Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 EV is an all-electric MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) under the Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi lineup. Serving as an electrified iteration of the iconic petrol-powered Lingzhi, the model first debuted in October 2018 as one of China's earliest all-electric MPVs. Drawing upon nearly two decades of MPV manufacturing heritage and a million-strong user base from the Lingzhi series, the Lingzhi M5 EV is built around the "pure electric large commercial vehicle" philosophy, earning widespread acclaim for its practicality and cost-effectiveness. As of May 2026, after multiple updates, the mainstream variants' CLTC combined range has increased significantly from under 300 km in the early days to 460 km.
The Lingzhi M5 EV is positioned as a versatile all-electric commercial MPV tailored for urban logistics, passenger shuttles, sole proprietors, and fleet/corporate transport. Its standout selling points include an exceptionally spacious and flexible interior, a rear-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, and ultra-low running costs delivered by electric propulsion. The MPV is offered in 5-seater, 7-seater, and 9-seater seating configurations, with prices spanning from RM100,000 to RM200,000. Selected variants of the 2025 all-electric version carry an official starting price of RM159,900. Compared to similarly sized petrol-powered MPVs, its running cost is remarkably low at around RM0.30 per kilometre, presenting a clear cost advantage. Across the range, it is powered by a single electric motor, with mainstream variants equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs.
On the exterior front, the Lingzhi M5 EV retains the mature and commanding commercial MPV silhouette of its ICE counterpart, the Lingzhi M5. Up front, it features the signature wing-spread grille design, flanked by sleek projector headlamps and high-penetration front fog lamps, which visually broaden the vehicle's stance. Blue exterior detailing on the brand emblem and fog lamp surrounds highlights its new-energy vehicle (NEV) identity. Down the side, the boxy profile is fitted with a manual sliding door on the right side, facilitating effortless passenger access and cargo loading/unloading in tight spaces. Dimensions-wise, the MPV measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,720 mm in width, and 1,995 mm in height, with a generous 3,000 mm wheelbase. Its near-two-metre height affords ample vertical headroom throughout the cabin. Exterior colour options include Crystal White, Elegant Black, Speed Silver, Ink Green, and Moonlight Grey, catering to diverse customer preferences.
Inside, the cabin layout leans towards a homely, functional aesthetic. The dashboard adopts a two-tone dark-over-light colour scheme, creating an inviting cabin atmosphere. While hard plastics are found across certain interior trims, the material quality remains par for the course for commercial MPVs in this segment. A clean three-spoke steering wheel and an intuitive rotary gear selector ensure fuss-free, user-friendly operation.
The Lingzhi M5 EV's powertrain has seen notable technological advancements over time. Early iterations were driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 90 kW (approx. 122 PS) and 300 Nm of torque. For the 2024 and newer facelift models, the powertrain receives a significant boost, featuring a permanent magnet synchronous motor churning out up to 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 340 Nm of peak torque. This output upgrade ensures effortless acceleration under full payload and agile urban cruising. Drive is routed via a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup mated to a single-speed direct-drive reduction gearbox, ensuring seamless power delivery. Depending on the variant, the top speed is rated between 90 km/h and 120 km/h. Energy consumption is rated at approximately 16.1 kWh/100 km, which equates to an equivalent petrol consumption of about 1.9 L/100 km.
Operating range is critical for commercial MPV applications. Early versions housed a 70 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery delivering around 350 km of combined range. Newer models have transitioned to Sunwoda-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, available in 59.5 kWh and 67.5 kWh capacities, corresponding to CLTC pure electric ranges of 410 km and 460 km, respectively. When it comes to charging, DC fast charging can juice the battery from 0% to 80% in just 35 minutes, whereas AC regular charging requires 10 to 13 hours for a full charge. The battery pack is backed by an extended 8-year or 150,000 km warranty.
Underneath, the Lingzhi M5 EV's suspension is engineered to balance heavy-duty load carrying with cost efficiency. The front suspension employs a double-wishbone independent layout (MacPherson strut on select trims), which effectively controls body roll and soaks up road undulations, paired with a heavy-duty leaf spring solid axle rear suspension. This setup delivers excellent stability under heavy payloads, though the stiff nature of the leaf springs results in a busier ride and compromised second/third-row comfort when running unladen. The steering is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, offering light, effortless manoeuvring at low speeds or during tight parking. Braking hardware consists of front ventilated discs with rear solid discs or a front disc/rear drum setup, with higher-spec trims gaining an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold for added convenience. It rides on 215/65 R16 tyres, striking a balance between longevity and cruising stability.
Spaciousness is undeniably the Lingzhi M5 EV's key selling point. Thanks to its lengthy 5,145 mm body and 3,000 mm wheelbase, the MPV delivers an immense usable cargo capacity ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 litres. For seating configurations, the 7-seater version predominantly adopts the practical 2+2+3 layout, where the second-row individual captain chairs in selected trims not only slide and recline, but also feature a 360-degree swivel mechanism to create a face-to-face mobile meeting or lounge area with the third row. Upholstery is available in durable fabric or synthetic leather, featuring generously padded cushions for fatigue-free long-distance journeys. Meanwhile, the 9-seater variant adopts a 2+2+2+3 seating arrangement, ideal for higher-capacity passenger transport.
In terms of infotainment and cabin tech, the MPV is fitted with an 8-inch integrated touchscreen display, complete with Bluetooth, GPS navigation, hands-free telephony, and smartphone mirroring capabilities. Traditional analogue gauges are complemented by a central multi-info trip computer for crisp, legible readouts. Practical creature comforts also include anti-pinch power windows, rear air conditioning vents, and dedicated USB charging ports.
On the safety front, the Lingzhi M5 EV is equipped with a decent suite of active and passive safety features. Standard across the range are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ensuring composed handling on slippery roads. Passive safety includes a standard driver airbag across all trims. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and rear parking sensors are standard, with higher grades upgraded to a reverse camera to minimise blind-spot risks. The high-rigidity steel structure helps preserve cabin cell integrity in an impact, complemented by front airbags (front passenger airbag availability varies by trim). High-voltage electrical safety is equally prioritised; both the battery pack and electric motor achieve an industry-leading IP67 dust and water resistance rating, while a standard battery pre-heating system ensures dependable performance in freezing weather and water-wading conditions.
Driver assistance systems lean towards practical utility. Mid-to-high-spec variants come equipped with Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto Hold functionality. Selected trims also offer Forward Collision Warning (FCW), though the system does not encompass full Level 2 ADAS capability.
As an early mover in China's all-electric MPV segment, the Lingzhi M5 EV has maintained consistent sales figures, averaging 800 to 1,200 units monthly through 2023–2024. Bolstered by the expansion of charging infrastructure, its presence has steadily grown across urban logistics, passenger shuttle, and commercial fleet leasing sectors in developed coastal regions. As the pioneer in Dongfeng Forthing's electrification drive, the model has garnered strong traction among SMEs and commercial operators thanks to its rock-bottom operating costs and the strong brand equity of the Lingzhi nameplate. Feedback from owners consistently highlights its exceptional space efficiency, ultra-low running costs, and robust suspension setup, though there remains room for improvement in wind noise suppression, unladen ride comfort, and advanced smart features. On the whole, the Lingzhi M5 EV exemplifies a successful electric transition of a proven commercial workhorse, continuing to be a dependable, highly economical solution in the commercial EV space.
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