First Look Review: Voyah’s Dream MPV is a wake-up call for Mercedes & Lexus

Voyah introduced the Dream in China in 2022 as a premium electric and plug-in hybrid MPV. The updated model, which was co-developed with Huawei, is available in international markets including the Middle East, Norway, Switzerland and Denmark.

For Europe, Dongfeng and Stellantis have announced plans to build Voyah models at Stellantis’ Rennes plant in France. This move would help localise production, reduce the impact of EU tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles, and perhaps pave the way for future UK market introduction.

Nevertheless, we got to spend some time with the global-spec Voyah Dream to experience what it offers in terms of design, space, features and practicality.

Design

The Voyah Dream adopts a large MPV silhouette with a prominent front grille, upright proportions and a strong road presence. Slim LED lighting elements feature at both ends, while the long wheelbase and boxy profile prioritise passenger space.

Depending on the market, buyers can choose from several exterior colours, including white, black, gold and purple. Power-sliding rear doors are standard, while the overall design places greater emphasis on luxury and passenger comfort than that of conventional family MPVs.

Interior

Depending on the variant, buyers can choose between seven-seat and executive seating layouts.

Features include dual power sliding doors, three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting and large digital displays spanning much of the dashboard. The highlight here is the Huawei HarmonyOS Cockpit and the Huawei Qiankun ADS 3.0 (Advanced Driving System), including LiDAR.

Higher-spec variants also offer heated, ventilated and massage-equipped second-row seats, while a front passenger ‘boss key’ allows rear occupants to adjust the front passenger seat.

The cabin places a big emphasis on rear-seat comfort, positioning the Dream as a rival to premium MPVs such as the Lexus LM and Mercedes V-Class.

Experience in the Voyah Dream

I spent time in the Voyah Dream, and the first thing I noticed was the low step-in height. Unlike some large MPVs or SUVs, I did not need side steps to get in. The front doors are conventional, but the rear doors close electrically, which adds to the luxury feel.

In the driver’s seat, I had a huge 20 cm of headroom to the roof liner. Lower back support was good, overall back support was okay, and shoulder support was alright. The neck pillows offered additional support, though front under-thigh support could have been better.

The steering wheel felt a little thin, but it was still grippy. Outward visibility was good, and the pedal box worked well even with my UK size 11.5 shoes.

The cabin feels genuinely luxurious. The light-purple-and-cream colour combination enhances the sense of space, and the layout feels classy. Practical touches include dual wireless phone chargers, adjustable cupholders, USB charging space and a refrigerator under the centre console.

The second row is the Dream’s strongest area. The individual captain’s chairs feel luxurious, with good back support, excellent under-thigh support, deployable leg rests, boss-mode functionality, roof-mounted air vents and an electrically operated fold-out entertainment screen. I could stretch out properly, and the cabin felt bright and open.

The third row was surprisingly usable for my 6-foot frame. I had about 10 cm of headroom, which is impressive, and access through the pass-through was manageable. The third-row seats are electrically adjustable, with adjustable headrests, cupholders, armrests and manual window shades.

Back support was alright and under-thigh support was acceptable, but I sat with my knees higher than normal and could not slide my shoes under the seat ahead. Moving the second row slightly forward would make it more usable, but it is still far better than expected for a third row.

Specifications

The Dream measures 5,315 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width and between 1,800 mm and 1,820 mm in height, depending on the variant. Wheelbase measures 3,200 mm.

International markets receive both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The electric version uses a dual-motor intelligent all-wheel-drive system producing up to 320 kW and 620 Nm of torque.

Depending on the variant, output is rated at either 320 kW or 290 kW, while peak torque is quoted at 620 Nm or 610 Nm. Dongfeng claims a 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds for the more powerful version and 6.6 seconds for the alternative configuration. Top speed is rated at 200 km/h.

Battery capacity is rated at 108.7 kWh in the battery-electric version, while the plug-in hybrid uses a 41.7 kWh battery pack. Dongfeng quotes a WLTP driving range of up to 376 miles for the battery-electric model.

For the plug-in hybrid, the company quotes a combined WLTC driving range of up to 750 km, with a generous 420 kW (571 hp) & 840 Nm on tap.

Safety and driver-assistance systems vary by market but include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system on higher-spec variants.

Price & Release Date

While Voyah has yet to officially lock in a UK launch for the Dream, right-hand-drive production slated for late 2026 makes its arrival highly likely, even before Dongfeng cars roll out from the French plant.

While we await official confirmation, if it lands on British shores, the premium MPV will square up directly against the Lexus LM and Mercedes V-Class with both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, with an estimated starting price of around £85,000 (based on the €97,000 continental entry point). It is expected to be retailed through Stellantis dealers.