The Xinghai V9 PHEV is the debut model under Dongfeng Forthing’s new energy vehicle range, "Forthing Xinghai". Positioned as a large plug-in hybrid MPV, it first entered the market in June 2024. Designed to contest the "RM200,000-bracket spacious PHEV MPV" segment, it is offered with two distinctive front grille designs: the Qingyunti series and the Chinese Knot series. The latter caters to corporate and executive transport, whilst the family-oriented "Qingyunti" series symbolises a smooth ascent in one's career.
Serving as the core offering of the mid-lifecycle update, the 2026 Xinghai V9 Yuexiang series officially debuted on 21 August 2025 in two variants — Comfort and Luxury — with official retail pricing between RM179,900 and RM199,900. The 2027 model followed in June 2026 with three additional variants priced from RM179,900 to RM229,900, alongside a promotional trade-in price starting from RM169,900. Key upgrades on the 2027 model include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset, built-in generative AI models, and significantly enhanced advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Key rivals to the Xinghai V9 include the Trumpchi E8, Roewe iMAX8 DMH, BYD Xia, Voyah Dreamer, and Buick GL8 PHEV.
The Xinghai V9 is available with two exterior front fascias: the Qingyunti series features a nine-tier horizontal chrome grille inspired by traditional stone staircases, flanked by split-level LED headlamps; the Chinese Knot series adopts an intricate, vertically interlaced chrome grille, both lending the MPV strong visual presence. Its dimensions stand at 5,230 mm (or 5,251 mm) long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,820 mm tall, underpinned by a 3,018 mm wheelbase. The side profile features segmented character lines and a rippled matte-finished D-pillar, leading to a full-width X-signature LED taillight bar and an integrated roof spoiler. Dual powered sliding doors and 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (upgradeable to 19 inches on higher trims) come standard. Available exterior paint options include Gentian Purple, Star White, and Shiny Black.
Inside, the cabin features a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout. The third-row seats can be folded and stowed flush into the floor in a 40:60 split, creating an expansive, flat 1.7-metre bed-like cargo deck. The second-row individual captain chairs feature lateral slide adjustment (providing a 200 mm centre aisle) and can be optioned with seat ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The 2026 Yuexiang series features dual 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment unit, whereas the 2027 model steps up to dual 15.6-inch central and front passenger entertainment touchscreens alongside a 10.25-inch digital driver display, complete with a new four-zone voiceprint recognition system.
The Xinghai V9 range is powered by the Mach Dual-Engine PHEV system, utilising a P1+P3 hybrid setup similar in concept to the Denza D9. The 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid-dedicated petrol engine produces 113 kW (approx. 154 PS) and 230 Nm of torque with a peak thermal efficiency of 45.18%, featuring dedicated VGT turbocharging and a 350-bar direct-injection system. The front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor outputs 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and 310 Nm with 97% motor efficiency. Combined, the system generates 228 kW (approx. 310 PS) and 540 Nm, delivered to the front wheels via a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The 0–100 km/h sprint is completed in 9.5 seconds (8.8 seconds on select trims), on to a top speed of 180 km/h.
Juice comes from a 34.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack (with 20.156 kWh and 34.944 kWh variants available), engineered with Dongfeng's Armor Battery 3.0 four-layer protective shield architecture. Having passed 132 stringent safety tests, the pack is certified to resist fire and thermal runaway for at least 30 minutes. It delivers a pure electric range of 200 km (CLTC) or 160 km (WLTC), with a total combined cruising range of 1,300 km (CLTC). Fuel economy is rated at 5.27 L/100 km (CLTC) in hybrid/depleted state, and 6.2 L/100 km (WLTC). Via DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge takes around 18 minutes. It also features a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function. Running on RON 92 minimum petrol, it has a 58-litre fuel tank and a kerb weight of approximately 2,415 kg.
Underneath, the chassis employs front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, which is a sophisticated configuration for an MPV in this segment. It has a minimum turning radius of 6.15 metres. Tuned by an international engineering team, the suspension delivers reassuring lateral stability along winding roads.
Stopping power comes from front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes managed by an Electro-Mechanical Braking (EMB) system, which shortens emergency stopping distances by around 2.62 metres compared to conventional electro-hydraulic systems, whilst reducing nose-dive by 15.3%. Drivers can toggle between Sport, Eco, and Standard/Comfort driving modes. Active rollover mitigation and regenerative braking also come standard.
On the road, low-speed driving is handled primarily in EV mode, offering brisk throttle response and whisper-quiet cabin refinement. The petrol engine engages seamlessly without jarring at medium-to-higher speeds. The suspension is tuned distinctly for ride comfort, effectively soaking up road imperfections and speed humps without noticeable secondary rebound; however, body roll is evident during aggressive cornering and quick lane changes, making sharp dynamic handling secondary to its cruising remit.
