The Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai V9 is a large plug-in hybrid (PHEV) MPV introduced by Dongfeng Forthing in 2024. Serving as the maiden production model under the marque’s dedicated new energy vehicle (NEV) sub-brand, "Forthing Xinghai", it is positioned as an "all-round PHEV MPV tailored for both commercial and family use". The MPV commenced global pre-sales on 18 April 2024 before its official market launch on 1 June the same year, taking aim at the RM200,000 to RM300,000 price bracket.
As of June 2026, the Xinghai V9 line-up spans multiple model years, including the 2026 and 2027 iterations. The 2027 model carries an official recommended retail price ranging from RM179,900 to RM229,900, alongside an attractive trade-in promotion price of RM169,900 to RM219,900. Available across three variant trims, the 2027 range is universally powered by the Mach Dual-Engine hybrid powertrain, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 200 km and an overall combined cruising range of 1,300 km.
Key selling points include its dual-fascia Oriental design aesthetic, versatile 7-seater cabin, long-range Mach Dual-Engine PHEV powertrain, as well as an advanced smart cockpit and ADAS suite. It competes directly against the likes of the BYD Xia, Denza D9, GAC Trumpchi E8/E9, and Roewe iMAX8.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics, the Xinghai V9 offers a dual front fascia design to distinctly cater to private family and corporate executive duties:
Chinese Knot Series: The front grille is illuminated by 280 LED light units styled into a traditional knot pattern, flanked by interlocking vertical chrome slats. Inspired by the Chinese knot, it symbolises unity and harmony, primarily targeting multi-child households.
Qingyunti Series (Ladder to the Clouds): Characterised by 23 horizontal ascending chrome grille slats that rise tier by tier, this variant conveys a commanding, prestigious presence suitable for executive transport, evoking the traditional metaphor of ascending to greater heights.
In profile, the MPV sports a floating-roof silhouette and sleek proportions, with twin powered sliding doors fitted as standard across all variants for effortless passenger ingress and egress. Around the rear, the full-width LED tail lights spread outwards into an "X" signature motif that complements the split front lighting elements, while a full-width chrome strip lines the rear bumper to yield a wide, planted stance.
In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 5,230 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,820 mm in height, riding on a 3,018 mm wheelbase. This puts it squarely in the full-size MPV class, eclipsing the GAC Trumpchi E9 in both overall length and width.
Inside, the cabin adopts the "Mountain, Cloud, and Stream" wraparound cockpit architecture. Higher-grade variants feature dual 15.6-inch displays for the central infotainment and front passenger entertainment systems alongside a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, complemented by 64-colour flowing ambient lighting and a floating centre console to seamlessly blend accessible luxury with high-tech appeal.
The entire Xinghai V9 line-up is powered by the Mach Dual-Engine PHEV powertrain, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a 1-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
| Powertrain Specification | Output / Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5T 4-cylinder Turbocharged Petrol |
| Engine Maximum Power | 113 kW (approx. 154 PS) |
| Engine Peak Torque | 230 Nm |
| Engine Thermal Efficiency | Mach Hybrid technology rated among "China Heart" Top 10 |
| Electric Motor Maximum Power | 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) |
| Electric Motor Peak Torque | 310 Nm |
| Combined System Output | Approx. 265 kW (approx. 355 hp) |
| Combined System Torque | 530 Nm |
| Transmission | 1-speed DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) |
On the performance front, the official 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 9.5 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 180 km/h. Energy is stored in a 34.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack (using Sunwoda cells), providing a CLTC pure electric range of 200 km, a WLTC electric range of 160 km, and an overall full-tank, full-charge range of 1,300 km. The WLTC combined fuel consumption stands at 1.2 L/100 km, with a depleted-battery fuel consumption of 5.27 L/100 km.
DC fast charging is supported, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% state of charge in roughly 18 to 30 minutes. The system also incorporates a 6 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power discharge feature, capable of powering heavy-duty electrical appliances during outdoor activities.
Crucially, the engine is compatible with regular RON 92 petrol, further trimming everyday running and maintenance costs.
The Xinghai V9 is built on a monocoque passenger car platform with a front-wheel-drive layout; all-wheel-drive is not available. The chassis utilises a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, striking a fine balance between ride suppleness and high-speed stability.
Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. It rides on 225/55 R18 tyres and houses a space-saver spare wheel. The minimum turning radius measures roughly 6.15 metres, with a fully laden ground clearance of 140 mm. Kerb weight is rated at 2,415 kg, while the fuel tank holds 58 litres.
Out on the road, the rear multi-link setup isolates rear passengers from road undulations far more effectively than a basic torsion beam axle, with the suspension tuned primarily for plush comfort as expected of an executive MPV.
The entire Xinghai V9 line-up features a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout with standard dual powered sliding doors; seat versatility remains one of its headline attractions:
First Row: The driver’s seat features 10-way power adjustment with memory settings, while the front passenger gets 8-way power adjustment. Both front seats come standard with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Second Row: Appointed with aviation-style individual captain seats offering 12-way power adjustment, ultra-long fore-aft travel, and lateral sliding functionality. They come standard with ventilation, heating, massage, and powered ottoman leg rests, complemented by integrated touchscreen controllers on the armrests. Fold-out seatback tray tables are also fitted behind the front seats.
Third Row: The 60:40 split rear bench can be folded completely flat and tucked beneath the floor panel to form a fully flush cargo floor.
