Key highlights:
- Facelifted Forthing TK5 gains 800V electric technology in Europe
- Updated SUV could reach Australia sometime in 2027
- Forthing plans 3 additional models for the Australian market
The Forthing Taikon 5, sold in Australia as the Forthing Electric and Range Extender because of an ongoing trademark dispute, has received a major facelift in Europe. Revealed at the Paris motor show as the TK5, the updated SUV gets a redesigned front end, revised cabin and an upgraded electric powertrain with 800-volt technology.
Forthing representatives have indicated a possible Australian arrival in 2027, although the company has yet to confirm local availability.
Forthing TK5: What’s new?
The updated Forthing Taikon 5 made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show last month under the TK5 name, and the facelift brings several exterior and interior changes.
Exterior changes
The rear end remains virtually unchanged, and the new front headlights have a Kia-like appearance, while the redesigned bumper gives the SUV a cleaner look. Other changes include:
- A redesigned front fascia with single-piece LED headlights
- A cleaner front bumper without the current model’s unusual honeycomb vent sections
- Updated alloy wheel designs
Interior gets a major overhaul
Forthing has retained the existing infotainment screens but redesigned several parts of the cabin.
| Interior feature | Updated TK5 |
|---|---|
| Instrument display | 8.8-inch |
| Infotainment touchscreen | 14.6-inch |
| Dashboard | New design with horizontal air vents |
| Steering wheel | New two-spoke design |
| Gear selector | Steering-column-mounted stalk |
| Centre console | Redesigned with less gloss-black plastic |
| AC controls | Simplified shortcut layout |
| Door panels | New design |
| Window switches | Updated design inspired by Zeekr models |
One of the biggest practical changes involves the gear selector. Forthing has moved it from the centre console to a stalk on the steering column, and this frees up space in the centre console, which now uses less gloss-black plastic and features simpler air-conditioning shortcuts.
The door panels have also received a redesign, including window switches with a layout inspired by Zeekr models.
Another important addition is a driver-attention monitoring camera mounted on the windscreen pillar. The technology aligns with European regulations but is not a feature in the current Australian model.
Forthing TK5 gets 800V electric technology
Forthing Europe has confirmed that the electric TK5 will move to an 800-volt electrical architecture, and its updated electric powertrain will feature a 200kW motor and a 75kWh battery pack.
| Specification | Updated electric TK5 |
|---|---|
| Electrical architecture | 800V |
| Motor output | 200kW |
| Battery | 75kWh |
| DC fast charging | Up to 160kW |
| DC charging time | 10–80% in 16 minutes |
The company claims the battery can charge from 10 to 80% in just 16 minutes using a compatible DC fast charger.
Also read: 2026 Forthing Taikon 5 recalled over sudden power loss risk
Current Australian Forthing Taikon 5: Electric and Range Extender
The current Taikon 5 is sold in Australia in two electrified configurations: a fully electric version and a range-extender hybrid. It is among Australia’s cheapest electrified SUVs, with prices starting at:
- Forthing Electric: $38,990 drive-away
- Forthing Range Extender: $36,990 drive-away
The two versions use different powertrain layouts and battery capacities.
Forthing Taikon 5 Electric
The Australian electric version uses a front-mounted electric motor and a 64kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery.
| Specification | Forthing Electric |
|---|---|
| Electric motor | Front-mounted |
| System output | 150kW / 340Nm |
| Battery | 64kWh LFP |
| EV range | 427km WLTP |
Forthing Taikon 5 Range Extender
The range-extender version uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to generate electricity for its battery and electric motor, and unlike the fully electric version, its electric motor drives the rear wheels.
| Specification | Forthing Range Extender |
|---|---|
| Petrol engine | 1.5-litre |
| Engine output | 75kW / 130Nm |
| Battery | 31kWh |
| Drive type | Single motor RWD |
| Motor output | 120kW / 240Nm |
| EV range | Up to 170km WLTP |
| Combined range | Up to 937km WLTP |
The range-extender can travel up to 170km on electric power alone, and with assistance from the petrol engine, its claimed WLTP driving range increases to 937km.
Why is the Forthing Taikon 5 called the TK5 in Europe?
The updated SUV will use the TK5 name across Europe, replacing the different names previously used in individual markets, including Taikon 5 and Friday. The name change also helps Forthing avoid an ongoing legal dispute in New Zealand.
Volkswagen and Porsche, which sell the Tayron and Taycan respectively, launched legal action alleging that the Taikon 5 name was too similar to their model names. The European TK5 badge is styled as ‘Tk5’ on the tailgate.
Is the updated Forthing TK5 coming to Australia?
Forthing representatives at the Paris motor show told Drive Australia that the facelifted SUV could arrive in Australia sometime in 2027, although the timing has not been locked in. A Forthing Australia spokesperson clarified that the European TK5 has not been confirmed for local sales.
The company has announced plans to introduce three new models in Australia over the next 18 months, with further details expected closer to their showroom arrivals. The expanded range is expected to include:
- The facelifted Taikon 5/TK5, subject to confirmation
- The TK7 people mover
- A second SUV
- A third, yet-to-be-identified model
The TK5 wasn’t the only new Forthing model showcased at the Paris motor show; the company also displayed the TK7 people mover, scheduled to reach Australia next year.
The TK7 is smaller than conventional people movers such as the Kia Carnival. Unlike many modern people movers, it uses traditional rear doors rather than sliding doors, and its layout is conceptually similar to older people movers such as the Honda Odyssey.
Forthing plans to offer the TK7 in Australia with two powertrain choices: Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
The larger V9 people mover also appeared at the show. Forthing displayed a campervan spin-off alongside the standard V9, adding another body style to its expanding people-mover line-up.
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