Dongfeng Aeolus AX7 History

The Fengshen AX7 debuted at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show and went on sale in China in October 2014 as Aeolus's first purpose-built SUV, available with a 2.0-litre or 2.3-litre petrol engine. Prices ranged from 115,700 to 149,700 yuan at launch.

A second generation arrived in August 2018 with a more modern 1.6-litre turbocharged engine (167 hp) and a revised body, priced from 89,800 yuan — reflecting intensifying competition in China's compact-SUV segment. From the 2021 model year the vehicle switched from the Dongfeng logo to the Aeolus badge as part of a brand-clarity push, and was sold as the AX7 Pro; a further revised 'Plus' followed for 2022.

The AX7 has been the Aeolus brand's highest-profile model and the one most often exported under the Dongfeng nameplate to markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.