Prestige cannot be created overnight. It is built over decades, shaped by history and continually reinterpreted for changing times. That legacy forms the foundation of the Hongqi E-HS9.
Founded in 1958, Hongqi occupies a unique place in China’s automotive history. Long associated with Chinese leaders, state vehicles and major national occasions, the marque has spent more than six decades building a reputation defined by prestige, refinement and craftsmanship.
Today, that heritage enters a new chapter through the marque’s flagship electric SUV, which embodies its contemporary vision of Eastern Luxury.
Its arrival here is significant. Singapore is Hongqi’s first right-hand-drive market globally, marking an important milestone as the brand continues its global expansion.
A heritage reimagined for the modern age
Hongqi’s modern design language took shape in 2018 with the appointment of Giles Taylor, formerly Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as Global Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer at FAW.
Under his direction, the brand has refined a design philosophy that brings together heritage-inspired cues and contemporary luxury.
Taylor’s creative direction helped shape Hongqi’s contemporary expression of Eastern Luxury, blending Chinese cultural influences with modern luxury design. The E-HS9 stands among the clearest expressions of that evolution.
Stretching 5,209mm long and underpinned by a 3,110mm wheelbase, the flagship SUV possesses an unmistakable presence.
Dominating the front fascia is Hongqi’s signature waterfall grille, inspired by the imagery of an alpine waterfall and the concept of the mainstay.
A defining element of the marque’s design language, it lends the vehicle much of its visual authority. Running through its centre is the distinctive Red Flag motif, creating a direct link to Hongqi’s identity and heritage.
Together, these elements create a design that feels both contemporary and confidently individual.
Crafted around the experience of travelling well
While the exterior makes a strong visual statement, the cabin focuses on something equally important: The quality of the journey itself.
Configured as a six-seater, the flagship SUV places as much emphasis on rear-seat comfort as it does on the experience behind the wheel.
Premium leather upholstery, Alcantara finishes, wood trim and ambient lighting establish an atmosphere of understated luxury throughout.
That attention to comfort becomes even more apparent throughout the cabin. Ventilated second-row seats enhance comfort for rear passengers, while the front seats feature both ventilation and massage functions to help make longer journeys more relaxing.
Whether travelling between appointments, heading out with family or simply enjoying a weekend escape, occupants are treated to the same sense of comfort and refinement.
An expansive panoramic sunroof enhances the feeling of openness, while acoustic glass contributes to a cabin environment that remains impressively serene.
Modern conveniences are woven into the experience without overwhelming it. Dual 15.6-inch displays form the focal point of the dashboard, complemented by wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system.
Technology in service of refinement
The sense of refinement extends beyond the cabin.
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing up to 367kW enables the E-HS9 to accelerate from 0-100km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds, while a 120kWh battery delivers up to 570km of WLTP range.
Equally important is its focus on ride comfort. A Continuous Damping Control air suspension system capable of adjusting ride height by up to 105mm helps maintain composure across varying road conditions, ensuring occupants remain comfortable regardless of where the journey leads.
Advanced driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keep Assist, further enhance confidence on the road.
More than Hongqi’s flagship electric SUV, the E-HS9 represents the marque’s interpretation of modern luxury, bringing together heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary technology through the lens of Eastern Luxury.
For those seeking an alternative to the familiar names that have long defined the luxury SUV segment, it offers something increasingly uncommon: A strong sense of identity, underpinned by heritage and expressed through a distinctly modern vision of luxury.
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This article was first published in sgCarMart.
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