VOYAH Free

The VOYAH FREE is the debut production model from VOYAH, the premium smart electric vehicle sub-brand under Dongfeng Motor. Officially launched in June 2021, it is positioned as a "performance-oriented mid-to-large smart electric SUV". As the brand's pioneering model, the VOYAH FREE shoulders Dongfeng Group's strategic mission to move upmarket and penetrate the premium new energy vehicle sector. Following several iterations, as of June 2026, the lineup on sale mainly comprises the 2025 VOYAH FREE+ series alongside two previously introduced "318" variants, with recommended retail prices ranging between RM219,900 and RM279,900. Across the entire range, it adopts an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain, delivering generous five-seater comfort and solid driving dynamics in its segment.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the VOYAH FREE varies distinctly across its variants. Standard models adopt a "Chinese-inspired" design philosophy that blends traditional motifs with contemporary styling cues to project an elegant yet trendy aesthetic. The 2025 FREE+ ushers in the "Urban Light and Shadow" design language, highlighted by an illuminated "Urban Starry Sky" front grille housing 200 LED units, complemented by a full-width light bar and an illuminated badge for an unmistakable visual signature. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,915 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, with a 2,960 mm wheelbase. Strong, defined character lines run along the flanks, accentuated by vertical chrome garnishes aft of the front fenders. At the rear, it features newly smoked full-width tail lamps with arrow-rain lighting elements that mirror the inverted U-shaped red signatures. Meanwhile, the VOYAH FREE 318 launched in mid-2024 features a more aggressive "Blade Mecha Pioneer" aero kit with a mecha-inspired front fascia and dynamic side profile, complemented by exclusive exterior shades like Titanium Crystal Grey and Jade Green, along with four-piston coloured sports brake calipers. Inside, the FREE+ adopts the "Floating Light Island" theme, offered in Amber Brown, Deep Sea Blue, and Aurora Purple, trimmed in premium materials like faux suede and bionic gold-veined white peach wood. The signature height-adjustable triple-screen dashboard is retained across multiple variants, blending cutting-edge tech with a sense of occasion.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire VOYAH FREE lineup is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine serving as a dedicated range extender, configured in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). The range extender's maximum output ranges from 95 kW to 110 kW depending on the variant. The RWD model on sale is equipped with a single rear motor delivering 215 kW and 380 Nm of torque, while the AWD variant utilises dual front and rear motors churning out a combined 350 kW and a peak torque of 570 Nm. Power delivery is punchy, clocking a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds. For energy storage, the battery setup has transitioned from earlier nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) units to a 45 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. This yields a CLTC pure electric range of up to 318 km and an overall cruising range of 1,458 km for the RWD variant, while the AWD model delivers 259 km and 1,357 km respectively. In charge-sustaining mode, fuel consumption is rated between 6.19 L and 6.85 L/100 km, supported by a high-efficiency range extender boasting a 42% thermal efficiency. The battery system is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures as low as -30°C and is monitored by 15 intelligent diagnostic algorithms.

Chassis and Handling Dynamics

Under the skin, the VOYAH FREE boasts a robust chassis setup, featuring front double-wishbone four-ball-joint independent suspension and a rear multi-link (or H-arm multi-link) independent suspension as standard. Extensive use of lightweight aluminium alloy components effectively lowers unsprung mass to sharpen handling and steering response. The suspension setup strikes a fine balance between sportiness and plush ride quality, providing ample lateral support when cornering and composed damping over uneven pavement. Top-spec AWD variants come standard with a 100 mm height-adjustable air suspension, offering one-touch toggling between Welcome, High Performance, Outing, and Comfort modes; the 2025 FREE+ AWD adds an EDC Magic Carpet adaptive damping suspension system capable of millisecond-level damping adjustments. Steering is managed via an electric power steering (EPS) setup, complemented by 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated disc brakes all around, and an electronic parking brake (EPB). Multiple selectable drive modes and an intelligent electric AWD system further enhance all-weather traction, stability, and rough-road capability.

Cockpit and In-Car Amenities

Cabin technology is a core highlight of the VOYAH FREE. The 2025 FREE+ comes standard with Huawei HarmonyOS Cockpit 5.0 powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset, supporting four-zone voice recognition and complex multi-command processing. The interior features a comprehensive "five-screen setup": a 15.6-inch 2K ultra-clear floating infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 29-inch AR-HUD, a rear passenger entertainment display, and a dedicated control panel for the onboard fridge/warmer, complete with one-touch Huawei smartphone screen mirroring and seamless cross-device task handover. In terms of creature comforts, standard kit includes heated and ventilated seats throughout, front-seat SPA massage functions, rear seatbacks with 12° electric recline and a 129° semi-reclining posture, a 7-litre dual-opening cooling/warming console box, dual front wireless charging pads, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 22-speaker Voyah Sound concert-grade audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting. The front passenger "Queen Seat" features multi-way electric adjustment with a 163° zero-gravity recline mode.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The 2025 FREE+ comes standard with Huawei Qiankun ADS 4, relying on 29 high-precision perception sensors including a 192-line roof-mounted LiDAR, millimetre-wave radars, and high-definition cameras. Built on the advanced WEWA architecture (World Event Engine + World Behavior Model), it slashes the latency from decision-making to braking by 50% and improves traffic flow efficiency by 20% compared to the outgoing ADS 3 system. It supports Urban and Highway Navigation Cruise Assist (NCA), point-to-point (P2P) full-route navigation from parking bay to parking bay, Valet Parking Drive (VPD), and automated parking in tight spaces. On the active safety front, the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system can bring the car to a complete stop at speeds of up to 130 km/h, with an operational threshold reaching 150 km/h. Passive safety is underpinned by a 75% ultra-high-strength steel safety cell and 2,000 MPa side-impact door beams, earning it a full five-star C-NCAP crash safety rating. Cabin upholstery is crafted from OEKO-TEX certified baby-safe materials, ensuring zero formaldehyde and odour emissions for a healthier environment.

Market Performance and Industry Verdict

As the vanguard for the VOYAH marque, the VOYAH FREE has surpassed 100,000 cumulative deliveries over its four years on the market, establishing a solid owner base and brand reputation. VOYAH FREE recorded 20,716 registrations in 2024, climbing to 37,778 units in 2025 to rank among the front-runners in the mid-to-large SUV segment. Following the debut of the FREE+ variant in July 2025, fresh product momentum pushed monthly sales to a peak of 4,553 units. The SUV sets itself apart from segment rivals with its premium chassis underpinnings, generous cabin room, and deep integration with Huawei's full-stack intelligent driving tech. However, with the RM200,000-class mid-to-large NEV SUV segment growing fiercely competitive, intense rivalry against the likes of the Li Auto L-series, BYD Tang, and AITO M7—compounded by aggressive price wars and rapid tech cycles—means brand awareness and dealership network expansion remain ongoing hurdles. As a cornerstone in Dongfeng Group's electrification and premiumisation roadmap, the evolution and sales trajectory of the VOYAH FREE serve as an important benchmark for legacy carmakers transitioning into the smart NEV arena.