The Honda S7, launched in China on March 6, 2024, marks Dongfeng-Honda’s strategic push into the aggressive electrical crossover phase. Initially launched underneath the short-lived Ye model, the S7 now carries Honda’s world badge with a beginning value of 259,900 yuan (~35,760 USD).
The twin-motor variant delivers 469 hp and a 620 km CLTC vary, whereas an non-obligatory 41.9-inch augmented actuality HUD headlines its tech choices. Positioned in opposition to the Tesla Mannequin Y and Chinese language rivals just like the Zeekr 7X (see specs), the S7 represents Honda’s bid to regain relevance in China’s EV market—prioritizing driving dynamics over radical innovation to enchantment to conventional patrons transitioning to electrification.
Exterior
The S7 introduces Honda’s new electrical design philosophy, characterised by distinctive Y-shaped LED headlights linked by a steady gentle bar that spans the entrance fascia. This design alternative offers the car a recent but restrained look that avoids the unconventional styling of some rivals. Aerodynamic effectivity is enhanced by considerate particulars like flush-mounted door handles and a fastidiously contoured roofline.
An obtainable improve choice contains digital aspect mirrors, priced at 15,000 yuan (~2,000 USD), which our testing confirmed scale back wind noise by roughly 30 per cent in comparison with standard mirrors. The car’s dimensions—4750/1930/1625 mm with a wheelbase of 2930 mm—place it barely extra compact than a Tesla Mannequin Y whereas providing superior rear legroom. Wheel choices vary from normal 19-inch alloys to non-obligatory 21-inch designs that prioritize visible enchantment whereas sustaining cheap trip consolation.
Inside
Honda’s strategy to inside design emphasizes useful ergonomics over flashy expertise. The cabin incorporates a considerate mixture of bodily controls and digital interfaces, with a responsive 15.6-inch central touchscreen operating Honda’s newest software program. Whereas the interface operates easily, it lacks the intensive app ecosystem discovered in lots of Chinese language rivals. Retaining bodily buttons for local weather management and driving mode choice will please traditionalists preferring tactile suggestions.
The entrance seats present glorious help, with 12-way energy adjustment and air flow obtainable in increased trim ranges. An non-obligatory premium audio system from Bose incorporates modern headrest audio system that ship navigation prompts on to the driving force with out disturbing different occupants. Rear passengers profit from beneficiant legroom and reclining seatbacks, although the mounted panoramic roof barely compromises headroom for taller people.
The S7 affords 471 litres of cargo capability in its normal configuration, increasing to 1,432 litres with the rear seats folded—figures that evaluate favourably with German luxurious rivals. Whereas the absence of a frunk is disappointing, the inside compensates with well-considered storage areas.
Behind the Wheel
Our rear-wheel-drive Honda S7 take a look at automotive incorporates a 200 kW (268 hp) electrical motor, delivering clean, linear acceleration and a 0–100 km/h time of seven.5 seconds. Whereas not class-leading in pace, its energy supply is refined and responsive, particularly from 60–120 km/h. The 89.8 kWh battery offered a real-world vary of 420–460 km in blended driving—about 80% of its 650 km CLTC score—with vitality consumption averaging 17.2 kWh/100 km at freeway speeds.
With double-wishbone entrance and five-link rear suspension, the chassis excels in trip consolation and management, outperforming rivals just like the Tesla Mannequin Y on tough surfaces. Steering is well-weighted and offers good suggestions. The regenerative braking system affords 4 ranges, with the strongest enabling natural-feeling one-pedal driving.
Three drive modes—Eco, Regular, and Sport—alter the car’s character. Sport sharpens throttle response, whereas Eco introduces a two-stage pedal really feel prioritizing regeneration. The S7 stays quiet on the freeway, aided by flush door handles and non-obligatory digital mirrors. The usual 19-inch wheels affords consolation and fewer noise. Charging tops at 150 kW, including 200 km in 18 minutes underneath perfect situations.
Verdict
The Honda S7 carves its area of interest by perfecting fundamentals somewhat than chasing innovation. Its balanced dealing with and cozy trip ship genuine Honda driving character in an EV package deal – a compelling proposition for conventional patrons transitioning to electrification. Whereas Chinese language rivals lead in autonomous tech and 800V charging (the S7 peaks at 150kW, requiring 36 minutes for 80% cost), Honda focuses on what issues most to driving fanatics: exact throttle calibration, communicative steering, and suspension that balances consolation with management. Its precise competitors isn’t probably the most superior EVs, however these looking for an electrical car that is still unmistakably a Honda.
Keep tuned for subsequent week’s Sunday China Drive at Automotive Information China, the place you may learn extra first-person evaluations of Chinese language automobiles.
