Hongqi, a legendary brand in the Chinese automotive scene famous for its luxury offerings, just opened its first dealership in Bonifacio Global City.
Its flagship CA7460, a collaboration with the Ford Motor Company, is a certified head-turner as it was based on the Lincoln Town Car.
Over the decades, it has garnered immense respect, evident when its model was declared China’s “National Car” in the 1960s.
It has become the chosen vehicle for pivotal national events and dignitaries. The Chinese president’s state limousine is currently the Hongqi N701.
Recent years have seen Hongqi revamp its strategy, leading to a notable spike in sales and paving the path for global exports. Central to the brand’s ethos is its unwavering focus on consumer satisfaction, evident from its advanced customization center that showcases meticulous craftsmanship.
Leading the brand’s design revolution is Giles Taylor, a London Royal College of Art graduate and veteran automotive designer whose laurels include the Citroen Xsara, the Jaguar, X75 Concept, the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Phantom, Dawn, and more recently, the Cullinan SUV.
Under Taylor’s direction, Hongqi’s designs seamlessly merge tradition with contemporary elements, producing vehicles that reflect both skilled craftsmanship and engineering brilliance.
With Taylor’s touch and experience, it’s obvious where the stateliness and resplendent aura of the Hongqi cars comes from. Under his guidance, the upcoming designs from Hongqi are set to appeal to refined preferences, further emphasizing the brand’s commitment to sophistication and high standards.
With its Philippine debut, facilitated by distributor EVOxTerra Inc., and its president, Rashid Delgado, Hongqi offers Filipino customers a unique automotive experience. Recognizing the diverse preferences of the local market, Hongqi is introducing a combination of electric and petrol-powered vehicles that cater to those seeking luxury away from the established marques.
Electric vehicles are gradually making their mark globally, and Hongqi is no exception in leading this charge. The brand’s E-HS9 SUV is a study in road presence, and stands out in both the full-size SUV and EV categories, while promising both performance and sustainability.
It is available as a 7-seater in Executive and Deluxe trims, and as a 6-seater in its Flagship trim. The E-HS9 has a dual permanent magnet synchronous motor setup, with 84 kWh or 99 kWh batteries, depending on trim, offering a minimum of 400 kms of range and up to more than 500 kms of range on a single charge.
Another noteworthy electric model is the E-QM5, which stands as a worthy competitor in the sub-P2 million EV category.
It offers loads of interior space, along with modern amenities and advanced tech features.The E-QM5 has a single permanent magnet synchronous motor with approximately 431 kilometers of range.
For the traditionalists who have a soft spot for petrol engines, Hongqi brings the H5 and H9. The H5 is a compact sedan that’s sized on the larger end of the spectrum, and offers a comfortable ride with its panoramic sunroof and specially designed seats.
The H5 is available in a 2-liter turbocharged trim with 224 hp, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged variant with 156 hp on tap, both with 340 Nm of torque.
On the other hand, the H9 is Hongqi’s flagship premium luxury sedan and is available in the Deluxe 45TD trim with a 2.0-liter and 48V mild-hybrid setup pushing 242 hp, or the Flagship 50TD trim, with its 3-liter supercharged V6 capable of 272 hp and 400 Nm of torque.