CarBrandLogos archive · Hongqi · 2020

HongqiE-HS9

An electric flagship SUV drawn with help from a former Rolls-Royce design director.

Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The story

A defining chapter in Hongqi history.

Explore the ideas, engineering and context that shaped the Hongqi E-HS9, then continue into its specifications and place in the marque's lineage.

Origins

Hongqi's push beyond ceremonial saloons produced this large electric SUV in 2020, built at Changchun on FAW's own architecture with dual motors and four-wheel drive. The design was credited to Yangfeng Ding with production work led by Giles Taylor, who had run design at Rolls-Royce before joining FAW as global design chief, and the influence shows in the upright illuminated grille, the long bonnet and the deliberately vertical stance.

Hongqi E115 at IAA 2019 IMG 0576 · Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0

Design and engineering

Inside, the priorities are Chinese luxury conventions rather than European ones: reclining rear seats, extensive screen area, and a rear cabin treated as the important part of the car. Battery and motor specifications varied by trim, with the higher versions aimed at performance figures rather than range.

Hongqi E115 at IAA 2019 IMG 0579 · Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0

In production

It is also one of the first Chinese luxury vehicles to be exported into Western Europe with any seriousness, appearing in Norway and neighbouring markets. Volumes have been small, but as a statement that Hongqi intends to compete outside its home market, it is the clearest one the company has made.

At a glance