Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 New Energy

Model Overview

The Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 New Energy is the pure electric (EV) and range-extended (REEV) derivative of the Lingzhi M5 line-up under Dongfeng Forthing. Positioned as an "all-round electric business MPV", it primarily targets dual-purpose segments such as commercial logistics, tourist transport, and multi-passenger family mobility. Initially launched in October 2018 as an early strategic entry by Dongfeng Forthing into the NEV MPV market, continuous updates have developed it into a comprehensive model range covering fully electric and range-extended powertrains alongside 5-, 7-, and 9-seater layouts. The 2025 Lingzhi M5 New Energy is offered in over ten variants—including the 420km Urban Logistics Edition (EV), 410km/460km Standard and Commercial Transport Editions (EV), and the 110km Range-Extended Edition—with official retail prices spanning between RM109,800 and RM196,900.

Design Language

Aesthetically, the Lingzhi M5 New Energy retains the foundational styling of the petrol-powered Lingzhi M5, characterised by an upright, robust, and utilitarian silhouette. Up front, it features a bold multi-slat chrome grille with the charging port neatly concealed behind the brand emblem, flanked by split halogen headlamp clusters engineered for practicality and durability. The side profile remains clean and functional, equipped with a manual sliding door on the passenger side (an electric sliding door is optional on selected higher trims), with the door tracks seamlessly integrated into the shoulder line. Around the back, the tailgate design is square and minimalist. Dimension-wise, it measures 5,135 mm in length, 1,720 mm in width, and 1,995 mm in height, riding on a 3,000 mm wheelbase. The tall 1,995 mm roofline and 3,000 mm wheelbase maximise cabin height and legroom, while still easily clearing standard basement car park height limits.

Inside, the Lingzhi M5 New Energy carries over a straightforward, practical layout. Higher-spec variants receive an 8-inch floating central touchscreen and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, whereas entry-level trims stick to utilitarian basics with a urethane steering wheel and fabric upholstery. Gear selection is handled via an electronic rotary dial shifter, set within an uncluttered and ergonomic dashboard layout. Some owners, however, have noted a noticeable new-car plastic odour that takes time to dissipate.

Powertrain Performance

The Lingzhi M5 New Energy offers pure electric and range-extended powertrains, with the entire range adopting a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout:

Pure Electric Version: Driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor offered in three power outputs: 60 kW (approx. 82 PS), 90 kW (122 PS), and 150 kW (204 PS). The 2025 line-up focuses primarily on the 150 kW (204 PS) tune, generating 340 Nm of peak torque with a top speed rated between 100 and 120 km/h. Energy is supplied by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs sourced from Sunwoda or Gotion High-tech, ranging between 41 kWh and 70 kWh. Specifically, the 2025 410km variant gets a 59.5 kWh battery offering up to 410 km of CLTC range, while the 460km variant adopts a higher-capacity pack for a 460 km CLTC range. The Urban Logistics Edition delivers 420 km of range, with prices starting from RM109,800. Via DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge takes roughly 0.58 hours (approx. 35 minutes), whereas standard AC charging requires 8 to 13 hours. Power consumption is rated between 17 and 22 kWh/100km, drastically lowering daily operating costs compared to petrol equivalents.

Range-Extended Version: Introduced in May 2025, this setup utilises a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine functioning strictly as a generator (75 kW / 102 PS), paired with a rear electric drive motor (60 kW / 82 PS, 175 Nm). Coupled with a 19.09 kWh Gotion High-tech LFP battery, it delivers a CLTC pure electric range of 110 km and a total combined range of up to 900 km, with a WLTC fuel consumption of roughly 6.3 L/100km in charge-depleting mode. This setup provides an electric driving experience while eliminating range anxiety, making it ideal for long-distance transport and routes with limited charging infrastructure.

Chassis and Handling

The Lingzhi M5 New Energy is built on a monocoque chassis with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. Up front, it rides on a double wishbone independent suspension, paired with a heavy-duty leaf spring non-independent rear axle. The leaf spring rear setup prioritises payload capacity and structural durability, catering directly to commercial cargo haulage and multi-passenger duties. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear (with selected higher trims upgraded to rear solid discs). The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system provides a light steering feel, facilitating tight low-speed parking and urban driving. Tyre specifications are 215/65 R16 for the EV models and 195/70 R15 for the range-extended variants, with a minimum ground clearance of 165–178 mm providing dependable road clearance.

