The Forthing Taikon 5 is the first model used to establish the Forthing brand in Australia. Forthing is part of Dongfeng Motor Group, while Australian distribution is handled by Ateco Group. The Taikon 5 enters the busy mid-size SUV class with a distinctive strategy: Australian customers can select either a battery-electric version or a Range Extender Hybrid. Both are offered in Luxury and higher-specification Exclusive grades, giving the range four core variants and allowing buyers to prioritise either lower entry cost or additional convenience equipment.

The fully electric Taikon 5 uses a 150 kW electric motor producing 340 Nm and offers up to 427 km of WLTP driving range. It supports an 11 kW onboard AC charger, with a quoted 0–100 per cent home charging time of about seven hours when connected to a suitable 11 kW wallbox. DC fast charging is rated at up to 80 kW, with a quoted 30–80 per cent charging time of approximately 30 minutes. This version suits drivers who can charge at home or work and want to avoid petrol use in normal daily driving.

The Range Extender Hybrid takes a different approach. It uses a 31.94 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and an electric drive motor, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a range-extending power source when required. Australian information quotes up to 170 km of electric-only WLTP range and up to 937 km of combined WLTP range. AC and DC charging are supported, so owners can plug in for routine commuting while retaining the flexibility of petrol-assisted long-distance travel. This makes the range-extender particularly relevant to Australian buyers who regularly travel beyond metropolitan charging networks.

Practicality is central to the Taikon 5. The five-door SUV measures approximately 4.6 metres long and seats five, placing it in familiar territory for Australian family buyers. Standard Luxury equipment includes a reversing camera and parking sensors, keyless entry, powered front sports seats, a massaging driver's seat, LED exterior lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels and a flexible rear seating arrangement. The cabin also features a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto helping everyday smartphone integration.

The Exclusive grade builds on that foundation with equipment including a panoramic opening glass roof, a high-definition 360-degree camera, 50 W wireless phone charging, rear privacy glass, an electric tailgate and a six-speaker audio system. Safety and driver-assistance equipment available across the Australian range includes blind-spot and lane assistance functions, front and rear collision assistance and adaptive cruise control. The combination gives the Taikon 5 a broad technology list, although buyers should always confirm the exact equipment fitted to the individual grade they are considering.

For Australian buyers, the Taikon 5's strongest selling points are its competitive positioning, choice of electrified powertrains and generous standard equipment. The EV is attractive for households with dependable charging, while the Range Extender Hybrid reduces concern about charging availability on long regional trips. As a newly introduced brand, Forthing does not yet have the long Australian ownership history or nationwide familiarity of established rivals, so dealer coverage, resale values and long-term market acceptance remain considerations. Even so, the Taikon 5 presents a compelling alternative for value-focused buyers prepared to consider a new entrant.