The Xinghai V9 features a versatile 2+2+3 seating arrangement. The driver gets 6-way (2026 model) or 10-way (2027 model) power-adjustable seating with available heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the front passenger seat can be reclined into a lounge posture at the touch of a button. The second-row executive captain seats offer 12-way power adjustment, massage, heating, ventilation, ottomans, integrated armrest control panels, and fold-out tray tables, alongside manual sideways sliding to clear a 200 mm centre walk-through aisle. The third-row seats fold flat into the floor in a 40:60 split. Luggage capacity starts at 593 litres in standard configuration and expands up to an immense 2,792 litres with the rear seats folded. There are 42 dedicated storage cubbies scattered across the cabin.
For connectivity, the 2026 version runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip operating Tencent TAI 4.0 (incorporating Tencent Maps, In-Car WeChat, and QQ Music) across a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2027 update upgrades to the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P automotive processor, integrating Baidu ERNIE Bot and DeepSeek AI large language models for smart voice interactions, route planning, and creative content generation. The system supports four-zone voice commands, 4G telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Top-spec variants boast a 41-inch panoramic triple-screen dashboard (12.3-inch + 16.2-inch + 12.3-inch).
Convenience and luxury appointments include a 5-litre integrated heating/cooling mini-fridge (2027 model), multi-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof (omitted on the 2026 Yuexiang, reinstated on the 2027 model), acoustic double-glazed front glass, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker sound system. A powered tailgate, adaptive LED headlights, and independent rear air-conditioning with roof vents are standard across the range.
Passive safety is anchored by Dongfeng’s EMA modular platform with a high-rigidity structure. Over 70% of the bodyshell uses high-strength steel, with hot-stamped steel accounting for 20.5% across the A- and B-pillars and critical chassis crossmembers. It is reinforced by one-piece hot-stamped door rings, 2.0 GPa side-impact door beams, and an aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminium front crash beam. The cabin is protected by seven airbags, including front, front and rear side airbags, and a front-centre airbag (which deploys during frontal impacts exceeding 50 km/h). The Armor Battery 3.0 technology guarantees a 30-minute window without fire outbreak or thermal propagation.
On the active safety front, a full Level 2 ADAS suite comes standard on the 2027 range, packaging Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Door Open Warning (DOW), and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The 2027 iteration further adds automated park assist, remote parking, 50-metre reverse tracking assist, sentry mode, and a digital streaming rear-view mirror. The Xinghai V9 was awarded "Best Pilot Assist" and "Overall Luxury Intelligent Electric MPV Champion" at the 2024 World Intelligent Driving Challenge. Lower-trim base models, however, omit Level 2 ADAS as standard (such as the Yuexiang Comfort variant where it is optional).
Sales of the Xinghai V9 have remained subdued since its market debut. Following the August 2025 launch of the Yuexiang series, monthly deliveries registered 334 units in the first month, 497 in September, 407 in October, and 439 in November, consistently staying below the 500-unit threshold. Sales experienced further headwinds in early 2026, recording 602 units in January, 254 in February, around 200 in March, before recovering to 749 units in April. Total annual volume for 2025 stood at roughly 3,400 to 4,050 units, falling substantially short of manufacturer targets. On automotive complaint portal 12365auto, the complaint-to-sales ratio was recorded at 40.5 per 10,000 units (as of 2026), placing it in the mid-to-high bracket among large MPVs.
Owner feedback has largely commended the Xinghai V9 for its generous interior packaging (plenty of room for seven adults across its 3,018 mm wheelbase), 200 km pure electric capability (sufficient for several days of urban commuting per charge), practical flat-folding third row, good ride comfort and low EV noise levels (as low as 25.2 dB in pure electric mode), and impressive running costs (5.27 L/100 km in depleted state). On the flip side, criticisms focus on noticeable engine boom under heavy acceleration, prominent wind noise at highway speeds above 120 km/h, and a spartan entry-level trim lacking basic amenities such as voice control, keyless entry, and heated front seats. The older 8155 processor on earlier iterations also felt a generation behind current standards. Furthermore, user grievance logs on 12365auto cite issues concerning drive motor whining, braking glitches, steering rack binding, and discrepancies in advertised equipment (such as speaker counts).
Market analysts attribute the Xinghai V9’s slow sales traction to several key factors: modest brand cachet and pricing power—Dongfeng Forthing lacks the strong brand equity enjoyed by established MPV rivals like GAC Trumpchi, and the Xinghai sub-brand is still building market credibility; excessive cost-cutting on entry-level models—undercutting rivals with a RM179,900 entry price necessitated the omission of highly desirable comfort and tech items; and lukewarm overall packaging—despite solid dimensions and respectable powertrain figures, the vehicle's overall polish still trails market leaders. In addition, previous corporate governance investigations at Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor (including the probe into former Party Secretary Xuan Ying) also dampened brand image and management momentum.
As Dongfeng Forthing’s flagship new energy product, the Xinghai V9 delivers commendable packaging practicality, powertrain efficiency, and highway comfort. However, in an increasingly crowded arena dominated by the likes of the Denza D9 and Trumpchi E8/E9, redoubling efforts in brand equity, build refinement, and dealer network support will be crucial for the MPV to gain meaningful market share.
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