Cabin and Features

Cabin practicality and seating flexibility are the primary selling points of the Lingzhi M5 New Energy. Courtesy of its 5,135 mm overall length and 3,000 mm wheelbase, interior room is generous across its 5-, 7-, and 9-seater iterations, serving commercial transport, corporate shuttle, or private family roles with ease. The 7-seater adopts a 2+2+3 seating arrangement, where the second-row individual captain chairs offer fore/aft slide and recline adjustments (with swivel functions available on selected higher trims); the 9-seater model features a four-row layout to seat up to nine occupants. Boot space in the default seating configuration is generous, with the third row supporting full bench-folding or split-folding to expand luggage room.

Cabin technology follows a tiered structure: flagship variants (such as the Luxury trim) are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit featuring a reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone screen mirroring, paired with a 6-speaker audio setup; base models stick to a basic MP3 head unit with 2 speakers. Manual air conditioning is standard across the range, with selected grades offering optional rear independent blower controls and dedicated rear air vents. For comfort, higher-end EV variants add synthetic leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver's seat, while entry-level range-extended variants make do with basic fabric seats and essential amenities.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the passive safety front, the Lingzhi M5 New Energy utilises a high-strength safety cage construction with reinforced high-tensile steel in critical zones. Airbag provisions vary considerably across variants: flagship EV trims (Luxury) feature dual front (driver and passenger) airbags, whereas entry-level trims only come with a driver airbag (with the front passenger airbag omitted on several base versions). Entry-level range-extended variants omit airbags entirely, reserving dual front airbags only for the top-spec Luxury trim. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points are fitted as standard across the entire range.

Active safety equipment includes standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). In terms of driver assistance, rear parking sensors are standard across the range, with a reverse camera available (standard or optional on upper trims), alongside an optional Lane Departure Warning system on selected variants. Advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) such as Cruise Control or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are not equipped. Regarding high-voltage safety, the battery packs are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, with selected variants featuring battery thermal pre-heating to aid charging performance in low ambient temperatures.

In terms of warranty coverage, private non-commercial registrations are backed by an 8-year or 120,000–160,000 km EV powertrain warranty, while commercial transport registrations receive a 5-year or 500,000 km battery cell warranty.

Market Performance and Evaluation

The Lingzhi M5 New Energy serves as a key NEV volume driver for Dongfeng Forthing. It achieved a monthly sales peak of 931 units in May 2024, closing that year with a cumulative total of 2,739 units. Sales momentum softened in 2025, recording 1,955 cumulative units from January to December, with monthly deliveries hovering between 100 and 400 units (December recorded 101 units, ranking 38th in China's monthly MPV sales charts). Within Dongfeng Forthing's domestic stable, it ranks as the brand's third best-selling model, positioned just behind the Xinghai S7 and the petrol-powered Lingzhi.

Owner feedback highlights several strong suits: cavernous and versatile cabin packaging (5/7/9 seats, 3,000 mm wheelbase), exceptionally low running costs (roughly RMB 0.10–0.15 per km on electric power), and a robust, heavy-duty chassis (leaf spring rear setup suited for heavy loads). Conversely, notable drawbacks include compromised safety kit on entry-level grades (lack of a front passenger airbag on base models, with some variants lacking airbags altogether), a cabin dominated by hard plastics, noticeable wind noise at highway cruising speeds, and basic NVH insulation. Additionally, certain range-extended variants have drawn complaints regarding unexpected power loss and deceleration at highway speeds, an issue prospective buyers should take note of.

Key rivals include the Wuling Hongguang EV, JAC Refine M4, and Changan Ruixing EM60. Thanks to its generous 5,135 mm length, 3,000 mm wheelbase, and an accessible starting price from RM109,800, the Lingzhi M5 New Energy establishes a distinct "maximum space, minimal running cost" value proposition in the electric commercial MPV category. While serving as a crucial pillar in Dongfeng Forthing's electrification drive across commercial, passenger transport, and multi-purpose duties, improvements in baseline safety kit and cabin refinement remain key areas for future product updates.