In recent coverage, reports indicate that Russian car dealerships have begun stocking Chinese-made Changan BenBen E-Star hatchbacks. A notable portion of these new arrivals is showcased in classified sales sections by firms operating in Moscow and Kaluga regions, reflecting a steady interest from buyers across central Russia. Prices for these electric hatchbacks generally sit between 1.9 million and 2.5 million rubles, positioning them as accessible options in the growing market for compact city-sized EVs in the region. Buyers considering this model typically weigh the balance between value, range, and practicality as they compare with other urban-oriented electric options available nearby.
The BenBen E-Star’s exterior dimensions align closely with the compact, well-known Hyundai Getz. Its overall footprint measures 3730 millimeters in length, 1650 millimeters in width, and 1530 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 2410 millimeters. The trunk offers roughly 147 liters of cargo space, which suits everyday city errands, errands, and light shopping tasks. While modest, this luggage capacity is complemented by clever interior packaging and practical seat configurations that aim to maximize usable space for urban living. Prospective buyers often consider how this aligns with their typical haul, be it groceries, small luggage, or weekend gear, when evaluating the car’s practicality in real-life use.
Inside, the BenBen E-Star features a modern cabin with a multimedia system that merges a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment display into a single, cohesive interface. Each screen measures 10.2 inches, delivering a contemporary viewing experience for navigation, media, and vehicle information. The integration is designed to be intuitive, with responsive controls and a layout that reduces distraction while driving. For families and daily commuters, this setup can streamline access to driving data, battery status, and route planning without compromising comfort or convenience on longer trips.
Standard safety and convenience equipment includes a suite of essential features: airbags for both the driver and front passenger, power-operated windows, central locking, an anti-lock braking system, tire pressure monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The inclusion of these items helps establish a baseline of protection and ease of use expected from modern urban hatchbacks. The combination of active and passive safety components is intended to support confident driving in city streets, during parking maneuvers, and on open roads alike, making the E-Star a practical choice for new EV buyers or those transitioning from traditional gasoline models.
Under the hood, the E-Star is powered by a front-wheel-drive configuration featuring a 75-horsepower electric motor. The traction battery has a 32 kWh capacity, enabling a claimed driving range of around 301 kilometers on a full charge under typical mixed-use conditions. This range supports daily commutes, errands across town, and occasional longer trips, provided charging opportunities are available along the route. A top speed of approximately 125 kilometers per hour places the vehicle in a comfortable cruising band for urban and suburban driving, allowing steady highway speeds during longer drives while maintaining energy efficiency. Battery health, charging options, and real-world range will vary with climate, driving style, and load, factors that buyers often consider when choosing an electric hatchback for daily use.
Historically, there have been discussions about moving other popular models into the Russian market, including luxury-oriented and performance-focused options. While the BenBen E-Star represents a practical entry into electrified city mobility, automakers continually adjust strategies in response to demand, regulatory changes, and the evolving charging infrastructure. For buyers evaluating this specific model, it is useful to compare its footprint, range, and features against other regional EV offerings, weighing the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, charging costs, and potential incentives that may apply in Russia. The ongoing market dynamics reflect a broader shift toward compact electric vehicles that can accommodate dense city living while offering the benefits of reduced running costs and lower emissions over time.