Chinese automotive conglomerate Dongfeng is the latest to test Australia’s seemingly bottomless appetite for cut-price new-energy vehicles, launching its Forthing sub-brand locally with the Taikon 5 mid-size SUV. Brought to market by distributor Ateco Group, the entry-level challenger lands later this month wielding a sharp $36,990 entry ticket, undercutting the bulk of its established mainstream rivals right out of the gate.
The four-tier lineup debuts with two model grades – Luxury and Exclusive – spread across pure battery-electric (BEV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) powertrain options.
Under the skin, the Taikon 5 BEV is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 150kW and 340Nm. Energy is supplied by a 64kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack, which is good for a claimed 427km of WLTP-certified driving range. On the high-voltage front, it accepts DC fast-charging at up to 80kW, restoring 30-80 per cent of capacity in roughly 30 minutes, and supports 3.5kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.
The Range Extender variant swaps out the big battery for a smaller 31kWh unit paired with a front electric motor developing 120kW and 240Nm. Crucially, its 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (75kW/130Nm) never drives the front wheels directly; it operates purely as an onboard generator to top up the cells. It quotes 170km of pure-electric range, pushing out to a combined 937km when drawing from the 43-litre fuel tank on regular 91 octane fuel.
Dimensionally, both variants measure 4600mm long and 1860mm wide, on a 2715mm wheelbase, though the hybrid drops 100kg against the BEV’s 1920kg kerb weight.
Inside, the base Luxury gets a massive 14.6-inch infotainment array running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch driver screen, imitation leather, and heated, massaging front seats. Safety kit is comprehensive, bringing adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning.
Stepping into the Exclusive nets a panoramic glass sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, a power tailgate, wireless phone charger, and an upgraded six-speaker audio setup.
Both models are covered by a seven-year, 200,000km warranty, with servicing intervals set at 12 months/20,000km for the BEV and 15,000km for the hybrid. Showrooms are already active in all states ahead of deliveries commencing this month. See below for the starting prices (drive-away):
2026 Forthing Taikon 5 Luxury REEV (PHEV): $36,990
2026 Forthing Taikon 5 Luxury EV: $38,990
2026 Forthing Taikon 5 Exclusive REEV (PHEV): $40,490
2026 Forthing Taikon 5 Exclusive EV: $42,490
