The Honda S7 electric crossover from the Dongfeng-Honda joint venture has been launched in China with a starting price of CNY 259,900 (US$ 35,920).

The top-trim level of this EV boasts 469 PS, a 620 km range, and a large 41.9-inch head-up display.

The Honda S7 crossover was initially introduced in China under the newly formed Ye brand last year. However, the Japanese automaker has since distanced itself from the Ye branding. As a result, this SUV has entered the Chinese market as the Honda S7. This model aims to enhance the automaker's sales volume in China.

The Honda S7 adopts the brand's new design language, featuring large Y-shaped headlights connected by a thin LED strip. This vehicle has a large air intake in the front bumper. Other features of the Honda S7 include retractable door handles, five-spoke wheels, a sleek roofline, and optional side-view cameras. At the rear, the Honda S7 has a large roof spoiler and vertically aligned taillights with an LED element between them.

The dimensions of the Honda S7 are 4,750/1,930/1,625 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm. For comparison, it is 47 mm shorter than the updated Tesla Model Y. However, the wheelbase of Honda's EV is 40 mm longer. The S7 has a boot capacity of 471 litres. The car comes as standard with 19-inch wheels, while the top-trim model adopts 21-inch rims.

Inside, the Honda S7 features a large portrait-oriented 24-inch screen and a 9.9-inch LCD instrument cluster. Another highlight of this crossover is a 41.9-inch augmented reality head-up display. It also comes with heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The Honda S7 is equipped with an eight-speaker sound system as standard, while the top-trim level offers 16 Bose-branded speakers. This crossover also incorporates the Honda Sensing driving assistance system.

The rear-wheel-drive Honda S7 is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, delivering a peak output of 200 kW (268 PS) and 420 Nm of torque. This e-motor is paired with a ternary NMC battery pack with a capacity of 89.8 kWh, providing a CLTC range of 650 km.

The 4WD variant of the Honda S7 features two electric motors, producing a combined output of 350 kW (469 PS) and 770 Nm of torque. This variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. It uses the same 89.8 kWh battery, with a CLTC range of 620 km. The battery pack can be charged to 80% in 36 minutes.

The Honda S7'S body boasts a torsional rigidity of 40,000 Nm/degree. Passenger safety is reinforced with 11 airbags. The chassis is equipped with a continuous damping control system. The front axle of the S7 features a double wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension adopts a five-link independent setup.

The Honda S7 has been launched in China in two trim levels. The entry-level RWD version is priced at CNY 259,900, while the top-trim 4WD model costs CNY 309,900. For comparison, the updated Tesla Model Y is priced between CNY 263,500 and CNY 354,900.

The Japanese crossover is slightly cheaper than its American rival in the Chinese market. However, the Honda S7 faces strong competition from Chinese brands, including the 800V-platform-based Zeekr 7X, Xpeng G6, and BYD Sealion 07, which are seemingly more affordable than the Japanese-branded car. While the Tesla Model Y manages to compete with Chinese models due to the brand's strong reputation, Honda does not have the same advantage in the electric vehicle sector. This may make it difficult for the S7 to become a bestseller in China.

Later, Honda will launch the electric sibling of the S7, called the Honda P7. This model will be manufactured by the GAC-Honda joint venture.