Looking for a Spacious Plug-in Hybrid MPV Under ¥200k? The Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series Delivers Versatility in One Vehicle

Under the Electrification Trend, Is There a Cost-Effective Plug-in Hybrid MPV Under ¥200,000? A Deep Dive into the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series

Amid the wave of electrification, the MPV segment—particularly high-end flagship models—has seen a constant stream of new domestic offerings in recent years, such as the Denza D9, Voyah Dreamer, Xpeng X9, and Zeekr 009. Among these, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) MPVs have emerged as the mainstream choice. While these models have reshaped the mid-to-high-end MPV market long dominated by joint venture brands, their prices, often ranging from ¥300,000 to ¥500,000, are not exactly budget-friendly.

So, is there a high-value PHEV MPV option for those with a budget under ¥200,000? In this article, we take a closer look at the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series.

The Only Large Plug-in Hybrid MPV Under ¥200,000

Space, power, and fuel efficiency are the top priorities when choosing an MPV.

At the end of August this year, the Dongfeng Fengxing Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series officially launched, offering two variants with starting prices of ¥179,900 and ¥199,900, respectively.

Spaciousness is one of the Xinghai V9’s fundamental advantages. Positioned as a large MPV, it measures 5230/1920/1820 mm, with a wheelbase of 3018 mm. This makes it comparable in size to the Buick GL8 New energy and noticeably larger than the mid-size Trumpchi E8.

When evaluating an MPV, it’s not just about exterior dimensions—the practicality and flexibility of the interior layout are equally important. The Xinghai V9 offers a usable interior area of 5.54 m², which, in simple terms, means “less shared space and more usable room.”

Many MPVs on the market today can seat multiple passengers but compromise on trunk space, making long trips with luggage inconvenient. The Xinghai V9 addresses this pain point. The Yuexiang Series features a three-row, seven-seat layout. Even with all seats occupied, the trunk space remains a generous 593 L, enough to fit 5–7 suitcases.

Moreover, the third-row seats can be folded flat into the floor, creating a spacious and even storage area. This expands the trunk capacity to 2616 L, making it easy to accommodate large items such as strollers, wheelchairs, or bicycles. For camping trips, it can even be converted into a comfortable sleeping area.

As a PHEV, It Balances Power and Efficiency—How Does the Xinghai V9 Perform?

The vehicle is equipped with a 1.5T hybrid-efficient engine and a front single-motor PHEV system, delivering a combined output of 228 kW and 540 N·m of torque. It features a 34.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, offering a CLTC pure electric range of 200 km and a comprehensive range of 1300 km.

Notably, the Yuexiang Series has also improved charging efficiency. The fast charging time (from 30% to 80% SOC) has been reduced from 30 minutes to just 18 minutes. The slow charging power has been upgraded from 3.3 kW to 6.6 kW, cutting charging time in half.

For daily commuting, the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series can easily meet most drivers’ needs with just one charge per week. For long-distance travel, it offers a worry-free experience with a full tank and full charge. Its CLTC fuel consumption under low battery conditions is just 5.27 L/100 km, making it more economical than traditional fuel-powered MPVs.

Given its price and positioning, the Xinghai V9 stands out as the only large PHEV MPV under ¥200,000.

Suitable for Both Business and Family Use—What Does the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series Offer?

Beyond space, power, and economy, let’s focus on comfort and convenience to see what detailed upgrades the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series brings.

For high-end MPVs, seat functionality and materials are crucial. The Xinghai V9, priced under ¥200,000, doesn’t cut corners in this regard.

The driver’s seat in the Yuexiang Series features 6-way electric adjustment, including forward/backward, recline, and height (2-way) adjustments. The front passenger seat offers 4-way electric adjustment, including forward/backward, recline, and adjustable side wing headrests.

The second-row VIP area is equally impressive. With dual electric sliding doors, the Xinghai V9 embodies the elegance and convenience expected of a modern MPV. The second-row seats come equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, as well as a horizontal electric sliding rail, allowing passengers to adjust the seats horizontally. Whether it’s a parent attending to a child or business guests engaging in conversation, this feature offers flexible control over personal space.

In terms of materials, the seats use 30 mm high-resilience foam for improved bounce and support. The 3D-Mesh suspended soft padding ensures breathability and elasticity, giving the cabin a premium feel comparable to that of a ¥300,000 MPV.

Another thoughtful detail is the 200 mm gap between the second-row seats, making it easier for passengers to access the third row. This is particularly helpful for adults, as the wider passage reduces the need for awkward maneuvering.

Considering these features, the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series fully addresses the diverse needs of both business reception and family trips. Additionally, it has upgraded its external discharge capability to 6 kW, sufficient to power various household appliances. This makes it not only suitable for business and family use but also an excellent companion for camping.

Big Size, Big Smarts—The Xinghai V9 Focuses on Practicality and Usability

In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, smart technology is a key differentiator. How does the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series, priced under ¥200,000, stack up in terms of intelligence?

Visually, the cockpit of the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series doesn’t emphasize the minimalist, futuristic style of some new energy MPVs, but it clearly offers more technological sophistication than traditional joint venture MPVs. It retains physical buttons for frequently used functions, ensuring intuitive and practical operation.

Equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, its interface can switch between energy consumption, tire pressure, and multimedia information displays based on the driver’s preferences. It also features 3D model rendering and advanced driver-assistance system displays, enhancing control  and driving convenience.

The Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series is powered by the industry-standard flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and features the Tencent Map 8.0 full-scenario interactive Tencent ecosystem. Commonly used functions like navigation and entertainment are handled smoothly by the system. Beyond voice control from the driver’s seat, it also supports “four-zone voice recognition,” accurately identifying the source of voice commands and allowing rear passengers to independently adjust their settings.

Safety and convenience are further enhanced. Like many modern smart electric vehicles, the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series supports app-based smart vehicle control. With just a smartphone, owners can remotely start, lock, or locate their vehicle. The vehicle also supports keyless startup, automatically powering on when the door is opened, unlocking when approached, and locking when walked away. It also includes a temporary parking mode, with detailed considerations such as maintaining power when locked (automatically shutting off when battery levels drop below 20%) and screen on/off controls.

The luxury variant of the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series also supports 360° panoramic imaging and L2-level advanced driver-assistance systems. For users who frequently travel long distances, these features can reduce driving fatigue and enhance safety. The 360° panoramic imaging helps drivers navigate complex and narrow road conditions, making parking easier even for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Overall, as a PHEV MPV priced under ¥200,000, the Xinghai V9 Yuexiang Series truly delivers exceptional value for money. Whether in terms of space, range, or features, it offers numerous targeted improvements based on users’ practical needs and detailed scenarios.

With its accessible price and comprehensive capabilities, the Xinghai V9 stands out as a highly inclusive option. Whether for working-class families with multiple children, silver-haired travelers who love exploring, or small businesses using it for commercial reception or film production, it is a versatile, practical, and affordable transportation solution.