On August 21, Dongfeng Motor launched the Xinghai V9 under its Forthing brand, positioning it as a premium MPV with mass market pricing. The vehicle is available in two trims, priced at RMB 179,900 (USD 25,186) and RMB 199,900 (USD 27,986), respectively. After applying national and central subsidies, starting prices drop to RMB 149,900 (USD 20,986) and RMB 169,900 (USD 23,786), bringing both options below the RMB 200,000 (USD 28,000) threshold.
The new energy vehicle segment in China is largely driven by a single promise: offering more for less. Forthing’s latest model adheres to that formula. It is built to deliver a high-end experience, matching features found in luxury MPVs while maintaining a cost competitive with internal combustion models.
Chen Zhengyu, product director for the Xinghai V9, said the company surveyed 10,000 current and prospective buyers to guide product design. The respondents included large families, corporate and government fleet managers, small business owners, and retirees. Five recurring concerns emerged for MPVs priced under RMB 200,000: limited range, poor balance between third-row seating and trunk space, lack of comfort for rear passengers, safety issues, and inconsistent build quality.
Forthing set out to address all five. By benchmarking against higher-end MPVs, the Xinghai V9 introduces upgrades across range, space, comfort, safety, and material quality.
The model features a hybrid powertrain that combines internal combustion and electric powertrains. It supports electric-only driving for daily commutes, regenerative braking, smooth transitions between drive modes, and optimized fuel consumption. The electric-only range reaches 200 kilometers under CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) standards. On electricity alone, the operating cost is around RMB 0.12 (USD 0.02) per km. Once the battery is depleted, fuel consumption is rated at 5.27 liters per 100 km, extending the total range to approximately 1,300 km.
The vehicle also supports ultra-fast charging, with a 30% to 80% top-up taking just 18 minutes, “roughly the time it takes to order and drink a coffee,” according to Forthing.
With dimensions of 5,230 by 1,920 by 1,820 millimeters and a wheelbase of 3,018 mm, the Xinghai V9 offers a usable-space ratio of 85.2%. Third-row seats fold flat into the floor, creating a 1.7-meter sleeping surface or a child-friendly play area.
Trunk space is a standout. Even in its standard seven-seat configuration, the model offers 593 liters of cargo capacity—enough to fit one 24-inch suitcase, seven 20-inch suitcases, and seven backpacks, per the company. With the rear rows folded down, storage volume expands to 2,616 liters.
Comfort features include second-row seats that slide laterally to create a 200-mm aisle. These seats come standard with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Safety-wise, the Xinghai V9 features a Level 2 driver assistance system with eight active features and a 360-degree high-definition surround-view setup. The battery system uses multi-layer protection, combining reinforced casing, thermal controls, and structural safeguards. According to the company, the pack underwent 132 tests and is designed to prevent fire spread for at least 30 minutes in extreme conditions.
Material choices also reflect a family-first approach. The vehicle uses zero-solvent adhesives and infant-grade fabrics. Cabin odor levels and VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions reportedly fall below national safety thresholds.
As multi-child households become more common in China, MPVs are shedding their niche status and entering the mainstream. Premium competitors such as Li Auto’s Li Mega, Xpeng’s X9, and BYD’s Denza D9 have made headway, but most of these models start above RMB 300,000 (USD 42,000).
With a feature-rich build and pricing under RMB 200,000, the Xinghai V9 is targeting buyers who want a luxury MPV experience without the premium price tag.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Li Qin for 36Kr.