The MPV market, once seen as niche, is heating up. It attracts attention from the public at an unprecedented speed. In 2023, MPV sales reached 1.093 million units, a 15.9% increase year-on-year. This growth stands out among sedans, SUVs, and MPVs. It marks the highest annual sales for the MPV market. Professional data analysis shows that pure electric models do not perform well. Most sales come from plug-in hybrid models. This success stems from the significant advantages in cost control and range of plug-in hybrid MPVs.
In the past, MPVs focused mainly on business use, with other functions being secondary. As domestic consumption rises and policies for second and third children expand, families now demand more short and long-distance travel options. Today’s MPVs offer spaciousness and comfort. They also require attention to high-end features, independence, and intelligence from local Chinese automakers. As we enter the era of new energy, competition intensifies among new players, traditional automakers, joint ventures, and independent brands. This competition highlights the rapid evolution and growth of independent brands.
The Dongfeng Fengxing Xinghai V9 launched in June 2024 offers five models. Prices range from 199,900 to 279,900 yuan (39220$). It left a strong impression on me. Today, I finally saw the car, specifically the top model priced at 279,900 yuan (39220$). MPV designs focus on presence. This is similar to Hongqi’s HQ9, which embodies harmony. The GAC Trumpchi new generation M8 features the image of an Eastern lion. The Xinghai V9 incorporates elements of Chinese aesthetics and presents a dual front design. These designs showcase each brand’s technology and design strength. They also meet consumers’ diverse demands for luxury, technology, and beauty. This highlights the importance of presence in MPV design.
The front design of the Chinese knot and the front design of the Qingyun ladder both feature Chinese characteristics and meanings. They simply differ in vertical and horizontal grilles, but the design feels more refined. The top of the vertical grille resembles a Chinese knot, symbolizing perfection and embodying Chinese romance and traditional design beauty. The horizontal grille of the Qingyun ladder showcases nine layers, representing progress and elevation, with nine steps symbolizing nobility. The lighting also varies. The vertical grille integrates 150 LED beads, creating a ribbon effect. The horizontal grille features 140 LED beads in a phoenix spreading its wings design, offering strong visual impact.
The side design of the MPV shows a standard MPV shape. It retains traditional elements while incorporating a youthful touch. The Xinghai V9 features a long and flowing side profile. It creates a sense of natural beauty.
The design of the front and back doors integrates seamlessly. It does not use hidden door handles, yet it pays attention to detail.
The column features wavy decorations. It looks stylish.
The rear features popular strip tail lights. They light up in a flowing pattern when parked. The three vertical high-mounted brake lights look familiar.
Only the top model uses 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Most on-site vehicles have 18-inch wheels. I think 19 inches suit this large body better. I noticed Michelin Primacy 4 tires, which focus on quietness and comfort. Another option is the Atlas A50 tire, which emphasizes high-speed stability and wet performance.
The Star Sea V9 measures 5251mm in length, 1920mm in width, and 1820mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3018mm. This size offers an advantage in its class.
Step inside the car. The 41-inch integrated triple screen impresses. It features a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 16.2-inch touch screen, and a 12.3-inch passenger entertainment screen. The sizes vary, but the integration is clever. The interior uses plenty of leather and chrome trim, enhancing the overall quality. The steering wheel has a three-spoke design and a leather wrap, providing a good grip. The left side of the steering wheel controls the music system. The right side manages cruise control and the 360-degree view.
The device does not use the 8295 chip. It still relies on the Snapdragon 8155 chip. This chip has become a standard configuration. The system responds quickly. Navigation, audio, and entertainment run smoothly. The car system uses Tencent’s ecosystem. The interaction is user-friendly.
The previous MPVs neglected the driver’s seat. The Xinghai V9 does not overlook this position. The driver’s seat features 10-way electric adjustments. It includes heating, ventilation, and 8-point massage functions. It also has seat memory for comfort during long drives. The passenger seat is impressive too. It now caters to the family queen. It supports 8-way electric adjustments. Users can adjust it to a comfortable reclining position with voice commands or a smartphone. It also offers heating, ventilation, and 8-point massage functions. Five preset massage modes provide comprehensive care for the queen’s body and mind.
The third-row seating space improves significantly. The headroom measures 985mm. The shoulder room is 1455mm. Passengers can sit comfortably without feeling awkward. The third-row seatback angle is adjustable. However, the adjustment method feels a bit awkward. You need to pull the strap behind the seatback.
The use of space combinations is no longer exclusive to Japanese models. The Xinghai V9 impresses. You can remove the headrest in the first row. It can lie flat and align with the second-row seats. This creates a spacious, flat resting area.
The second row moves left and right. This brings loved ones closer. It makes care easier.
The third-row seats sink into the floor. They fold flat and align with the floor. When the second-row seats move forward, the third-row seats adjust their angle and fold down. This creates a flat space. It transforms into a 1.8-meter bed. The luggage space expands from 593 liters in seven-seat mode to 2792 liters. This allows for a huge storage area.
The small storage space features 45 user-friendly designs, the most in its class. It includes hidden hooks, floating front storage, quick-dry umbrella compartments, and concealed tissue boxes. These elements allow for flexible and tidy organization of items.
The Fengxing Xinghai V9 features the Mach 1.5TD hybrid engine across all models. The engine delivers a maximum power of 154 horsepower. The electric motor produces up to 204 horsepower. It pairs with a one-speed DHT transmission. The engine boasts a thermal efficiency of 45.18%. The motor uses oil-cooling technology, achieving an output efficiency of 97%. The base model offers a pure electric range of 100 kilometers. Other models provide 200 kilometers. This range suffices for daily commuting. The CLTC combined range reaches 1300 kilometers, a clear advantage in its class.
Let’s talk about the driving experience. Today, I drove mainly on paved roads in the city. The Xinghai V9 uses a common P1+P3 motor configuration. The electric motor delivers strong output at low speeds. The engine kicks in at mid to high speeds, but the transition feels smooth. The car focuses on comfort. The steering is not overly precise but feels light and easy to handle. The chassis performs steadily. It filters out minor vibrations. There is some support in corners, but not much. The limits aren’t high, as this MPV prioritizes comfort. Who needs a stiff ride?
You can choose between EV and HEV modes while driving. Today, with a full tank and full charge, it mainly performs in EV mode. You can only experience its performance after running low on power over a long period.
The smart driving features are impressive. The 5R 5V 12U sensor architecture relies on high-precision maps and positioning systems. On city roads, the system activates adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure warning (LDW), front collision warning (FCW), and 30 other functions. The highway NOA performs well. It is not aggressive. It can change lanes automatically, control speed adaptively, overtake, and avoid large vehicles.
