Soueast DX5

Model Overview

The Soueast DX5 is a B-segment SUV under Soueast Motor, positioned as a "stylish, high-quality, and refined SUV". The model made its official debut on 26 September 2019 at a nationwide launch event in Dalian, with the entire range complying with China 6b emission standards. Slotting between the DX3 and DX7 in the Soueast DX family lineup, the DX5 measures 4,406 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, with a 2,615 mm wheelbase, giving it a distinct dimensional edge in the compact SUV segment.

The Soueast DX5 was offered in six variants, with recommended retail prices ranging from RM69,900 to RM99,900. It comes with two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, featuring Mitsubishi-derived engineering with MIVEC variable valve timing technology. Styled from the ground up by Soueast Motor in collaboration with renowned Italian design house Pininfarina, the vehicle was heavily relied upon at launch to drive the brand's sales recovery.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Soueast DX5 was penned by world-renowned design firm Pininfarina. Up front, it incorporates Soueast's signature "Wing Cube" design philosophy, blending the radiator grille seamlessly with integrated LED headlamps for a sharp, sophisticated aesthetic. Along the sides, contemporary elements such as a floating roof design and sleek character lines deliver a youthful, sporty stance. In May 2021, two limited-run editions—"Blue Penguin" and "Polar Bear"—were introduced, featuring striking dual-tone liveries (blue body with white roof, and white body with black roof, respectively) alongside exclusive phantom camouflage rear garnishes to amplify its appeal among younger buyers.

Inside, the cabin takes inspiration from a "flight cockpit" theme, featuring a driver-centric wraparound layout where the centre console and touchscreen are canted towards the driver for enhanced ergonomics. The interior is finished primarily in black, accented with matte grey trim across the dashboard and door cards for an upmarket touch, while dual-tone blue-and-white leatherette upholstery complements the exterior theme. Soueast has also paid close attention to material quality, applying extensive soft-touch surfaces across the dashboard and door panels to elevate perceived quality.

Powertrain and Performance

The Soueast DX5 is available with either a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated or a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.5L variant is powered by a 4A91 unit producing 88 kW (around 120 PS) and 143 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.5T variant features a 4A91T turbocharged engine equipped with multi-point fuel injection, an aluminium cylinder head, and an aluminium block, delivering 115 kW (around 156 PS) and 225 Nm of peak torque across a 2,000 to 4,000 rpm band. Power is sent to the wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT with an 8-speed virtual ratio mode.

In terms of fuel efficiency, third-party consumer data shows that the Soueast DX5 outperforms 92% of rival models in its class, making it one of the more economical offerings in its segment. Crucially, the entire model range meets China 6b emission standards, fulfilling local environmental compliance requirements across major metropolitan areas.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Soueast DX5 boasts a chassis setup that punches above its class. It comes standard with all-round independent suspension—a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a 5-link independent arrangement at the rear—which is exceptionally rare for an entry-level compact SUV at this price point. Unlike most segment competitors that settle for a torsion beam rear setup, the DX5 holds a clear hardware advantage in ride comfort and handling stability. The inclusion of subframes further bolsters overall chassis rigidity and torsional stiffness.

Out on the road, the chassis delivers commendable real-world performance. The suspension reacts swiftly, soaking up most road imperfections while transmitting decent steering feedback to the driver. The multi-link rear setup ensures superior wheel control, allowing the vehicle to tackle harsh potholes smoothly without unsettling the chassis or causing unnecessary wheel hop over mid-corner undulations. Professional media reviews have widely praised the chassis for its taut ride, well-judged body control, and planted road manners compared to segment peers. However, some owners have noted a slight dead zone on-centre, indicating room for sharper steering precision.

Cabin Features and Equipment

The tech suite on the Soueast DX5 remains competitive for its class. Flagship variants boast a dual-display cockpit comprising a 7-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch floating HD central infotainment touchscreen. Aside from the two entry variants equipped with 7-inch units, all other trims receive the 10-inch touchscreen, which supports satellite navigation with real-time traffic updates (BeiDou + GPS dual-mode), Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and Baidu CarLife smartphone integration. High-spec models further benefit from the next-generation Soueast Intelligent Link system, powered by iFlytek voice recognition to control the air conditioning, navigation, and all four power windows hands-free. Through the Soueast Intelligent Link mobile app, owners can use digital Bluetooth key functionality for keyless entry, remote engine start, remote door locking/unlocking, and window defogging. A 6-speaker audio system is standard across the lineup for everyday listening needs. Other premium amenities on top-spec variants include a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and push-start ignition.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Soueast DX5 comes comprehensively equipped with both passive and active safety features. Its structural architecture incorporates a "Le Triomphant-class" submarine-grade high-strength steel design, utilizing over 60% ultra-high-strength steel alongside a 360-degree high-tensile safety cage and modular crumple zones to optimize crash energy absorption and cabin integrity. For passive safety, dual front SRS airbags are standard across the range, with high-spec variants adding front side airbags for enhanced side-impact protection.

Active safety is a cornerstone of the DX5's feature list. All variants come equipped with an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) suite, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). It is further fortified with a dedicated Roll Over Protection (ROP) system, completing a comprehensive "10-in-1" active safety shield. In terms of driver assistance, rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control are standard across the board, while higher trims gain a reverse camera, cruise control, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and Auto Hold. Overall driver assistance remains strictly at Level 0, with no Level 2 or advanced ADAS systems on offer.

Market Performance and Reception

The market run of the Soueast DX5 can be best described as fizzling out after a promising start. Despite early buzz surrounding its Pininfarina styling, fully independent suspension, and Mitsubishi-engineered powertrain, the DX5 struggled to gain meaningful traction in an ultra-competitive compact SUV landscape. Sales figures reveal that only 820 units were delivered in the entire year of 2022, accounting for just 3.29% of Soueast Motor's internal sales volume and placing it 348th overall in the domestic SUV sales rankings. Momentum deteriorated further in 2023, with total annual sales dropping to 457 units. Monthly deliveries occasionally fell into the single digits, pushing the model close to the brink of discontinuation.

Market analysts attribute this underperformance partly to price overlap with its stablemate, the DX3, which triggered internal cannibalization. On a macro level, Soueast Motor's overall brand presence has progressively waned amid intense competition from rival Chinese automakers, with an underdeveloped dealer network and subdued marketing spend directly hampering retail sales. Interestingly, the DX5 has maintained surprisingly resilient residual values in select regional used car markets. According to big data released by "Tiantian Paiche" in August 2025, the pre-owned DX5 emerged as one of the best value-retention models in the Taizhou secondhand market. This trend underscores user confidence in the car's long-term mechanical reliability and durability. As of 2025, Soueast Motor has announced no facelift or replacement plans for the nameplate, marking the end of the DX5's product lifecycle.