Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai X5

The Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai X5 is a fully electric C-segment SUV under Dongfeng Forthing, serving as a brand-new offering within the Forthing Xinghai new energy vehicle line-up. Officially launched on 4 September 2025, the EV is aimed at urban families and younger buyers, focusing on economy and practicality. As of June 2026, the Xinghai X5 line-up comprises the 2025 and 2026 model years, available in several variants including the Pilot Edition, Executive Edition, and Supreme Edition. The 2025 Pilot Edition and Executive Edition carry recommended retail prices of RM151,900 and RM159,900 respectively, while the 530 Supreme Edition added in November 2025 is priced at RM169,900. The 2026 model year retains the Pilot Edition and Executive Edition variants, with prices unchanged. Key rivals to the Xinghai X5 include the BYD Yuan PLUS, AION Y Plus, and similar models.

Design Language

Visually, the Xinghai X5 carries over the "Performance Aesthetics" design philosophy seen on the Forthing T5 EVO. The front end sports the signature enclosed grille typical of EVs, flanked by vertically stacked headlamp clusters matched with slim LED daytime running lights (DRLs) to deliver a bold visual punch and a high-tech vibe. The front bumper is sculpted with sharp character lines to form a trapezoidal profile, anchored by a black lower lip spoiler. Along the sides, the SUV gets a floating roof effect with blacked-out window frames and B-pillars, complemented by silver chrome side skirt garnishes for a more upscale touch. It rides on multi-spoke aero-optimised alloy wheels shod with 225/65 R17 tyres. Around the back, full-width LED taillights take centre stage, underscored by a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser trim for added sportiness. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,615 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm (stretched to 2,750 mm on the 2026 model). Six exterior paint finishes are on offer: Gentian Purple, Jasper Green, Star White, Bright Moon Grey, Dragon Chant Grey, and Shining Star Black. Inside, the cabin can be had in either solid Black or a dual-tone Orange/Black theme, the latter lending a sportier, youthful flair. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather, paired with a standard polyurethane steering wheel.

Powertrain and Performance

The Xinghai X5 is powered exclusively by a front-mounted single electric motor driving the front wheels. The motor is supplied by Enpower under model code TZ180XSX5G. It delivers a peak output of 120 kW (163 PS) and 240 Nm of torque. Drive is sent via a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Top speed is rated at 160 km/h. Energy is stored in a 64.4 kWh liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack sourced from Sunwoda, yielding a CLTC-rated pure electric range of 530 km. For charging, the vehicle supports DC fast charging, juicing from 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in as quick as 0.58 hours (approx. 35 minutes). Power consumption is rated at 14.7 kWh/100 km. First non-commercial owners benefit from a lifetime warranty on the core electric drive system (terms and conditions apply), while commercial-use vehicles are covered by a 5-year or 500,000 km warranty.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Xinghai X5 rides on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, an all-round independent arrangement that gives it a notable competitive edge at this price point. Steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Braking duties are managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, complete with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It runs in a front-engine/motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. The minimum turning radius stands at 5.9 metres. Drivers can toggle between three selectable drive modes: Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, all Xinghai X5 variants come standard with a 13-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. The head unit features built-in AutoNavi navigation and supports dual-zone voice control. Connectivity is extensive, offering support for Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife, HUAWEI HiCar, and Carlink. It also gets built-in 4G connectivity alongside Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Standard kit across the board includes a reverse camera, automatic air conditioning, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), drive mode selector, Auto Hold, Hill Start Assist (HSA), and regenerative braking. Stepping up to the top-spec Executive Edition adds a powered tailgate, power-adjustable front seats, as well as driver-seat ventilation and heating over the Pilot Edition. The five-seater cabin features a 2+3 layout, with a bench-folding rear seat that expands boot volume from a standard 590 litres up to 1,336 litres.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the Xinghai X5 is equipped with dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard. Active safety kit across the range includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for low-speed pedestrian safety. In terms of driver assistance, while a reverse camera comes standard, it misses out on front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The vehicle does not offer Level 2 or higher Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Market Performance and Verdict

The Xinghai X5 serves as a cornerstone in Dongfeng Forthing’s electrification push. Sales-wise, wholesale figures hit 1,701 units in October 2025 before surging to 3,166 units in November to lead all Dongfeng Forthing nameplates, before easing to 941 units in December. In March 2026, it reclaimed the top sales spot within the brand with 1,881 units delivered. As an electric C-SUV, the Xinghai X5’s key selling points include an above-average 530 km CLTC range for its price class, a practical smart cabin bolstered by the 13-inch display and wide-ranging smartphone integration, a planted ride courtesy of the rear multi-link setup, and the peace of mind of a lifetime EV powertrain warranty for first-hand private buyers. That said, its compromises are just as apparent: the entire line-up makes do with only dual front airbags, omitting side and curtain airbags; the absence of Level 2 ADAS leaves its driver-assist suite feeling dated; the LFP battery remains prone to range drop in cold weather; and the cabin relies heavily on hard plastics and faux leather. On the whole, the Xinghai X5 is a sensibly positioned electric family SUV with honest trade-offs, leaning on solid real-world range, practical features, and seasoned manufacturing backing to appeal to budget-conscious urban families seeking dependable daily transport.