Dongfeng KX

On the inside, the Dongfeng KX isn’t as basic in terms of layout and equipment as compared to the other trucks in its stable. It justifies its flagship positioning with the help of a comprehensively laid cabin complete with all the essentials.

The driver’s cockpit looks a bit more modern, thanks to a multi-functional four-spoke steering wheel which is big and feels good to hold. The instrument console behind the steering wheel looks much more comprehensive and packs in a nice looking MID in between.

Here in the Dongfeng KX too, the dashboard is styled in a curved manner, with the centre console facing towards the driver side completely. The centre console packs in two rectangular housings placed besides each other – the left one for the 2-DIN audio system and the right one for the automatic climate control. Below these two rectangular panels is placed an array of switches for multiple functions.

However, what looks weak here is the dull grey finish for the dashboard and door panels – a dual-tone black and beige layout might have made the interior look a bit more appealing.

Among all the Dongfeng trucks, the Dongfeng KX is the biggest and most stylish looking one. While it still doesn’t look as fancy and glitzy as many new generation trucks on sale, it still looks butch and pleasant at the same time, which is a good combination to begin with.

At the front, the Dongfeng KX has the same large flat and rectangular windshield shared with the rest of the range, with all of its edges slightly rounded to make it look not too drab and straight forward.

The windshield comes with a rectangular panel above it which acts as an overhead shield to it, and also comes with integrated lights on its corners. The rearview mirrors are large and here are body-colored which does make it look attractive.

The flat bonnet of the Dongfeng KX comes with a scooped in the front grille, which is characterised by a sleek horizontal chrome line, above which there is a curved and protruding out panel displaying the brand’s name.

The front bumper is large, and like in any other Dongfeng truck, it also accommodates large rectangular headlamps along with rectangular fog lamps positioned just below them. The front bumper also comes with an additional grille in the middle, thus making the KX look more butch and aggressive.

What makes the Dongfeng KX look a bit fancier is the long swooping curve flowing all the way from the bottom of the front bonnet to the rear portion of the side window, giving the truck a dual-tone effect.

Armed with a more sophisticated air suspension, the overall ride quality of the Dongfeng KX feels comfortable. With a front and rear axle load-carrying capacity of 7 / 13 x 2 tonnes, the KX feels worthy of carrying enough load on board.

The Dongfeng KX is powered by the largest powertrain by the manufacturer – it boasts of a 13-litre diesel engine which is paired to a 14-speed manual gearbox, which comes with two reverse gears. The engine here produces a maximum power output of 480 PS and a peak torque output of 2320 Nm, and has the potential of propelling the truck to a top speed of 120 kmph.

In terms of safety equipment, the Dongfeng KX feels the richest in the lineup of Dongfeng, with modern features like a driver airbag, ABS, disc brakes, EBD, electronic stability control, engine brake, and Beidou satellite navigation system.

When it comes to premium appeal and features combined with load-carrying duties and performance, the Dongfeng KX feels like a complete package and rightly justifies its premium flagship positioning.