2027 Forthing Xinghai V9 PHEV: Three variants, family-focused upgrades

The 2027 Xinghai V9 MPV from Dongfeng Forthing has gotten over 20 new upgrades. The company says they focused on making it better for families and increasing the distance it can go on a plug-in hybrid charge.

Dongfeng recently introduced the updated Forthing Xinghai V9 at their '67 Brand Customer Day' event on June 7. This premium MPV is aimed at China's expanding market for high-end family vehicles. The updates focus on improving the comfort of the cabin, adding new technology and enhancing the powertrain. In terms of size, the Forthing Xinghai V9 measures 5,230mm in length, 1,920mm in width and 1,820mm in height. With a wheelbase of 3,018mm, there's plenty of room inside the cabin for passengers.

Quick read:

• Comfort, space and safety: the 2027 model brings more than 20 specific upgrades across those three areas.
• Short trips? Battery power handles them. The petrol engine takes over on longer drives.
• The seats in the second row have special captain chairs that can be adjusted in 12 different ways using power. Inside the cabin, a powerful Snapdragon 8295P chip is in charge.
• In China, the Buick GL8 PHEV and Denza D9 are the ones to beat.

Family Comfort Upgrades

More than 20 upgrades feature on the new model, Forthing says, spanning comfort and space.

The second row is where the passenger-experience work has gone. Both captain seats get 12-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage, with power leg rests and a one-touch Zero-G recline thrown in. A boss button joins the list. Foldable aviation-style tray tables and touchscreen armrest controls round it off. Family runs and executive transport are both handled well.

Cabin Intelligence

Forthing has made some subtle upgrades to the intelligence systems under the hood. While they're not revealing exactly how much of a boost it gives, you can definitely notice the improvements. It's like they've given a bit of a tune-up and now everything runs more smoothly. The changes might not be flashy, but they're definitely noticeable.

The cabin headline is the Snapdragon 8295P processor. It runs both screens and the entertainment stack. Faster silicon, smoother response. Dongfeng has also added an advanced parking system to help drivers slot a full-size MPV into tight spaces.

Long-Range PHEV Focus

The PHEV setup handles daily commutes and longer trips. No range anxiety, per Dongfeng.

The 2027 Xinghai V9 comes in three trims: Comfort, Exclusive and Premium, all of which are plug-in hybrids. They each boast an electric range of 200km, which is more than enough for daily commutes and school runs, allowing you to rely solely on the battery for these short trips. However, when you get out for longer drives on the highway, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over, eliminating the need for any charging stops along the way. This hybrid approach essentially means you can use electrons for shorter journeys and fuel for longer ones, providing a convenient and efficient driving experience.

Competitive Market Aim

The Xinghai V9 is set to face tough competition in the high-end MPV market, where several established brands are already making their mark.

Forthing has identified its competitors in the Chinese market, which include the Buick GL8 PHEV, Denza D9, Voyah Dreamer and WEY Gaoshan. These vehicles are all part of the premium MPV segment, catering to wealthy families and businesses.

According to Forthing, their new model will be priced lower than the previous generation. However, details regarding the launch timing and pricing in the UAE have not been disclosed yet.