Hongqi

Elegance in Motion

Elegance in Motion🇨🇳 Changchun, ChinaLegacy OEM

Founded

1958

Changchun

Making EVs since

2019

Entered EU

2020

EVs on EVRadar

Service network

Limited

The story

Established in 1958, Hongqi (translating to 'Red Flag') is China's oldest and most prestigious luxury automotive brand, originally reserved exclusively for high-ranking government officials and state dignitaries. Under the stewardship of FAW Group, Hongqi underwent a massive modern renaissance, transforming into a global competitor in luxury electric mobility. Blurring traditional artistic identity with ultra-modern design language—led by former Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor—the brand represents high-tier luxury executive styling combined with heavy vehicle proportions and top-tier technical integration.

Official site →

Worth knowing

The prominent red vertical strip running from the center of the grille up the hood is Hongqi's signature design emblem, serving as a modern digital representation of the historic 'Red Flag' heritage.

The flagship variants of the E-HS9 are engineered with advanced wireless induction charging compatibility, allowing the vehicle to charge seamlessly over specialized ground pads without plugging in.

The road here

EV milestones

1958: First Hongqi luxury sedan is hand-assembled in Changchun; 2018: Brand initiates a global design and technological pivot; 2020: Officially unveils the monumental E-HS9 pure electric full-size luxury SUV; 2022: Rapidly expands distribution channels into Northern Europe and the Middle East.

Brand DNA

State Dignitary HeritageExecutive Mega-SUVRolls-Royce Inspired DesignFAW Premium Architecture

The honest read

Strengths

+Unmatched, theatrical road presence with premium materials mimicking bespoke luxury standards.
+Extremely accommodating six- and seven-seat configuration layouts tailored for high executive or family utility.
+Comprehensive standard safety features including fully active air suspension and multi-screen panoramic cockpits.

Watch-outs

–Substantial unladen curb weight limits overall efficiency, requiring high energy consumption per mile.
–Max DC charging speeds top out at 140 kW, making battery replenishment slower than modern 800V class competitors.
–Full physical dimensions can make navigating tight European city infrastructure challenging.

Battery & platform DNA

Hongqi utilizes high-capacity Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) pouch and prismatic battery cell architectures to supply the extensive continuous current requirements of its heavy passenger vehicles. Engineered with robust mechanical armoring to meet strict national structural crash safety standards, its battery packs feature liquid cooling setups linked directly to multi-mode high-voltage thermal systems. This layout guarantees sustained cell temperature control during extreme weather transitions and maximizes rapid energy throughput while suppressing thermal degradation.

EVRadar verdict

A fascinatingly bold luxury cruiser that delivers unparalleled, attention-grabbing executive prestige and vast interior real estate at a fraction of the cost of traditional European tier-one luxury products.

Company