Forthing V9 Review UAE 2026: PHEV Luxury MPV Deep Dive

Forthing V9 Review UAE 2026: PHEV Luxury MPV Deep Dive

The Forthing V9 arrives in the UAE as a genuinely distinctive proposition: a seven-seat luxury MPV powered by a 2.0-litre turbo plug-in hybrid powertrain, priced at 159,900 AED and promising 800 kilometres of combined range. In a market where the MPV segment has long been dominated by Japanese stalwarts such as the Toyota Previa, Kia Carnival and Nissan Serena, the Forthing V9 represents the most ambitious Chinese attempt yet to redefine what a family people-mover can be. Combining the efficiency of plug-in hybrid technology with the space and comfort of a premium seven-seater, the V9 targets large families, executive transport operators and buyers who want MPV practicality without the fuel bills traditionally associated with large people-movers.

This comprehensive review puts the Forthing V9 through every dimension that matters to a UAE buyer: exterior design, interior quality and space, powertrain performance, ride and handling, technology, safety, ownership costs, and overall value. We benchmark the V9 against its direct MPV rivals and assess whether Forthing - a brand still establishing its UAE reputation - has delivered a product that can win on merit rather than on price alone. All specifications are verified against manufacturer data and Cartea UAE market intelligence, and the review reflects the 2026 model-year configuration available in the Emirates.

The central question this review addresses is whether the Forthing V9's combination of PHEV efficiency, seven-seat luxury and a 159,900 AED price point adds up to a compelling alternative to the established MPV establishment, or whether it remains a niche curiosity. After extensive evaluation across all the criteria below, the verdict is that the V9 is a genuinely strong contender that earns its place in any large-family or executive-transport shortlist.

Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications and Cartea UAE market data.

Quick Overview

The table below summarises the Forthing V9's headline specifications for the UAE market.

Forthing V9

Price: 159,900 AED | Body Style: MPV | Powertrain: 2.0L Turbo PHEV | Power: 280 hp

The Forthing V9 is a MPV from Forthing, priced at 159,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a 2.0L Turbo PHEV delivering 280 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Forthing V9 is designed for Large families wanting a premium 7-seat MPV.

Under the bonnet, the Forthing V9 produces 280 hp and 450 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 8.2s, delivering performance for its class. The FWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.

Inside, the Forthing V9 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 7 and a 600 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.

Key Highlights

• 7-seat luxury MPV with 2.0L turbo PHEV
• 280 hp and 450 Nm for confident MPV performance
• Premium leather interior with captain chairs
• Dual sunroofs and ambient lighting
• 800 km combined range for family road trips

Best For: Large families wanting a premium 7-seat MPV

Exterior Design

The Forthing V9's exterior design is a deliberate statement of premium intent. Unlike traditional MPVs that often adopt a van-like, utilitarian silhouette, the V9 presents a more sophisticated, SUV-adjacent profile with a commanding front fascia, a prominent grille and sleek LED headlight clusters that give it a modern, assertive presence on the road. The overall proportions are well-judged: a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs create a balanced stance, while the high roofline - essential for seven-seat interior headroom - is integrated without making the vehicle look top-heavy.

Detail execution is where the V9 distinguishes itself from cheaper Chinese MPVs. The chrome trim accents, the dual sunroofs (a genuine differentiator in the MPV segment), and the alloy wheel designs all contribute to a premium aesthetic that aims squarely at the Kia Carnival and even the Lexus LM. The PHEV badging is discreet but present, signalling the vehicle's electrified powertrain to informed observers. At night, the ambient exterior lighting and the illuminated door handles add a layer of sophistication that UAE buyers in this price bracket have come to expect.

Practicality is not sacrificed for style. The power sliding rear doors - essential for family and executive use - operate smoothly and can be opened in tight parking spaces where conventional doors would be impractical. The tailgate is power-operated, and the ground clearance is sufficient for typical UAE conditions including the occasional unpaved access road. Overall, the V9's exterior successfully walks the line between premium aesthetics and MPV functionality.

Interior Quality and Space

Step inside the Forthing V9 and the premium positioning becomes immediately apparent. The cabin is dominated by high-grade leather upholstery on all three rows, with the second-row captain's chairs offering heating, ventilation and recline functions that rival dedicated luxury vehicles. The dashboard integrates a large dual-screen infotainment setup, ambient lighting with multiple colour options, and soft-touch materials on all primary contact surfaces. The fit and finish, while not quite matching the ultra-premium execution of a Lexus LM, is competitive with the Kia Carnival and meaningfully ahead of older Japanese MPV designs.

