301 km of range, 3.52 meters long and just 8,000 euros: this is the car Changan must bring to Europe

Changan began its foray into Spain with the Deepal S05 and S07, and now it is preparing to introduce its premium brand, Avatr. However, its Chinese lineup includes models that would be well-suited for its European strategy. These are small, straightforward cars designed to handle daily commutes without forcing buyers to opt for an SUV or exceed their family budget.

The latest example is the new Lumin PLUS. This model fits perfectly into that concept: an urban electric vehicle that offers practicality, and with an affordable price, it could prove very attractive in this part of the world.

The Changan Lumin PLUS is the four-door version of the compact Lumin. Including the rear door, it becomes a five-door model that retains the original’s friendly appearance while addressing one of its main limitations: access to the rear seats. Its launch in China is expected this November.

A simple and functional offering that stands out for its design featuring cute round headlights and the smooth lines that give the Lumin its distinctive character.

The Lumin PLUS is 3.52 meters long, 1.72 meters wide, and 1.55 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.20 meters. Compared to the model with two side doors, it is 22.2 centimeters longer and 22 centimeters wider, allowing it to accommodate up to four passengers.

Inside, Changan retains the Lumin’s base design but introduces several changes. The gear selector is moved to the steering column, the central screen becomes wider, and the multimedia system features an updated interface. The door panels are also redesigned, and the steering wheel’s color is coordinated with that of the seats, giving the overall interior a more refined appearance.

The mechanics remain simple: an electric motor with 35 kW (48 HP) of power and 85 Nm of torque. It’s a modest output, consistent with the model’s urban focus. There’s no data available to assess how it performs on highways, but its design is aimed at daily commutes, where compact size and ease of driving are far more important.

The published information doesn’t specify the battery capacity of the PLUS, though it does claim ranges of 205 and 301 km under CLTC standards. Based on our estimates, these would roughly correspond to 180 and 270 km under WLTP standards. For those who can charge at home and drive short distances, these figures are suitable for using it as a second family car or an urban vehicle for commuting to work.

It also features fast charging, with an advertised time of 35 minutes to go from 30% to 80%. This isn’t an especially impressive figure, and it’s important to note that it refers only to that specific range, but it reminds European brands that cars priced over 20,000 euros come standard with fast charging options.

A small car that would make sense at a low price

This is the kind of offering Changan should consider for Europe. A car that’s easy to park, provides convenient access to rear seating, and has a range suitable for its intended use. There are buyers who need exactly this, and for them, making the switch to an electric car shouldn’t mean purchasing a larger, heavier, and more expensive model than they need.

The Lumin PLUS would also allow the brand to reach a different audience from that of the Deepal. Its design has personality, and its concept is easy to understand. Not all customers are looking for high-performance features or large capacities for traveling: many want a manageable car for commuting in the city and its surroundings, taking children, or running errands.

That doesn’t mean it’s sufficient to bring it as is. Any potential European version would need to meet the relevant homologation requirements and offer a convincing level of safety, equipment, and performance outside the city. The available power, top speed, and handling with multiple occupants would be important factors in assessing its suitability.

But the decisive factor would be the price. The available information still doesn’t specify the price of the Lumin PLUS in China, although the three-door version ranges from 6,000 to 7,000 euros, so a five-door variant should not exceed 8,000 euros at the current exchange rate.

That’s where the appeal of this compact five-door model lies. Changan has already shown it intends to compete in Europe with advanced technology and features; a model like the Lumin PLUS would allow it to do so while also offering simplicity and a compact size. What it should deliver is an urban electric vehicle with a price that reflects its design philosophy, capable of bringing electric mobility to those who are still waiting for an affordable alternative.