We tested the DFSK Seres 3, an electric SUV that leaves a good impression

Let’s get behind the wheel of the DFSK Seres 3! You may have been hearing or reading about the DFSK Seres 3 for a while now, and that’s only natural. For a week we had the chance to try this compact Chinese electric SUV; specifically 4.38 metres long, 1.85 metres wide, 1.65 metres tall, with a ground clearance of 18 cm and a wheelbase of 2.66 metres. It’s a model well worth considering if you want to drive a compact SUV with a CERO label and don’t want to spend a great deal of money. Including all the promotions and the MOVES III plan, you can drive the new DFSK Seres 3 for a little over 26,000 euros.

It’s important to note that although we’re talking about a Chinese electric SUV, it has the collaboration of major brands such as Bosch, Borg Warner, Valeo and even Webasto. To get straight to the point, the moment I saw the car, its design caught my attention, and it’s not just something that happened to me. Driving it around the city, many pedestrians and even drivers stopped to ask me about the model. As an anecdote, I must say that someone even asked me whether it was a “new Porsche electric”.

Once inside, you can enjoy apparently high-quality materials and a fairly attractive design. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is very clear and offers a design with up to three variants. The seats are ergonomic, leather and comfortable. The steering wheel, for its part, can only be adjusted for height, not reach. As for the steering, it is smooth but not very direct. That said, this isn’t a bad thing, since this is a car for going wherever you want without any hassle.

It offers three driving modes: ECO, Normal and Sport. ECO mode is advisable for urban journeys, while if you need mixed use, I recommend Normal mode. That said, if what you’re after is getting the most out of the Seres 3, the ideal choice is Sport mode. In this mode you can enjoy the 163 CV of power and 300 Nm of maximum torque.

In terms of acceleration, this compact electric SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reach its top speed of 155 km/h. It is worth mentioning that the DFSK Seres 3 is a very stable model in corners thanks to its low centre of gravity. The suspension, for its part, is soft and, although some rebound can be felt over bumps, it is not very uncomfortable.

DFSK Seres 3, an electric SUV worth considering

If you’re thinking of buying the DFSK Seres 3, you should know that it is only available in a trim level that includes a panoramic sunroof that opens, push-button start, rear vents, a six-speaker sound system, heated seats, rain sensor, Full LED lights, electric ECO Nappa leather seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen that controls the vehicle, a digital instrument panel, climate control, 18-inch wheels, wireless charging for smartphones, Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Black Piano finish, among others. As standard the Seres 3 is red, so if you want it in black, white or blue, the price will increase by about 500 euros.

Regarding driver assistance systems, the Seres 3 has adaptive cruise control with speed programmer, lane departure warning, 360-degree camera, hill start assist, among others.

The rear seats have room for three adult passengers, although if two tall adults ride in the back, the middle seat is somewhat narrow. The seats are a little firmer than the front ones, but the journey is comfortable. In addition, the climate control reaches the rear well since it has two air outlets. The boot has a capacity of 310 litres, which can increase to more than 1,000 litres if the rear seats are folded down.

Now, let’s talk about the price. The DFSK Seres 3 can be yours for a little over 26,000 euros with all the promotions and incentives of the MOVES III Plan applied. DFSK has stated that the Seres 3 is an “aspirational model” with Premium components “that comes with a great standard equipment list.” This electric SUV also offers up to eight years of warranty or 120,000 kilometres. It’s important to note that the Seres 3 has a homologated electric range under the WLTP cycle of 329 kilometres, but it can reach 345 kilometres.

The Seres 3 can be charged with direct current up to 65 kW, which will allow it to charge 80% of the battery capacity in 30 minutes. With alternating current, the maximum is 7.4 kW and it would take about eight hours. The Seres 3’s battery is liquid-cooled.

What would I highlight about the DFSK Seres 3?

It’s worth mentioning that the brand plans to register at least 450 units. Likewise, DFSK will complete its range with the Seres SF5, which will be a coupé-style SUV, and the Seres SF7.

Of the DFSK Seres 3, I highlight its dynamic behaviour, its smoothness, its level of equipment and, of course, its value for money. Although this electric SUV has very good qualities, it has to compete with strong rivals such as the Kia e-Niro, the Kia e-Soul, the Peugeot e-2008, the Hyundai Kona, the Opel Mokka or even the MG ZS EV to carve out a place in the segment. Will it achieve its goal?

I’m sure it will, because if you’re looking for a compact, fully electric SUV with good range at an affordable price, the DFSK Seres 3 is your ideal model. Besides, I can assure you that it will turn heads. What more do you need? Happy travels!