The Forthing T5 Evo is a compact crossover SUV produced by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor under the Forthing sub-brand. The pure electric variant launched in March 2023 is called Forthing Leiting.
Overview
The Forthing T5 Evo was launched as a sportier variant of the Forthing T5 compact crossover sport utility vehicle under the Forthing brand of Dongfeng Motor Group for China, and officially debuted during the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2020. The Forthing T5 Evo is also the first vehicle to wear the Forthing brand's freshly unveiled logo, the powerful lion badge (Jin Shi Biao, 劲狮标). The logo is in the shape of a shield with a lion graphic in the center, implying "self-confidence, fearlessness, and bravery" according to officials.
Features The Forthing T5 Evo is equipped with L2 + intelligent driving assistance systems and the future link 4.0 intelligent link system. For the standard luxury trim models, T5 Evo has developed corrosion-resistant and self-healing 2K paint offering eight kinds of personalised colors. For the interior, the T5 Evo is equipped with 37 storage spaces including various hidden hooks, door panel storage capable of containing one litre water bottles and additional storage space for mobile phones and electronics.
Powertrain Power of the Forthing T5 Evo comes from a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.5-litre turbo engine producing a maximum power of and maximum torque of , giving it a acceleration time of 9.5 seconds, and a fuel consumption of . There are two wheel sizes available in 235/55 R19 and 235/60 R18. 2023 facelift The Forthing T5 Evo received a facelift in May 2023, featuring revised front and rear end styling with a powertrain update. The high trim levels dubbed the Mach Editions is equipped with an updated engine codenamed DFMC15TP1 producing a torque of 300N·m mated to a wet style 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Forthing T5 HEV/5 HEV The Forthing T5 HEV or 5 HEV is a hybrid electric variant of the T5 Evo. The HEV powertrain is a CT-E engine derived from Citroen engine technologies and developed by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. with an additional two-motor hybrid assembly, and a 2kwh battery pack. The Forthing 5 HEV was displayed during IAA 2023.
Forthing Leiting/Friday EV The Forthing Leiting (雷霆) is the all-electric variant launched in March 2023. The vehicle is built on the EMA-E platform and shares most of its body with the T5 Evo. It is powered by a BYD electric motor that delivers of torque. Two battery options are available: a 57.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and an 85.9 kWh ternary lithium battery pack. The electric CLTC range is and depending on the version. The versions sold in oversea markets is called the Friday EV and was displayed during IAA 2023. The european version was sold with the 85.9 kWh battery and have a WLTP range of .
Safety
Forthing Xinghai X5
In September 2025, Forthing launched the Xinghai X5, a facelift model of Leiting. It is basically a re-branded BEV variant as the third model in the Xinghai line. It features a front-mounted single electric motor with a maximum power of and a peak torque of , equipped with a 64.4 kWh LFP battery, offering a CLTC range of . Compared to the Leiting, the rear suspension has been upgraded from a torsion beam to a multi-link suspension.
Markets The Forthing T5 Evo started being sold in Belarus in January 2024.
The Forthing T5 Evo from 2023, officially sold in Germany, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Holland, Bulgaria and Panama. In Italy, the Forthing T5 Evo is available with a dual-fuel petrol-LPG option and a 1.5 full-hybrid DCT7 245 HP version.
Starting in September 2024, the name Forthing Friday EV will be used instead of Forthing T5 Evo in Europe.
Sales +T5 EvoYearChina202245,39520238,95120242,2982025605
+LeitingYearChina20232,20420241,40420251,186
References
External links Official website