Hongqi Upgrades Luxury Lineup, Previews New PHEV
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Last Updated on: 18th August 2025, 10:50 am
Last week, the official state carmaker Hongqi updated its E-HS9 and E-QM5 Plus luxury vehicles and previewed the HS3 plug-in hybrid SUV. EVOxTerra Inc., the exclusive distributor for Hongqi in the Philippines, said the move is part of the brand’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and position itself as a major player in the luxury electric vehicle market. Two months ago, the brand introduced more mainstream EVs to the Philippines.
The refreshed E-HS9, Hongqi’s flagship electric SUV, is both brutalist and sophisticated. The vehicle draws comparisons to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The pencil sketches may have been the same because the chief designer, Giles Taylor, was poached from Rolls-Royce. He was involved in the design of models like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Phantom, according to First Auto Works (FAW), which runs the Hongqi Design Department.
The E-HS9 features an extended driving range of 515 kilometers on a single charge, an increase from its previous 440-kilometer range. The vehicle also comes standard with 22-inch rims and an upgraded 16-speaker BOSE audio system. Inside the cabin, a focus on sophisticated design is evident through the use of high-quality materials such as Nappa leather, multi-screen digital cockpits, and multi-zone climate control. Motivation comes from a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system that provides a combined output of up to 544 horsepower, enabling smooth and powerful acceleration. The flagship model comes at a flagship price of P6,480,000 (~$113,300++).
The E-QM5 Plus is a mid-size electric sedan that sees its single-charge range boosted to 560 kilometers, a significant jump from the previous 430 kilometers. Measuring 5,040 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,569 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,990 mm. It is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers up to 140 kW (188 hp) and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The “Plus” model features a larger 72 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a claimed range of up to 610 km on the CLTC cycle.
The vehicle supports fast charging, enabling a 30% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes, and includes a 10-inch infotainment screen and a spacious interior. Interiors a plush with ventilated seats and cruise control for enhanced comfort and safety. It is priced at P1,880,000 (~$33,105).
In China the E-QM5 averaged sales of over 6,000 units per month. This is partly due to its popularity for ride-hailing services like DiDi. When the Plus model came in earlier this year, a significant 12% to 10% month-over-month increase in recent sales was noted.
Hongqi also provided a preview of the HS3 PHEV, a new plug-in hybrid SUV.
It runs on a fossil-fuel burning 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 168 kW electric motor, producing a combined 565 Newton-meters of torque and a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 7.6 seconds. The HS3 PHEV offers a pure electric range of up to 115 kilometers and a combined range of more than 1,400 kilometers. It also features a rapid DC fast-charging capability that can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in just 19 minutes.
Hongqi’s has been actively expanding its international reach and now sells its vehicles in at least 43 countries and regions. Its global expansion strategy has been particularly strong in Europe, where it has entered markets like Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. The brand has also established a significant foothold in the Middle East in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
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