Space is the V9's defining strength. The seven-seat layout comprises two front seats, two second-row captain's chairs and a three-seat third row, with generous legroom and headroom across all positions. The second-row captain's chairs are the highlight: they recline deeply, offer extendable leg supports, and provide the kind of long-distance comfort that makes the V9 a credible executive transport vehicle. The third row is genuinely usable for adults on shorter journeys, not merely a token bench for children, which is a meaningful differentiator in the MPV segment.

The 600-litre boot capacity, available with the third row in use, is substantial for a seven-seater and expands dramatically when the third row is folded. Storage cubbies, cup holders and USB charging ports are distributed throughout all three rows, ensuring that every passenger has access to device charging and personal storage. The cabin's acoustic insulation is effective, suppressing road and wind noise to create a quiet, relaxed environment that is particularly valued on long UAE inter-emirate journeys.

Performance and Powertrain

The Forthing V9's 2.0-litre turbo plug-in hybrid powertrain is the technical heart of the vehicle and a genuine differentiator in the MPV segment. Producing a combined 280 hp and 450 Nm of torque, the system delivers performance that is more than adequate for a fully loaded seven-seater, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds that is competitive with and in some cases quicker than rival petrol-only MPVs. The electric motor's instant torque is particularly beneficial for a heavy people-mover, providing confident low-speed response for urban driving and overtaking.

The PHEV system's primary advantage, however, is efficiency. The 800-kilometre combined range - achievable thanks to the interplay between the battery's pure-electric mode for short trips and the turbocharged engine's range-extending capability for longer journeys - dramatically reduces fuel consumption compared to a conventional petrol MPV. For daily school runs, commutes and errands within the battery's electric range, the V9 can operate as a pure electric vehicle, consuming no fuel at all. For longer family trips, the petrol engine ensures there is no range anxiety, and the overall fuel economy remains far superior to a non-hybrid seven-seater.

The 8-year / 200,000 km warranty covering the battery and hybrid system provides long-term peace of mind that is critical for a family vehicle expected to serve for many years. The front-wheel-drive layout is appropriate for an MPV prioritising passenger comfort over dynamic engagement, and the power delivery is smooth and refined, with the transition between electric and petrol modes managed imperceptibly in most driving conditions.

Ride and Handling

The Forthing V9 is tuned unambiguously for ride comfort rather than handling agility, which is the correct priority for a seven-seat luxury MPV. The suspension absorbs UAE road imperfections, speed bumps and expansion joints with a compliant, cushioned feel that keeps all three rows of passengers comfortable. The high-profile tyres contribute to this absorbent ride quality, and the cabin remains well-isolated from road noise even at highway speeds on Sheikh Zayed Road or the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway.

Handling is predictable and safe rather than engaging. The V9's size, weight and tall profile mean it is not a vehicle to be hustled through corners, and there is noticeable body lean during enthusiastic direction changes. The steering is light and geared toward low-effort urban manoeuvring and parking, which is appropriate for the vehicle's intended use. The 360-degree camera and parking sensors are essential aids given the V9's dimensions, and they function effectively to make tight parking situations manageable.

Braking performance is assured, with the regenerative braking system - a benefit of the PHEV architecture - contributing to both efficiency and brake feel. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is well-calibrated, avoiding the grabby or inconsistent pedal feel that plagues some hybrid systems. Overall, the V9's ride and handling character is exactly what its target buyer - a family or executive transport operator prioritising comfort and refinement - will want.

Technology

The Forthing V9's technology package is comprehensive and modern. The centrepiece is a large dual-screen infotainment system combining a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen, both with crisp graphics and responsive touch performance. The system supports navigation with UAE-specific mapping, smartphone integration, voice control and a suite of connected-car features including remote vehicle monitoring via a mobile app. The interface logic is intuitive, and the system's response times are competitive with the best in the segment.

Rear-seat passengers are catered to with dedicated rear entertainment options, USB charging ports at all seating positions, and the dual sunroofs that bring light and airiness to the cabin. The ambient lighting system, with multiple colour configurations, allows personalisation of the cabin atmosphere. The digital climate control operates independently for different zones, ensuring that all passengers can set their preferred temperature - a feature particularly valued in the UAE's climate.

The driver-assistance technology includes a full ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. These features operate effectively in UAE driving conditions and contribute both to safety and to reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. The technology package, taken as a whole, is a genuine strength of the V9 and competitive with MPVs at significantly higher price points.

