Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi New Energy

Model Overview

The Lingzhi New Energy is a mid-size new energy MPV under Dongfeng Forthing's Lingzhi family, developed on the foundation of the petrol-powered Lingzhi M5. On 18 May 2025, Dongfeng Forthing hosted the Lingzhi Family Glory Ceremony in Liuzhou, Guangxi, officially launching the 2025 Lingzhi New Energy. The new vehicle offers two powertrain options: pure electric (BEV) and range-extended (EREV), with official recommended retail prices ranging between RM109,800 and RM113,800, alongside a limited-time trade-in offer starting from as low as RM99,800. Compared to the 2024 model's starting price of around RM150,000, the 2025 iteration sees a substantial price reduction of RM42,100. Touting itself as the "industry's first multi-energy commercial vehicle brand under RM100,000 capable of running on petrol, electricity, and gas", the Lingzhi New Energy primarily targets owner-drivers, SMEs, and household users, competing against same-class rivals such as the Wuling Yangguang, JMC E-Fushun, BAW Ruasheng Wangpai EM7, and JAC Refine E3.

Design Language

The Lingzhi New Energy carries over the signature styling of the Lingzhi M5 series, boasting a rounded and commanding silhouette. Up front, it features an imposing front grille with lightning-inspired side contours that seamlessly integrate with the headlamps. The charging port is neatly concealed behind the brand emblem, lending the front fascia a cleaner and more cohesive look. The rear styling remains clean and understated, distinguished by large rounded-rectangular tail lamps that offer high visibility at night, while the wide tailgate opening facilitates quick and effortless cargo loading and unloading. Body dimensions measure 5,135 mm in length, 1,720 mm in width, and 1,990 mm in height, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. Capping the height under 2 metres ensures generous cabin space while allowing hassle-free entry into height-restricted basement car parks. Inside, the cabin retains a utilitarian approach, keeping traditional analogue gauge clusters. Higher-spec variants are equipped with a central touchscreen infotainment system bundled with navigation and connected app functionality.

Powertrain & Performance

The Lingzhi New Energy is available with two powertrain options: pure electric and range-extended. The pure electric version is driven by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (model TZ180XS018B) that outputs a maximum power of 70 kW (approx. 95 PS) and a peak torque of 175 Nm. It is paired with a 64.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with Sunwoda cells, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 420 km. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% state of charge takes just 35 minutes, whereas AC slow charging requires 12 hours. Electricity consumption is rated at 17.5 kWh/100 km, translating to an operating cost of roughly RM9 per 100 km. Meanwhile, the range-extended version utilises a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (model 4F15N, rated at 75 kW / 102 PS) serving as a dedicated range extender, paired with a 60 kW electric drive motor. It delivers a CLTC pure electric range of 110 km and a combined total cruising range of up to 900 km. Top speed for the pure electric version is capped at 100 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the Lingzhi New Energy adopts a front-mid engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. The front suspension employs a double wishbone torsion bar independent system, while the rear utilizes a heavy-duty leaf spring non-independent suspension. Because the rear leaf spring suspension is tuned primarily for payload-carrying durability, damping remains firm with an unavoidable trade-off in ride comfort. Braking duties are handled by solid front discs and rear drums, paired with a manual handbrake. It rides on 195/70 R15 tyres. In terms of kerb weight, the 420 km pure electric variant tips the scales at 1,880 kg, whereas the 460 km commercial fleet variant weighs in at 2,070 kg owing to higher equipment specifications.

Cabin & Equipment

The Lingzhi New Energy is offered in both 5-seater (2+3) and 7-seater (2+2+3) seating configurations. The middle-row seats on the 7-seater variant feature multi-angle adjustments and can be swivelled or folded, providing flexible modularity to effortlessly balance cargo hauling and passenger transport. Folding the rear seats expands the rear luggage capacity to a cavernous 3,000 litres. Standard equipment across the range includes reverse parking sensors, a manual anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, a front single USB charging port, front power windows, and a remote key fob. A 10-inch central display, reverse camera, GPS navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity are available as optional extras. Early-bird customers who placed orders before 30 June 2025 were gifted a complimentary 10-inch LCD touchscreen worth RM1,500. For commercial convenience, the MPV features a single kerbside sliding door and a top-hinged tailgate to ensure seamless cargo operations.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

On the safety front, the Lingzhi New Energy incorporates a high-strength steel cage body structure, reinforced with ultra-high-strength steel in critical areas. The battery pack boasts an IP67 ingress protection rating and features a thermal management heating system to maintain battery efficiency in low-temperature conditions. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) come standard across the entire range, with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) available on select variants. Notably, the range-extended variant goes without safety airbags as a cost-control measure. In terms of driver assistance, high-level ADAS systems are omitted, keeping equipment strictly focused on core functional essentials without redundant frills.

Market Performance & Review

The Lingzhi New Energy posted modest sales figures during its initial market debut. From January to April 2025, monthly retail deliveries stood at 27, 71, 111, and 130 units, respectively. Following its official launch in May 2025, sales climbed to 286 units, reached 477 units in June, and normalized to 272 units in July. Cumulative sales through July 2025 totaled 1,319 units. Industry analysts note that there remains ample room for improvement in its retail market traction. Nevertheless, Dongfeng Forthing secured fleet procurement contracts for 5,100 units on-site during the launch event, including orders from commercial fleet operators such as Sichuan Guangyun Group. Building on the Lingzhi family's substantial foundation of 1.16 million owners, the Lingzhi New Energy leverages a "petrol-EV price parity" strategy and a multi-fuel lineup (petrol, EV, and gas) to establish a distinct value-for-money position in the RM100,000-class new energy commercial vehicle segment.