China’s oldest luxury car brand, HongQi (also referred to as ‘Hongqi’ and ‘HQ’), will be the latest EV-focused automaker to launch in Australia as a counterpoint to Western luxury mainstays, joining the ranks of Denza, Zeekr, IM Motors, and more.
Pronounced ‘Hong - Chi’ and meaning ‘Red Flag’, the Chinese state-owned moniker will officially launch next month with the release of its ultra-luxury E-HS9 large electric three-row SUV.
In China, the HongQi E-HS9 starts from 509,800 yuan (about $110,000 AUD before on-road costs) for a 321kW all-wheel drive base car, and scales to (about $170,000 AUD) for a more powerful 406kW variant.
Australian pricing and specifications remain unconfirmed for now, though the model is penned to launch in mid-November. Mainstay rivals include the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes-Benz EQS, while fellow Chinese-luxury rivals would include the forthcoming Zeekr 9X and Xpeng G9L.
Overseas, the E-HS9 spans four grades: A base-model Executive with an 84kWh battery and 380km WLTP driving range, middle-spec Deluxe and confusingly named Flagship, both offering 99kWh batteries and 441km of WLTP range, and a range topping Long Range with 120kWh battery and range of 515km WLTP.
All E-HS9 variants measure 5209mm long, 2010mm wide, and 1713mm tall, driving on a 3110mm wheelbase. It is similar in size to the Hyundai Palisade and long-wheelbase Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography.
We expect the E-HS9 to feature 21-inch wheels, LED brightwork, fixed glass sunroof, and tinted windows outside, as well as seat heating in the front and second row, power seat adjustment, fold-away third row seating and Alcantara trim on the inside.
Hongqi has deep ties to the Chinese State government. Aside from being state-owned, It’s a prominent supplier of limousines for the Chinese Communist Party, historically supplying vehicles to CCP Chairman Mao Zedong as well as current party President Xi Jinping.
Locally, the brand’s aspirations aren’t as lofty. It plans to “distinguish itself from the rigid design and experience logic of century-old Western luxury brands” by the use of “smart mobility technologies”.
In its own words, HQ states its buyers will be “tech pioneers and white-collar elites who embrace technological innovation and appreciate modern luxury aesthetics.” – a buyership no-doubt unique to that of high ranking CCP officials.