Safety

Safety is paramount for a seven-seat family vehicle, and the Forthing V9 is equipped accordingly. The vehicle features multiple airbags covering all three rows, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and the comprehensive ADAS suite described above. The body structure incorporates high-strength steel in critical areas to manage crash energy, and the sliding doors - a hallmark of the MPV format - are engineered with side-impact protection.

The 360-degree camera and parking sensors are particularly valuable for a vehicle of the V9's dimensions, assisting with low-speed manoeuvring in the tight parking environments common in UAE malls and residential areas. The tyre-pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child-seat anchors on appropriate seats, and the rear-seat reminder function all contribute to family safety. The 8-year / 200,000 km warranty, while not a safety feature per se, provides the long-term reliability assurance that family buyers require.

Ownership Costs

The Forthing V9's ownership cost profile is one of its most compelling attributes, primarily because of the PHEV powertrain's fuel efficiency. For buyers who can charge at home or at work - increasingly feasible in the UAE as charging infrastructure expands - the V9 can cover daily commuting and family errands on electric power alone, consuming no petrol. Even on longer journeys using the petrol engine, the hybrid system's efficiency means fuel consumption is dramatically lower than a conventional seven-seat petrol MPV, translating to substantial savings over the ownership period.

The 8-year / 200,000 km warranty covers the battery and hybrid system, the most expensive and reliability-sensitive components, providing protection against the worst-case ownership cost scenarios. Routine servicing requirements are comparable to other modern vehicles, and Forthing's expanding UAE dealer network is building the service infrastructure necessary to support long-term ownership. Insurance costs, while dependent on individual driver profiles, are typically reasonable for a vehicle in this price bracket.

The principal ownership consideration is the V9's position as a relatively new model from a brand still building its UAE reputation. Resale value is the key uncertainty: while the V9's specification and efficiency are strong, the longer-term depreciation curve is not yet established. Buyers planning to keep the vehicle for the full warranty period will find the ownership economics highly attractive; those who anticipate changing vehicles within three to four years should factor resale-value uncertainty into their decision.

Forthing V9 - Pros

• 7-seat luxury MPV with 2.0L turbo PHEV
• 280 hp and 450 Nm for confident MPV performance
• Premium leather interior with captain chairs
• Dual sunroofs and ambient lighting
• 800 km combined range for family road trips

Forthing V9 - Cons

• Higher price point in Chinese car segment
• Limited dealer network compared to Japanese brands

Forthing V9 Full Specification Table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Forthing V9 in the UAE?

The Forthing V9 is priced at 159,900 AED in the UAE, positioning it as a premium seven-seat PHEV MPV that competes with the Kia Carnival and other established people-movers while offering plug-in hybrid efficiency.

What is the range of the Forthing V9's PHEV system?

The Forthing V9 delivers 800 kilometres of combined range thanks to its 2.0-litre turbo plug-in hybrid system, allowing pure-electric driving for short trips and petrol-engine range extension for longer journeys without range anxiety.

How many seats does the Forthing V9 have and is the third row usable?

The Forthing V9 seats seven across three rows, with second-row captain's chairs and a genuinely usable third row that accommodates adults on shorter journeys, not just children - a meaningful differentiator in the MPV segment.

What warranty does the Forthing V9 offer?

The Forthing V9 comes with an 8-year / 200,000 km warranty covering the battery and hybrid system, providing long-term peace of mind for the most expensive and reliability-sensitive components.

How does the Forthing V9 compare to the Kia Carnival?

The Forthing V9 offers plug-in hybrid efficiency (800 km combined range), premium captain's chairs with heating and ventilation, and dual sunroofs at a competitive price, while the Kia Carnival counters with a longer-established brand reputation and proven resale value - making the V9 the efficiency and technology choice and the Carnival the conservative choice.

Final Verdict

The Forthing V9 is a genuinely compelling seven-seat luxury MPV that earns its place in any large-family or executive-transport shortlist. Its 2.0-litre turbo PHEV powertrain delivers 280 hp, 450 Nm and an 800-kilometre combined range that dramatically reduces fuel costs, while the premium leather cabin with captain's chairs, dual sunroofs, comprehensive ADAS and a modern dual-screen infotainment system matches or exceeds the established MPV establishment on technology and comfort. Priced at 159,900 AED with an 8-year warranty, the V9's only real weakness is the unproven long-term resale value inherent to a new model from an emerging brand. Scoring 84 out of 100, the Forthing V9 is the efficiency and technology leader in the Chinese MPV segment and a strong alternative to the Kia Carnival for buyers who prioritise running costs and modern features.