Forthing Taikon 5 vs Geely Starray Em-I

What's the difference?

We’re entering the second half of 2026 and the rollout of new Chinese brands in Australia shows no sign of slowing.

The latest is Forthing, a brand from China’s massive Dongfeng Motor Group which has joint ventures with Nissan, Honda and Stellantis.

Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in both electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises.

Although customer deliveries have just begun, the rollout has been bumpy. Forthing is currently in the middle of a trademark dispute with Porsche over the Taikon name.

Porsche alleges Taikon is too similar to Taycan.

While this dispute is ongoing, Forthing is publicly referring to the car as the Electric and Range Extender Hybrid.

Forthing is hoping to have a resolution by the end of 2026, but if Porsche is successful in its opposition, the company may need to rename the car.

Hybrids are yesterday’s news.

If you’re looking for a combination powertrain in 2025 you want a ‘Super Hybrid’. This is the Chinese car industry’s term for what is more commonly known as a plug-in hybrid, but they are all the rage among car brands as they rush to simultaneously cut emissions and keep buyers.

The Geely Starray EM-i is the latest addition to a growing number of Super Hybrids available in Australia, joining the BYD Sealion 6, MG HS, Jaecoo J7, Omoda 9 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (which doesn’t have the fancy name but has the same tech).

This is Geely’s second entry into the Australian market, following the similar-sized but all-electric EX5 earlier this year. While it’s a new brand to Australia, Geely is an automotive giant, it’s so big in China it has been able to expand its global reach. Its parent company, also called Geely, has an ownership stake in Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Proton, Smart, Lynk & Co. and Aston Martin.

But none of that really matters when you’re buying a car. So, how does the Starray stack up on its own merits? Is it a compelling new addition or just another forgettable offering in an increasingly crowded mid-size SUV market?