A new brand joins the luxury EV market with 2023 Hongqi E-HS9 launch

Hongqi Philippines officially entered the market on March 13, 2023 with the launch of the 2023 Hongqi E-HS9 electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV).

This is five months after the SUV was first showcased at the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit.

Hongqi (pronounced "hong-chi") was established in 1958 and became one of the top luxury passenger car brands in its home country of China. 

Its line of limousines and SUVs continues to be the vehicle of choice for use by high-ranking government officials and visiting heads of state, as well as influential heads of industries, prominent business personalities and wealthy celebrities.

Hongqi entered the Philippines market with EVOxTerra as its official distributor, with the partnership being formalized last year. EVOxTerra is also the importer and distributor of Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) brand Weltmeister.

Now, Hongqi seeks to show off its two latest vehicles, along with opening its first dealership in the upscale Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

“We are extremely proud to bring this legendary car marque to the Philippines and let Filipinos finally experience for themselves the many reasons why Hongqi remains such an enduring international brand,” said EVOxTerra president Rashid Delgado at a press conference held in TDG In.Hub in Taguig City.

Rolls Royce-like exterior

The 2023 Hongqi E-HS9 EV is the brand’s flagship vehicle in the Philippines as a three-row full-size luxury SUV.

In terms of size, it measures 5,209 mm long, 2,010 mm wide and 1,731 mm tall. It also has a 3,110 mm wheelbase, giving the vehicle a spacious interior. 

At the front, the Hongqi E-HS9 carries European styling, giving it a look similar to a Rolls Royce. The SUV is marked by its massive front grille and iconic red line in the middle of the front fascia. 

Aside from this, the EV SUV also carries full-width LED taillights that are paired with L-shaped corner lights to give the vehicle a unique look at night. 

At the back, the Hongqi E-HS9 has L-shaped LED taillights that look similar to those on newer Audi vehicles.

Three variants

The 2023 Hongqi E-HS9 comes in three variants: Executive, Deluxe and Flagship.

The electric SUV retains LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels, pop-out hidden door handles, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear privacy windows and a panoramic sunroof for its standard equipment.

The Deluxe model adds matrix intelligent LED headlights with exterior welcome lights. Finally, the Flagship variant adds air suspension into the mix, allowing you to raise and lower the rear.

Luxurious interior

While its design does take cues from more prominent automakers, they mesh well together to create a distinctive and luxurious look for the electric SUV. 

The Hongqi E-HS9 has a full leather interior to match its luxury positioning on the market. You'll have two large digital displays or three screens, depending on your variant.

For the three-screen variants, the third display is an extension of the infotainment system, which the front passenger can control.

All variants also get a small touchscreen display for the digital automatic climate control. Aside from this, the E-HS9 also comes with heated and cooled seats. 

All variants of the Hongqi E-HS9 get Alcantara and PVC leather combination seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and other goodies like:

• Multiple screens for the instrument cluster, infotainment and climate controls
• An 8-speaker audio system
• Power front seats
• An auto-dimming rearview mirror

The Deluxe variant takes it further in terms of luxury by adding a 12-speaker audio system and ambient lighting.

Meanwhile, the Flagship model adds Nappa Leather and Alcantara combination seats with power adjustability for the second row.

Dual motors on tap

Across the model range, the Hongqi E-HS9 gets a dual-motor drivetrain with differing power outputs and driving ranges per variant.

However, all models are all-wheel drive thanks to their dual electric motor setup. The Executive variant gets dual 160-kW electric motors with 300 Nm of torque each.

Maximum battery capacity is 86 kWh with an estimated driving range of 380 km. 

Meanwhile, the Deluxe and Flagship models combine 160 kW and 245 kW electric motors. The former retains its 300 Nm of torque, while the latter gets 450 Nm.

Battery capacity has also increased with this model as it now carries a 99-kWh battery pack with an estimated driving range of around 441 kilometers.

Competitive pricing

The 2023 Hongqi E-HS9 starts at ₱4,980,000 for the Executive model.

Pricing for the Deluxe and Flagship variants has yet to be revealed. However, Hongqi Philippines has confirmed that the top-of-the-line model will not exceed ₱6,000,000.

The warranty of the battery pack is set at eight years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.

On display as well during the brand launch was the Hongqi H5 sedan. However, its specifications are still unknown, but its price is rumored to be around ₱2,600,000.

What do you think of this new Chinese luxury car brand?

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