The Dongfeng Fengon ix5 is a mid-size coupe SUV introduced by the Fengon brand under DFSK. Positioned as an "intelligent new coupe SUV", it targets younger buyers seeking expressive, sporty styling coupled with smart tech features. The model marked a bold departure in design language for the Fengon marque, breaking away from its previously conventional styling in favour of a youthful, athletic coupe silhouette.
Officially launched in Chongqing on 31 October 2018, the ix5 was rolled out as a strategic offering within Dongfeng Fengon's SUV portfolio. At launch, seven variants were made available across three powertrain options—360TGDI, 280TGDI, and 220T—with official retail prices ranging from RM99,800 to RM149,800. Following several annual updates, the 2022 model was priced at RM165,900. The entire line-up came backed by a 7-year/150,000 km super warranty covering both the vehicle and the engine, which is fully transferable to subsequent second-hand owners. Key segment rivals include other mid-size coupe SUVs like the Dongfeng Venucia T90 and Haval H6 Coupe.
The Fengon ix5 showcases an all-new design language, offering a choice between horizontal-slat and dot-matrix front grilles to cater to diverse aesthetic tastes. The grille blends seamlessly into the headlamp clusters, accentuating the vehicle's front visual width. Its most distinctive exterior highlight is the side profile—where the roofline slopes gracefully from the B-pillar down towards the tailgate, creating an elegant fastback roofline and a planted, sporty stance. At the rear, a full-width LED taillight bar provides high night-time visibility, complemented by dual exhaust tailpipes that further enhance its sporty character.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the SUV measures 4,685 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,645 mm in height, with a 2,790 mm wheelbase. Laden ground clearance stands at 200 mm, ensuring decent all-road clearance. Boot capacity starts at 779 litres in standard layout and expands up to 1,420 litres with the rear backrests folded flat.
Inside, the cabin features a driver-centric wrap-around cockpit layout, where a continuous dashboard fascia replaces the traditional T-shaped centre console. Soft-touch slush-moulded plastics and gloss piano black trims make up the primary cabin materials. Spec-wise, mid- to high-range variants are fitted with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch floating central infotainment screen, and a dedicated full-touch climate control panel, forming a high-tech multi-screen setup. A three-spoke steering wheel is standard, with gear selection handled by either a conventional mechanical lever or an electronic gear shifter depending on the trim level.
The Fengon ix5 range is powered exclusively by transversely mounted turbocharged petrol engines, available in several outputs:
220T Variant: Powered by a 1.5-litre multi-point injection turbocharged engine (unit code SFG15TA), producing 110 kW (approx. 150 PS) and 220 Nm of peak torque delivered between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. This unit is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT driving the front wheels, achieving a top speed of 180 km/h.
280TGDI Variant: Powered by a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo engine putting out 132 kW (approx. 179 PS) and 270 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT.
360TGDI Variant: Powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo engine churning out 170 kW (approx. 231 PS) and 355 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
On the efficiency front, the 1.5T CVT variant delivers a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 L/100 km (WLTC) and 7.3 L/100 km (NEDC). The entire line-up runs on RON 92 petrol and is fitted with a 58-litre fuel tank. All variants are strictly front-wheel drive (FWD), with no all-wheel-drive (AWD) option offered. The vehicle warranty is set at seven years or 150,000 km.
Underneath, the Fengon ix5 employs an independent suspension setup consisting of front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link arrangement—a solid, balanced configuration in the coupe SUV segment. The chassis was tuned with input from international engineers to balance handling composure with ride comfort. Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with three selectable effort modes: Standard, Comfort, and Sport.
Braking hardware includes ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, along with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 235/50 R18 tyres, accompanied by a space-saver spare wheel. Drivers can toggle between four drive modes—Standard, Sport, Eco, and Low-Traction—to suit various road conditions. Higher-grade trims also come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).
Cockpit connectivity is a core selling point for the Fengon ix5. The entire range comes standard with the Lin OS 4.0 intelligent telematics system (subsequently upgraded to My FENGUANG), incorporating voice control, remote vehicle access via smartphone, OTA software updates, and Baidu CarLife smartphone mirroring.
The voice recognition system is activated via the "Ni Hao Xiao Feng" prompt to control the sunroof, power windows, seat heating, air conditioning, media playback, and phone calls, boasting an accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. The companion smartphone app allows users to remotely operate the windows, sunroof, and seat heaters.
For comfort and convenience, mid- to high-spec variants offer synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, front seat heating, rear air-con vents, and automatic climate control. The standard audio system features 4 speakers, with higher-spec variants getting an upgraded speaker count. A standard single-pane sunroof is fitted on lower trims, while a tilt-and-slide panoramic glass roof is available on higher-spec variants.
On the safety front, the Fengon ix5 is constructed around a high-tensile body shell. Range-topping trims are equipped with active and passive safety features including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The flagship 360TGDI variant adds advanced driving aids such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Highway Assist (HWA), and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Lane Change Assist. Front dual airbags are standard across the range, while higher trims add front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags. A tyre pressure monitoring warning system is also fitted on selected trims.
In terms of semi-autonomous driving capability, higher-spec models feature Level 1 ADAS (upgradable to Level 2 as an option), whereas entry-level trims settle for conventional cruise control and a reverse camera. The 360-degree parking camera comes standard on high-grade variants.
Conceived as a strategic product to spearhead the brand’s push towards youth appeal and smart connectivity, the Dongfeng Fengon ix5 initially garnered considerable interest thanks to its sleek coupe styling and rich infotainment tech. However, its sales momentum tapered off noticeably in subsequent years. Segment comparisons highlighted that while the ix5 excelled in the RM100,000-class SUV bracket with its generous cabin space, superior ride comfort, and respectable fuel economy, it was let down by an aging infotainment interface and relatively basic safety gear on entry trims.
Owner feedback remains distinctly mixed. On the positive side, drivers consistently praise the ix5's striking exterior lines, the expansive legroom afforded by its 2,790 mm wheelbase, and its smooth power delivery. Conversely, complaints are heavily focused on build quality and mechanical reliability—data from automotive complaint portal Chezhiwang shows recurring grievances regarding transmission hesitation, gearbox judder, gearbox failures caused by coolant leaks, and steering malfunctions. Some disgruntled owners went as far as remarking that "buying it is asking for trouble; if it's not in the workshop, it's on the way there". Steep depreciation and poor resale value also remain significant drawbacks.
All in all, the Dongfeng Fengon ix5 represents an ambitious attempt in design and tech packaging, successfully venturing into the niche smart coupe SUV market. Nonetheless, persistent quality control issues and a slow update cycle eventually saw it relegated to the sidelines in a fiercely contested SUV segment. For budget-conscious buyers seeking stand-out styling and cavernous cabin room on the second-hand market, a used ix5 may offer decent value on paper, provided prospective owners carefully weigh its known reliability risks and long-term upkeep costs.
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