Hongqi luxury SUV to launch in Australia

The Leapmotor B10 is about to face competition from another Chinese brand, with the Hongqi Global SUV set to launch in Australia in 2027. The Hongqi Global SUV is based on the Leapmotor B10, but features revised styling and a unique front-end design.

According to local reports, the Hongqi Global SUV has already been detailed for Nepal and Bangladesh, where it’s known as the EHS4 and E-HS4 respectively. The SUV has also been spied testing in Australia, and is expected to be part of a three-model lineup for Hongqi in Australia, including the EHS5 and E-HS9 SUVs.

Hongqi’s Entry into Australia

Hongqi, China’s oldest passenger car brand, will launch in Australia as HQ in 2027. The brand is best known for manufacturing limousines for government officials, but is now expanding into the luxury SUV market. Hongqi’s parent company, FAW, has invested 3.74 billion yuan in Leapmotor, and the two companies have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly develop new vehicles.

Leapmotor Australia boss Andy Hoang said that the company cannot stop competition, and that it is up to customers to make their own choice about which car to buy. He also said that the fact a Leapmotor-based model will be sold by a luxury brand will not hurt the image of his value-priced brand.

Specifications and Features

The Hongqi E-HS4 features a 160kW/240Nm rear-mounted electric motor powered by a 67.1kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The SUV has a 400V electrical system, allowing for a maximum DC fast-charge rate of 168kW. The E-HS4 also features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, similar to the Leapmotor B10.

The E-HS4 has a restyled dashboard, unique door trims, and a new steering wheel, giving it a more upscale look than the B10. They are also expected to be made available with the B10’s extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain in some markets.

Hongqi’s Goals for Australia

Hongqi has a goal of initially selling 500 vehicles per month in Australia, with a long-term goal of selling 30,000 vehicles annually. The brand expects to be seen as being on the same level as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, and to take market share from Range Rover. Hongqi design is headed by Giles Taylor, previously of Rolls-Royce.

The Hongqi E-HS9, a full-size electric SUV, will debut in Australia before the Global SUV. The E-HS9 measures 5209mm long, 2010mm wide, and 1713mm tall, making it comfortably full-sized. It has a tare weight of 2636kg, and features 202kW front and 165kW rear electric motors.

Hongqi’s entry into the Australian market is significant, as it marks the arrival of a new luxury brand in the country. With its focus on electric SUVs, Hongqi is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for electric vehicles in Australia. As the brand launches its models in Australia, it will be interesting to see how it competes with established luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.