Dongfeng Box vs MINI Electric
Verdict
These two are both CBU, front-driven electric B-segment hatchbacks, but they solve different Malaysian jobs. The Dongfeng Box is the practical buy: five seats, a 326-litre boot, a longer 2,650 mm wheelbase and a lower RM50 yearly road tax. The MINI Electric is the quicker, better-equipped one on paper, with 215 hp, 402 km of range, six airbags and AEB. But it costs RM193,888 against RM100,700, so the RM93,188 gap is not small.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if you want the cheaper EV hatch with five seats, more boot space and the longer warranty.
Pick the MINI Electric if you want the stronger motor, longer range, quicker 0-100 km/h time and the fuller safety kit.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,700; MINI Electric RM193,888
- Power: Dongfeng Box 94 hp; MINI Electric 215 hp
- Battery and range: Dongfeng Box 31.5 kWh, 330 km; MINI Electric 54.2 kWh, 402 km
- Seats and boot: Dongfeng Box 5 seats, 326 litres; MINI Electric 4 seats, 210 litres
- Safety kit: Dongfeng Box 2 airbags, no AEB listed; MINI Electric 6 airbags, AEB fitted
- Size: Dongfeng Box 4,020 mm long with a 2,650 mm wheelbase; MINI Electric 3,858 mm long with a 2,526 mm wheelbase
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 100,700✓ | RM 193,888 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Motor | Single motor | Single motor |
| Power | 94 hp | 215 hp✓ |
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 6.7 s |
| Top speed | 140 km/h | 170 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | 31.5 kWh | 54.2 kWh✓ |
| EV range | 330 km | 402 km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,020 mm | 3,858 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,756 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,526 mm |
| Boot space | 326 L✓ | 210 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 | 6✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 6✓ | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 50✓ | RM 200 |
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
- Much lower purchase price
- Five seats and larger 326-litre boot
- Longer 6-year warranty
- Only 94 hp
- Two airbags and no AEB listed
- Shorter 330 km range
Electric
- Strong 215 hp motor
- 402 km EV range
- Six airbags and AEB
- Costs RM93,188 more
- Only four seats and a 210-litre boot
- Shorter 2-year warranty
Box vs Electric FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or MINI Electric better?
The MINI Electric is better for performance, range and safety kit, with 215 hp, 402 km range, six airbags and AEB. The Dongfeng Box is better for value and practicality, with five seats, a 326-litre boot and a much lower price.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Electric costs RM93,188 more than the Dongfeng Box. That gap buys more power, a larger battery, longer range, six airbags and AEB, but the Dongfeng has more seats, more boot space and a longer warranty.
Which one is more practical for daily family use?
The Dongfeng Box is more practical on paper. It has five seats versus four, 326 litres of boot space versus 210 litres, and a longer 2,650 mm wheelbase versus 2,526 mm.