fuel use with depleted battery | 5.4 L/100 km | 4.96 L/100 km | 5.5 L/100 km | 6.5 L/100 km |
| Maximum power | 120 kW (163 hp) | 183 kW (249 hp) | 180 kW (245 hp) | 185 kW (252 hp) |
| Peak torque | 240 N·m | 280 N·m | 280 N·m | 300 N·m |
| Drive layout | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Top speed | 170 km/h | 180 km/h | 180 km/h | 170 km/h |
2. Dimensions, Chassis & Cockpit Equipment
| Comparison point | Fengxing Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe | XPeng MONA L03 2026 Range Extender 1380 Plus | AION i60 2026 210 Advanced | Fulwin X3L 2025 135 Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4,600 x 1,860 x 1,700 mm | 4,650 x 1,920 x 1,600 mm | 4,685 x 1,854 x 1,660 mm | 4,545 x 1,950 x 1,815 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm | 2,850 mm | 2,775 mm | 2,783 mm |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Fuel tank | 45 L | Not listed | 42 L | Not listed |
| Rear seat folding | Split-folding | Split-folding | Split-folding | Split-folding |
| Front / rear suspension | MacPherson / multi-link | MacPherson / multi-link | MacPherson / multi-link | MacPherson / multi-link |
| Tyres | 225/65 R17 | 225/60 R18 (optional 245/45 R20) | 225/45 R19 | 225/60 R18 (optional 255/55 R19) |
| Centre screen | 14.6-inch touchscreen | 14.6-inch touchscreen | 15.6-inch touchscreen | 15.6-inch touchscreen |
| Sunroof | Fixed panoramic glass roof | Fixed panoramic glass roof | Fixed panoramic glass roof | Fixed panoramic glass roof |
| Voice zone control | All seats | Four zones | Two zones | Four zones |
| Phone connectivity | Factory mirroring | HiCar, CarLink | HiCar, CarLink | CarPlay, HiCar |
| External discharge | 3.3 kW | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Buyer Fit & Summary
The Leiting's case rests on three things: usable electric range, a rear-drive chassis with independent rear suspension, and practical features such as 3.3 kW external power. Its weaknesses are equally clear: power and charging speed trail a generation, and in-car tech finishes behind the newer players.
- Dongfeng Fengxing Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe: For a budget-conscious family that mostly commutes in town and occasionally drives long distances, it is a car that simply gets the job done.
- XPeng MONA L03 2026 Range Extender 1380 Plus: If you want the longest electric range (325 km), ultra-fast charging (0.17h) and sharper power response.
- AION i60 2026 210 Advanced: If you prioritize rear cabin space with a 2,850 mm wheelbase and a larger 15.6-inch screen.
- Chery Fulwin X3L 2025 135 Comfort: If stronger power (185 kW / 300 N·m) and wider body proportions are desired, at the expense of electric range (135 km).
6. Expert Test Drive
Strengths
- Electric commuting really is enough: Real-world city use lands around 170 to 190 km from the 230 km CLTC figure, so commuters can go every other day without plugging in, and fuel use drops sharply.
- Rear drive delivers a more balanced feel: The rear motor and multi-link rear axle let the tail follow more readily, and the body behaves more naturally through corners than front-drive rivals. Under acceleration the front wheels are free to steer, so traction stays predictable.
- Cabin and cargo practicality hold up: A 2,715 mm wheelbase with folding rear seats covers daily family duty and weekend loads, and the flat rear floor leaves middle-seat passengers with proper foot room.
Room to Improve
- Fast charging is slow: Thirty minutes from 30 to 80 percent looks conservative next to rivals that finish in a fraction of that time, so long journeys need extra buffer.
- Cabin quietness is average: Once the generator starts, engine noise joins wind and road noise at speed. Refinement is not this car's strong suit.
- Basic smart features are thin: No L2 assistance, only cruise control and a reversing camera, and the centre screen doubles as the instrument cluster. Day-to-day convenience is below cars with dual displays.
Real-World Test Scenarios
- Test scenario one (City energy use): Independent testing puts the Leiting's city energy consumption at roughly 19 to 21 kWh per 100 km, close to the official 19 kWh figure. At 40 km of daily driving, the 230 km electric range covers five working days on one charge. Source: aggregated third-party vehicle test data.
- Test scenario two (Highway fuel use with a depleted battery): With the battery below 20 percent and cruising at 90 to 100 km/h, measured fuel consumption lands between 5.4 and 6.2 L per 100 km, close to the official 5.4 L WLTC figure. On long trips there is no need to hunt for a charger; refuelling keeps the car moving. Source: aggregated third-party vehicle test data.
7. Real Owner Reviews
Positive Feedback
Low Running Cost and Ride Comfort
Summary: Owners most value the low running cost that the electric range delivers, along with the ride comfort from the independent rear suspension.
"My commute is just over thirty kilometres each way, and one charge a week is enough. I barely spend anything on fuel now, far less than my old petrol car."
"The back seat is comfortable and speed bumps do not shake you around. My parents do not complain on longer trips."
Cabin Space and Visibility
Summary: Space and visibility come up repeatedly, especially headroom and boot practicality.
"There is more than a fist of headroom above me, the boot swallows two large suitcases, and folding the rear seats makes loading easy."
Adequate Power and Rear-Drive Feel
Summary: Everyday power is considered adequate, and owners like the way rear drive feels.
"It pulls away briskly and climbs without strain. Rear drive feels more stable than the front-drive cars I have owned."
Negative Feedback & Criticisms
Instrument Cluster Removal
Summary: After the instrument cluster was removed, some drivers dislike how driving information is read.
"When I first got it I was confused. Speed and battery level both mean looking down at the big screen, and on the highway I never got used to it. I would still rather have a proper cluster."
Airbag Count Compromise
Summary: The airbag count is the most frequently raised concern.
"Two airbags, that is it. Honestly it makes me uneasy, there are not even side airbags. It feels like they cut too much here."
Highway Sound Insulation
Summary: Wind and tyre noise at highway speed are below average for the class.
"Wind noise is fairly loud at highway speed and I can hear the tyres too. Sound insulation is only so-so."
8. References
- Global Petrol Prices (2026). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/
- IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
- Dongfeng Fengxing (2025). Leiting 2025 230 Deluxe specifications. Retrieved from https://www.fxauto.com.cn/
- Dongfeng Fengxing (2025). Leiting range-extender launch information. Retrieved from https://www.fxauto.com.cn/