Boot and cargo space metrics:
With all 7 seats in place, boot capacity stands at 593 litres, easily swallowing a full family's holiday luggage.
With the second and third rows folded down, cargo capacity expands to an enormous 2,792 litres of flat utility space, accommodating bulky furniture or outdoor glamping gear.
A total of 45 clever storage cubbies are scattered across the interior, including hidden tissue compartments, dedicated seat side pockets, and retractable coat hooks to maximise daily practicality.
On the tech front, the 2027 Xinghai V9 is driven by an automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset, integrating Baidu ERNIE Bot and DeepSeek AI large language models for intelligent voice Q&A, journey navigation planning, and content generation. The infotainment operates on Tencent TAI 4.0, supporting 4G telematics, Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates, voice recognition, and smartphone screen mirroring. Connectivity is catered for via 8 USB/Type-C charging ports and a 220V domestic three-pin socket.
Other creature comforts include an integrated 5-litre heating and cooling refrigerator, multi-zone automatic climate control, a large panoramic glass roof, and seat padding thickened by 30 mm for lounge-like comfort, tuned for library-level NVH quietness. An 11-speaker premium audio system is standard, while higher-spec trims add an in-cabin fragrance diffuser, active air purifier, and negative ion generator.
For passive safety, the Xinghai V9 is underpinned by a high-rigidity structure developed on the EMA architecture, utilising over 70% high-strength steel and 20.5% hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel. This is paired with an integrated hot-formed door ring structure, 2 GPa side-impact door beams, and an aerospace-grade 7-series aluminium front crash beam to effectively channel crash impact loads away from the cabin. Occupant protection is further bolstered on high-spec models by six airbags, covering dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags spanning all three rows.
Battery safety is anchored by the Armor Battery 3.0 system, which incorporates thermally stable cells certified through 132 stringent test regimes. The pack's underside and side walls are shielded with a resilient PVC protective coating, working in tandem with underbody bash plates and exhaust heat shielding to eliminate thermal runaway and short-circuit hazards.
In terms of active safety and driver assistance, the Xinghai V9 comes equipped with an L2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite comprising millimetre-wave radars, multi-function cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. Standard features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
The 2027 update gains enhanced smart parking capabilities, introducing Auto Parking Assist (APA), Remote Parking Assist (RPA), 50-metre Reversing Tracking Assist, and Sentry Mode, alongside a 360-degree surround-view monitor and a digital streaming rear-view mirror to ease the manoeuvring of this large MPV through tight parking bays and narrow city streets.
Cabin health and emissions are addressed by bonding all upholstered panels with water-based adhesives, with zero solvent-based glues used throughout production. Emitted levels for eight major VOC compounds are kept below 5% of national safety ceilings, achieving maternal-and-infant grade interior air purity.
Since its market launch, the Xinghai V9 has witnessed steady sales momentum. In September 2025, monthly deliveries jumped by 200% month-on-month, clinching top honours as the "Best-Selling Sub-RM200k Large New Energy MPV", "No. 1 in User Satisfaction for Popular MPVs", and "Top Attention Rank for Domestic MPVs Under RM200,000", sealing a triple-crown performance. Later in April 2026, deliveries rose another 188% month-on-month, reclaiming the sales crown in the RM200,000-class large NEV MPV segment.
As the spearhead for Dongfeng Forthing's electrification push, the Xinghai V9 employs an aggressive value-focused strategy: leveraging its RM179,900 entry price, 3,018 mm wheelbase, and 5.27 L/100 km depleted-battery fuel consumption to carve out a compelling niche in the sub-RM200,000 large PHEV MPV category. Market observers note that the vehicle successfully draws buyers away from the pricier Denza D9, while siphoning family buyers from mid-sized PHEV SUVs like the BYD Tang DM-i, perfectly addressing the mobility needs of multi-generational households in the RM180,000 to RM230,000 price range.
From an ownership perspective, verified buyers consistently praise the Xinghai V9's palatial cabin space (highlighted by the second-row captain seats and modular seating configurations), exceptional cruising range, and accessible starting price from RM179,900. On the flip side, customer feedback has also highlighted areas of concern: complaint portals such as 12365auto show that real-world electric range can fall short of rated figures—averaging around 100 km in hot summer conditions and dipping to 50 km in sub-zero winters, with real-world combined range hovering closer to 700 km instead of the claimed 1,300 km. Isolated complaints have also surfaced regarding spongy braking feel, intermittent steering resistance, check engine warning lights, sliding door alignment issues, electric motor whine, and varying service turnaround times across local dealer networks.
From a thermal management standpoint, the sharp reduction in cold-weather efficiency stems largely from the high energy draw of the PTC electric heater used for battery pre-conditioning and cabin warmth; the 34.9 kWh battery has limited reserve to buffer this parasitic load, curtailing pure EV runtime to under an hour in freezing climates. By comparison, rivals equipped with higher-efficiency heat pump air-conditioning systems (such as the BYD Xia and Denza D9) deliver far more consistent cold-weather range figures.
In summary, the Dongfeng Forthing Xinghai V9 represents a key strategic milestone in the brand’s new energy expansion, carving out a strong value proposition in the RM200,000 MPV arena through sheer space and versatile seating. Addressing long-term brand equity, component reliability, and thermal management efficiency will be the decisive factors as Dongfeng Forthing continues its transition towards the premium market.
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