Chinese ultra-luxury carmaker Hongqi, often referred to as the “Chinese Rolls-Royce”, has launched its first product in Thailand, hoping to expand its sales network to 10 dealerships within the next three years.
Hongqi, which means “Red Flag” in Chinese, is a brand that came into existence during the Mao Zedong era in the 1950s, and was used as the state limousine and used by high-ranking officials for decades.
The first Hongqi model to be offered in Thailand is the E-HS9 full-size electric SUV, priced at Bt2,990,000 for the first 400 units.
In Thailand, Hongqi is distributed by Metro Group Co Ltd led by CEO Bodin Boonvisuth, after winning the rights from FAW Group Corporation, the parent company of Hongqi.
“The key to being appointed as the Hongqi distributor is our long experience in the automobile, making Thailand one of the first few countries in the world to launch the right-hand-drive version of the Hongqi E-HS9,” he said.
“With the distinctive features of the E-HS9 and the strengths of the Metro Group, along with dealers in each region, I am confident that the E-HS9 will open up a new premium EV experience for Thai customers,” Bodin added.
The E-HS9, designed by Giles Taylor, the English car designer who was previously with Rolls-Royce, features a chrome waterfall-inspired front grille — there’s also an illuminated red line dividing the center of the bonnet and flowing down into the grille.
With a massive length of 5,209mm and 2,010mm width, the E-HS9 features three rows of seats (2nd row captain seats), 16-speaker Bose audio system and tons of luxury features.
Power comes from dual electric motors developing 493 horsepower and 606Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive E-HS9 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 200km/h.
The huge 120kWh ternary lithium battery provides a range of 760km CLTC (623km WLTP) an has 140kW quick charging capability.
There are seven drive modes along with a comprehensive ADAS package. Available body colors include Pacific Blue, Jade White and Imperial Black while interior color choices include Saddle Brown, Graphite Black and Mysterious Gray/Chrystal White (two-tone).
The first two Hongqi showrooms are located at One Bangkok and Hongqi Mansion on Rama 2 road. For more information visit the Hongqi Thailand website – https://www.hongqithailand.com/en.
