2026 Forthing EV Review: Range, Price & Performance Specs

Shaun Garrard on Why Australia’s Crowded Market Has Room for Forthing

“Any time that a new Chinese brand comes to market, in recent history, there’s always those that will say, the market’s full, there’s not enough space, there are too many Chinese brands,” Garrard states.

Time and time and again there are those brands that are still able, even though people consider them late to the market, to grow off the back of a good offer, good product and good price. So that’s what we plan to do for Australia,” Garrard adds.

The Forthing Lineup: Pricing, Powertrains, and Specifications

Forthing’s initial Australian onslaught faces a minor naming hurdle tied to its debut model, which was originally called the Taikon. That moniker sparked a legal dispute with Porsche over phonetic similarities to the German brand’s electric Taycan sports car. Consequently, the company is currently peeling badges off vehicles and marketing its first two offerings simply by their powertrain configurations.

Shoppers can choose between two distinct options:

• Forthing Range Extender Hybrid: Priced from $36,990 drive-away, this variant drives the rear wheels via a 120kW/240Nm electric motor. It pairs with a small 31kWh battery that is continuously replenished by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The 75kW/130Nm petrol unit never directly powers the wheels, serving strictly as a generator. Forthing claims an all-electric range of up to 170 kilometres, or a combined 937km using 91 Octane fuel.
• Forthing BEV: Priced at $38,990 drive-away, this pure battery-electric model costs $2,000 more than the hybrid. It utilizes a simpler front-wheel-drive layout with a 150kW/340Nm electric motor and a larger 64kWh battery, delivering a claimed range of 427km.

Both models share an extensive list of standard features, including a large 14.6-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring and an 8.8-inch driver information display. Cabin comforts feature imitation leather upholstery with heating, cooling, and electric adjustments for front occupants, alongside driver massage functions and a crystal-look illuminated gear selector. Safety inclusions span autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

Buyers seeking extra luxuries can opt for the Exclusive trim line, which tacks an extra $3,500 onto the purchase price. This upgrade introduces a sunroof, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera, a wireless phone charger, and an upgraded stereo system.

Driving Impressions: High-Tech Cabins Meet Challenging Road Dynamics

Garrard notes that “outdated perceptions” of Chinese cars as cheap, basic transport have been “fundamentally challenged” recently, and Forthing’s modern exterior styling and high-tech cabin certainly create a positive initial impression.

However, once drivers hit the road, significant dynamic compromises emerge. The pure electric variant suffers from noticeable power delivery lag, creating a frustrating delay between pressing the accelerator and gaining forward momentum. Furthermore, its suspension feels soggy, displaying excessive body roll and a waterbed-like bobbing motion over uneven surfaces. Budget-focused tyres offer limited dry-weather grip, raising concerns about wet-weather capability.

The range-extender hybrid proves to be the more composed choice, offering tauter body control that reduces car-sickness risks for passengers. Even so, it shares the numb steering feel and budget rubber found on its stablemate, resulting in a driving experience that ultimately fails to inspire full driver confidence.