Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi

Model Overview

The Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi is a homegrown commercial MPV introduced by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. Officially launched in 2001, it is the Chinese market's first homegrown commercial MPV model. Built on the ALL-PST technology platform (encompassing precision fuel management, material supply, and quality control systems), the vehicle originally traces its roots to the Japanese Mitsubishi Space Gear L400. Over 25 years of market presence, the Lingzhi lineup has amassed a customer base of 1.16 million owners, establishing a comprehensive multi-powertrain portfolio spanning petrol, pure electric, range-extended (REEV), and compressed natural gas (CNG)—making it the industry's first commercial vehicle brand to offer petrol, electric, and gas options under RM100,000. The 2025 Lingzhi New Energy series features the 420km Pure Electric Urban Transport Edition (priced at RM109,800) and the 110km Range-Extended Edition (priced from RM109,800 to RM113,800), with limited-time trade-in promotional prices starting from as low as RM99,800. Meanwhile, the petrol-powered lineup carries a recommended retail price range between RM59,900 and RM99,900.

Design Language

On the styling front, the Lingzhi retains the utilitarian design language typical of Japanese MPVs, sporting a clean, rounded, and commanding road presence. The front fascia is headlined by a large polygonal grille with horizontal chrome louvres, flanked by chrome trim garnishes, with the charging port discreetly tucked behind the brand emblem. Simple and durable halogen units are housed within the split headlamp assemblies. Measuring over 5.1 metres in length, over 1.7 metres in width, and under 2 metres in height, the MPV strikes a balance between generous cabin space and hassle-free access to underground car parks. Along the sides, it retains classic dual-opening or sliding door configurations (featuring a sliding door on the right, with the guide rail neatly aligned with the lower waistline), leading to a clean, squarish rear end.

Inside, the cabin takes a pragmatic and minimalist approach. Higher-spec variants come equipped with a central touchscreen infotainment system supporting navigation and connected vehicle apps, while lower-spec models retain conventional analogue gauge clusters. Flexible seating layouts are available in 5-, 7-, and 9-seater configurations. The 7-seater adopts a 2+2+3 arrangement, with multi-angle adjustable, swivelling, and folding second-row seats to effortlessly accommodate both passenger transport and business cargo requirements. Passenger variants can also be specified with dual-evaporator air conditioning and enhanced comfort seats for a better ride experience.

Powertrain & Performance

Anchored by a "multi-energy" strategy, the Lingzhi range provides four distinct powertrain choices: petrol, compressed natural gas (CNG), pure electric, and range-extended:

Petrol Version: Powered by 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L naturally aspirated engines or a 1.5T turbocharged engine, paired with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or automatic transmission. The 1.6L unit produces around 86 hp (subject to state of tune across variants); the 2.0L CNG mill delivers 116 hp and 174 Nm of peak torque; while the 1.5T turbo engine punches out 190 hp and 300 Nm. Featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout, top speeds range from 150 to 160 km/h, with combined fuel consumption starting as low as 7.3 L/100km.

Pure Electric Version: Driven by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (rated at 60 kW) paired with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs supplied by Gotion High-tech or BYD. With a 64.4 kWh battery capacity on the 420km variant, it delivers a CLTC range of 420 km, an energy consumption rate of 17.5 kWh/100km, running costs as low as 9 yuan/100km, and supports 30%-80% DC fast charging in 35 minutes.

Range-Extended Version: Features a 1.5L range extender (4F15N engine) paired with a 60 kW rear electric motor and a 19.09 kWh LFP battery, providing a pure electric range of 110 km (WLTC) and a combined cruising range of 900 km, with charge-depleted fuel consumption pegged at 6.3 L/100km.

CNG Version: Equipped with a 2.0L engine (86 kW / 174 Nm) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, bringing running costs down to just 0.22 yuan per kilometre.

Chassis & Handling

The Lingzhi is built on a monocoque body structure, utilizing a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout (petrol/CNG) or rear-engine rear-wheel-drive setup (new energy models). Up front, it uses either MacPherson struts or double-wishbone torsion-bar independent suspension, while the rear features a heavy-duty leaf-spring rigid axle setup engineered for heavy payloads in cargo logistics and passenger hauling. Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear drums (with rear disc brakes on select higher variants). Electric power steering (EPS) provides light and effortless manoeuvrability, while a minimum ground clearance of 165 mm ensures adequate capability over unpaved road surfaces.

