The Dongfeng Forthing M5 (officially marketed as the "Lingzhi M5") is a mid-size MPV from the Dongfeng Forthing stable, serving as the core model in the Lingzhi product family. The lineage dates back to the early 2000s with the debut of the original Lingzhi, evolving through multiple generations into its current product portfolio. By 2020, cumulative sales of the Lingzhi series had surpassed the 800,000-unit milestone. The Lingzhi M5 lineup comprises both internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol variants and a fully electric version (Lingzhi M5EV), tailored to serve commercial fleet utility as well as entry-level family transport. As of 2026, the mainstream petrol lineup comprises 2025 model-year offerings priced between RM59,900 and RM99,900, while the Lingzhi M5EV retails from RM109,800 to RM196,900. Within Dongfeng Forthing, the Lingzhi nameplate (including the M5 series) has long served as a primary sales pillar, standing as one of the most pivotal and enduring models in the brand's history.
The Lingzhi M5 balances a professional business aesthetic with utilitarian functionality. The petrol version features a split-headlamp cluster and a restyled front grille that delivers a modern, executive-leaning front fascia, whereas the Lingzhi M5EV incorporates distinctive blue accents on the brand emblem and fog lamp bezels to highlight its new energy credentials. Down the flanks, the profile is defined by clean, horizontal character lines, pairing standard hinged front doors with a kerbside manual sliding door on the right to facilitate seamless passenger access and cargo loading in tight spaces. In terms of dimensions, the petrol Lingzhi M5 is available in standard-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) configurations: the LWB version measures 5,135 mm in length, 1,720 mm in width, and 1,970 mm in height, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. Its prominent high-roof design stands out within the segment, unlocking generous vertical space and headroom. The SWB version measures 4,735 mm × 1,720 mm × 1,955 mm with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. The Lingzhi M5EV mirrors the LWB petrol variant closely, measuring approximately 5,145 mm × 1,720 mm × 1,995 mm with an identical 3,000 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin features a wrap-around cockpit finished in a tri-tone black, brown, and beige palette. The centre console is cleanly laid out with distinct functional zones, adhering to a strictly pragmatic design ethos that utilises hard-wearing leatherette and fabric upholstery for ease of maintenance and long-term durability.
The petrol Lingzhi M5 offers multiple powertrain configurations depending on the variant. Alongside the entry-level 1.6L naturally aspirated mill, the primary updated powertrain is a 1.5T turbocharged engine. The 1.6L variant employs the 4A92 engine producing 90 kW (approx. 122 PS) and 151 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.5T version is powered by a longitudinally mounted 4C15TDR 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 140 kW (approx. 190 PS) and 300 Nm of torque across a broad 1,500–3,500 rpm band, complying with China VI emission standards. It is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, with no automatic gearbox offered, sending drive to the rear wheels via a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout. The 1.5T variant attains a top speed of 160 km/h, returns a WLTC combined fuel consumption of around 8.4 L/100 km, features a 55-litre fuel tank, and runs on RON 92 petrol.
The Lingzhi M5EV offers several range variants depending on model year and trim. Earlier iterations featured a 70 kWh ternary lithium battery paired with a 90 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 300 Nm of torque, rated for an NEDC combined range of around 350 km. From 2023 onwards, the Lingzhi M5EV transitioned to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, supporting DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in roughly 0.58 hours, alongside an AC slow-charging time of approximately 12 hours. Electric motor outputs range from around 70 kW (approx. 95 PS) on mid-to-low trims up to 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) on range-topping variants. Under CLTC test cycles, the Lingzhi M5EV achieves an extended driving range of 410 km to 460 km, varying by trim specification.
In addition, Dongfeng Forthing has mapped out a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) variant for the Lingzhi M5. This model incorporates a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine functioning strictly as a range extender; while the engine outputs just 75 kW, it serves solely as an onboard generator to recharge the battery pack rather than driving the wheels directly, balancing the extended range demands of heavy-payload operations with the low running costs of electric drive.
The entire Lingzhi M5 lineup utilises a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which enhances rear-axle traction under heavy payloads or on steep inclines. In terms of suspension setup, it features a double wishbone independent layout up front and a heavy-duty leaf spring rigid axle at the rear. While the rear leaf springs trade off some ride compliance, they deliver robust load-bearing capability aligned with the vehicle's light commercial utility brief. The vehicle employs a monocoque (unibody) construction rather than a traditional body-on-frame setup, effectively lowering kerb weight and the centre of gravity while retaining essential structural rigidity. Steering is managed by an electric power steering (EPS) system with speed-sensitive assistance, delivering a light steering feel during low-speed parking manoeuvres and surefooted stability at highway cruising speeds. Braking hardware consists of front ventilated discs and rear solid discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), ensuring dependable thermal dissipation and braking safety margins under heavy loads and urban stop-and-go driving.
The cabin of the Lingzhi M5 is engineered around practicality and modular versatility. Seating configurations are available in 5-, 7-, and 9-seater layouts to cater to diverse operational needs. The 7-seater models predominantly adopt a 2+2+3 arrangement with individual second-row captain seats; on higher trims, these second-row seats feature a 180° swivel function to create a face-to-face conference setup with the third row. The 50:50 split-folding third-row seats allow boot and cargo volume to expand flexibly from approximately 4,000 litres to 6,000 litres. On the dashboard, selected petrol variants are equipped with a 10-inch central touchscreen supporting Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, with higher specs incorporating AutoNavi navigation and live traffic data. Convenience features standard across the range include rear independent air conditioning, four USB ports, and a multi-info trip computer display, while higher trims add a multi-function steering wheel, an electric sunroof, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors. Higher-spec Lingzhi M5EV variants also feature an 8-inch touchscreen, reverse camera, leatherette upholstery, and smartphone mirroring.
On the active safety front, the Lingzhi M5 comes standard with fundamental electronic driver aids including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), alongside a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for real-time tyre status alerts. In terms of passive safety, taking the 1.5T LWB Basic 7-Seater as an example, only a single driver's airbag is fitted, while the front passenger airbag and front/rear side curtain airbags are omitted, reflecting a rudimentary safety package. Regarding driver assist hardware, selected variants are equipped with a reverse camera to aid parking, but the lineup lacks Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). High-spec Lingzhi M5EV models gain active safety additions like a reverse camera and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), offering a more comprehensive safety suite than the petrol variants.
The Lingzhi series stands as one of Dongfeng Forthing's all-time best-selling nameplates. Having surpassed 800,000 cumulative sales by 2020, it holds an established footprint in China's domestic MPV market. In December 2025, monthly sales for the Lingzhi lineup (including petrol models) stood at approximately 433 units, closing the year with 15,023 units sold, while the Lingzhi M5 New Energy range recorded 1,955 annual deliveries. By January 2025, monthly volume registered at 610 units, indicating minor market fluctuations. User sentiment highlights its cavernous cabin, practical equipment, low running and maintenance costs, and exceptional value for money within its segment. Conversely, consumer critiques point out the abundance of hard plastics in the cabin, entry-level infotainment capabilities, minimal ADAS features, and limited airbag counts on base trims. On the whole, bolstered by over two decades of iterative development, generous passenger and cargo capacity, versatile seating options, and an accessible price point in the RM70,000 to RM100,000 bracket, the Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 series maintains a compelling, utilitarian value proposition across the budget MPV and SME commercial vehicle sectors.
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