We can’t believe we miss this. What you see here is the first EV, an electric SUV, from the Rolls-Royce of China, Hongqi. It went on sale in late 2020. But why the mention now? Nothing much. Because we thought it looked super cool, super Rolls-Royce-ish, and it has a very high-tech interior. So high-tech that even the back of each front seat has a touch screen display seamlessly integrated into it.
When I said “seamlessly” I do mean seamlessly like so:
Pretty snazzy, eh? Anywho, the Hongqi E-HS9 is an all-wheel-drive SUV, powered by two permanent magnet synchronous motors. There are two models and four trims, and with each trim, there are two battery configurations.
Speaking of battery, there are 3 capacities: 84, 99, and 120 kWh affording the E-HS9 a range of 460 km to 660 km (286-410 miles).
The entry-spec model has a 160 kW (215 HP) electric motor on each axle that produces 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque, resulting in a combined output of 430 HP and a max torque of 600 Nm (443 lb-ft).
Meanwhile, the flagship performance model’s rear axle is driven by a 245 kW (329 HP) motor that turns out 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, which brings the total output to 544 horses and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.
Performance aspect, the top-specced E-HS9 takes 5 seconds to make 0-60.
It is worthy to note that the marque’s international page shows three trims, namely Deluxe, Executive, and Flagship. Over in its home market, it has enough trim to confuse anyone.
The differences between the trims are mainly the equipment level, the battery, and the number of seats.
Prices range from 500,980 yuan (about US$79,385) and run up to as much as 770,980 yuan (around US$122,168). Strangely, though, the latter has a range of 660 km (410 miles) and just 4 seats while the second tier, the 580,980 yuan (US$92,061) model has a 690 km (429 miles) range and 7 seats. Not sure how this works out.
The Hongqi E-HS9 is a super high-tech EV that features an intelligent sensor steering wheel, no less than six smart screens, AR rea scene navigation (basically HUD), and it is smartphone-enabled allowing you to unlock the vehicle, adjust the cabin temperature, and locate the vehicle with a mobile phone.
Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an L3+ autonomous driving system and like many EVs, it also supports over-the-air updates. And oh, it can also autonomously park itself and has adjustable air suspension that can tweak the height for the best wireless charging alignment. So, yes, it has wireless charging too. The chassis has reinforced side frames and a floor for battery protection too. Plus, it can do this:
Images: Hongqi [CH].