Cabin & Equipment

Designed with utilitarian practicality at its core, the Lingzhi is available in two wheelbase options: 2,800 mm (standard wheelbase) and 3,000 mm (long wheelbase), yielding an expansive maximum cargo capacity of up to 4,400 litres. Petrol variants offer 5-, 7-, and 9-seater layouts, where second-row seats slide fore and aft with reclining backrests, and third-row seats can be split-folded or flipped to the sides for expanded boot space. New energy variants are similarly offered in 5-, 7-, and 9-seater configurations, with the 7-seater featuring multi-angle adjustable middle-row captain seats.

On the tech front, higher-tier variants feature a central touchscreen system with navigation, telematics connectivity, and Bluetooth hands-free capabilities, whereas entry-level trims make do with a basic MP3 player and USB inputs. Manual air conditioning comes standard across the range (with dual-evaporator setups on passenger variants), while higher trims offer optional independent rear air conditioning and PM2.5 air filtration. Numerous cubby spaces and cup holders are scattered throughout the cabin to cater to both commercial and family duties.

Safety & Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the Lingzhi features a 3H high-rigidity safety cell and a triple-stage crumple zone, utilizing high-tensile steel in crucial structural areas to maintain passenger cell integrity during a collision. Airbag provisions vary significantly across the range—entry-level 2025 Range-Extended variants omit airbags entirely (relying solely on ABS and TPMS), whereas higher-spec and pure electric models come equipped with a driver airbag, with a front passenger airbag available as an option on select variants. ISOFIX child seat anchor points are standard across all trims.

Active safety features include standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), while higher variants gain Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Driver assistance features on upper-tier models include rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, with cruise control available as an option on select variants. New energy variants also come equipped with battery thermal management, high-voltage collision shut-off protection, and Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for pedestrians. The vehicle comes backed by a 5-year or 100,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Notably, consumer complaint records on 12365auto (CheZhiWang) reveal recurring reports of "sudden power loss and stalling at highway speeds" specifically on the 2025 Range-Extended version, representing a key area of concern for prospective buyers.

Market Performance & Overview

The Lingzhi remains an enduring staple in China's MPV segment, having recorded over 1.16 million cumulative deliveries since 2001 and consistently holding a top-three spot in domestic MPV sales. In commercial fleet operations, the model has garnered titles such as "No. 1 Market Share in Mid-to-Large Dual-Purpose Commercial MPVs" and "No. 1 CNG MPV Sales", serving prestigious international conferences including the China-ASEAN Expo and Boao Forum for Asia, alongside fleet procurements by government agencies and major corporations such as the Guangxi Health Department, Jiangsu Provincial Public Security Department, China Mobile Guangdong, and Sichuan Airlines.

Nevertheless, the broader Dongfeng Forthing brand faces significant headwinds—total brand sales in 2024 stood at just 49,600 units, with the Lingzhi accounting for 19,156 units as the brand's sole five-figure contributor. In January and February 2025, Lingzhi registered monthly sales of 610 and 743 units respectively, amidst overall brand volumes hovering around a mere thousand units per month. Faced with formidable rivals such as the Wuling Hongguang (which recorded 7,980 units in March 2025) and JAC Refine M3, the Lingzhi continues to trail significantly in sheer sales volume.

From an ownership perspective, the Lingzhi's standout strengths include its cavernous and versatile cabin (seating 5 to 9 occupants), ultra-low running costs (0.09 yuan/km for EV models and 0.22 yuan/km for CNG variants), robust and hard-wearing underpinnings, and an accessible price point starting from RM59,900. Conversely, key drawbacks centre on barebones safety equipment on base trims (complete absence of airbags on base 2025 REEV models), extensive use of hard cabin plastics, elevated wind noise at cruising speeds, rust complaints on specific model years, and prominent reliability concerns regarding high-speed power cut-offs on the range-extended version.

As a pioneer of China's commercial MPV segment and a proven workhorse for business owners, the Lingzhi continues to progress under its "multi-energy + high-value" roadmap, supported by a 25-year heritage and a 1.16-million-strong customer base. The refreshed 2025 new energy lineup and initiatives like the "Wealth Creators Alliance" showcase the model's resolve to pivot in the EV era. However, amidst intense competitive pressures, the Lingzhi's ability to maintain its stronghold in the commercial MPV segment will ultimately hinge on continuous improvements in build quality and aftersales support.