Car Buyer's Guide

Dongfeng Box vs MINI Electric

Dongfeng Box

Dongfeng Box

Standard

MINI Electric

MINI Electric

Verdict

For RM93,888 less, the Dongfeng Box gives a Malaysian buyer five doors, five seats and a 326-litre boot, plus a claimed 430 km range from its 42.3-kWh battery. Its 94-hp, 160-Nm motor is plainly modest beside the MINI Electric’s 215 hp, 330 Nm and 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time. The MINI charges faster and carries stronger safety and cabin kit, but its 402 km range, three doors, four seats and 210-litre boot make it less versatile. The Box is the rational choice; the MINI is the performance-led one.

Box

Pick the Dongfeng Box if you want the RM100,000 EV with 430 km claimed range, five seats and a 326-litre boot.

Electric

Pick the MINI Electric if you will pay RM193,888 for 215 hp, 330 Nm, 95-kW DC charging and its broader safety equipment.

Key differences

  • Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,000; MINI Electric RM193,888.
  • Motor output: Dongfeng Box 94 hp and 160 Nm; MINI Electric 215 hp and 330 Nm.
  • Battery and range: Dongfeng Box 42.3 kWh and 430 km; MINI Electric 54.2 kWh and 402 km.
  • Charging: Dongfeng Box 6.6 kW AC and 70 kW DC; MINI Electric 11 kW AC and 95 kW DC.
  • Practicality: Dongfeng Box has 5 doors, 5 seats and 326 litres; MINI Electric has 3 doors, 4 seats and 210 litres.
  • Safety: Dongfeng Box has 2 airbags; MINI Electric has front, side and front/rear curtain airbags.

Box

  • RM93,888 cheaper to buy.
  • 430 km claimed range and 3.6-kW V2L.
  • Five seats and a 326-litre boot.
  • 94 hp and 160 Nm versus the MINI Electric’s 215 hp and 330 Nm.
  • Slower 6.6-kW AC and 70-kW DC charging.
  • Only driver and front-passenger airbags.

Electric

  • 215 hp, 330 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
  • 11-kW AC and 95-kW DC charging.
  • Six-airbag coverage, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive LED headlamps.
  • Costs RM93,888 more.
  • 402 km claimed range is 28 km shorter.
  • Three doors, four seats and a 210-litre boot reduce passenger and luggage capacity.
Price & overview
PriceRM100,000RM193,888
Body typeHatchbackHatchback
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM50RM200
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture400V architecture
FuelElectricElectric
Number of Motors11
Motor Horsepower94 hp215 hp
Motor Torque160 Nm330 Nm
Battery Capacity42.3 kWh54.2 kWh
EV Range430 km402 km
Charging Rate (AC)6.6 kW11 kW
Charging Rate (DC)70 kW95 kW
V2L3.6 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6.7 seconds
Top Speed140 km/h170 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,030 mm3,858 mm
Width1,810 mm1,756 mm
Height1,570 mm1,460 mm
Wheelbase2,660 mm2,526 mm
Weight1,342 kg1,605 kg
Doors53
Seats54
Boot Space326 litres210 litres
Front Tyre215/55R17225/40R18
Rear Tyre215/55R17225/40R18
Spare TyreTyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresWanli Harmonic PlusMaxxis Premitra 5
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)China (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutsMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionTorsion BeamMulti-link
Front Wheels17" Alloys18" Night Flash Alloys
Rear Wheels17" Alloys18" Night Flash Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Front PassengerDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockManual For Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point4 Three-point belts
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable On Outer Two Rear SeatsAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionWarning Only
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsFor Front Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorsAdaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist
TaillampsLED CombinationFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustablePowered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function
Rear SeatsOne-piece Folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 USB1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front2 Front, 1 Rear
Audio12.8" Touchscreen9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up & DownTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal)Keyless Flip Switch
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlActive Cruise Control
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationManual Operation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree Surround ViewYes, with 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer7 years2 years
Warranty Extended4 years
Warranty NotesLimited to the first owner only; 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Box vs Electric FAQ

Is the Dongfeng Box or MINI Electric better?

The Dongfeng Box is better for price, claimed range and carrying five people with a 326-litre boot. The MINI Electric is better for outright performance, charging speed and safety equipment, with 215 hp, 95-kW DC charging and six airbags.

What is the price difference?

The MINI Electric costs RM93,888 more than the Dongfeng Box: RM193,888 against RM100,000.

Which one charges faster?

The MINI Electric charges faster on both inputs, at 11 kW AC and 95 kW DC. The Dongfeng Box supports 6.6 kW AC and 70 kW DC, but adds 3.6-kW vehicle-to-load capability.

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