In China, it’s tradition for state leaders to ride in a Hongqi limousine. We took the Tesla Model S rival, the Hongqi EH7 — younger sibling to the presidential Hongqi L9 — for a spin.
When China’s leader Xi Jinping goes on a state visit, it’s in a Hongqi limousine. The brand, founded in 1958 and translating to “Red Flag,” is a matter of national pride. Even China’s founding leader Mao Tse Tung was chauffeured in a Hongqi. So it’s no surprise that this national symbol now seeks success beyond its borders, aiming to win over Europe.
Aiming High
Hongqi’s ambition is clear. Its motto is “The New Luxury of the World.” As Hongtao Liu, the head of international operations, notes, “not just China.” Former Rolls-Royce designer Giles Taylor, who joined Hongqi to bring a touch of luxury to the brand, takes it further, stating boldly, “The Mercedes EQE is an example of how not to do it.” For Taylor, the idea of the grille as the distinguishing factor is outdated.
So does the EH7 live up to this philosophy? This 4.98-meter sedan is indeed grille-free. But its front design, with narrow LED headlights, doesn’t differ much from other sedans from Asia. The rear, however, stands out, especially with its 3D U-shaped taillight design that gives the EH7 a unique nighttime identity.
Inside Look
Inside, Taylor critiques Tesla’s “boring” interiors. Hongqi’s EH7 certainly aims to offer a warmer feel. The panoramic glass roof spans two square meters, bringing natural light throughout the cabin, but ultimate luxury isn’t quite what our test model delivered. The dashboard is wrapped in soft leather, and the wheel’s flat top and bottom make an impression. The digital instruments are clear, and the 15.5-inch touchscreen aligns with China’s high-tech preferences. However, our test car lacked a head-up display.
Menu navigation, standard in many Chinese cars, has the main categories on the left with options on the right. Familiar, yes, but some features required a bit of scrolling to find. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will likely be a hit with European drivers.
The adjustable steering column allows for an ideal driving position, and a gentle push on the pedal gets the car rolling smoothly. The rear-wheel-drive version we tested has 253 kW (344 PS). Higher models add a front motor, reaching 220 kW (299 PS) for added punch. But the 344 PS in our EH7 was more than sufficient. Even in Eco mode, the sedan has plenty of pep, which makes a light-footed, energy-saving drive quite feasible. The steel suspension, however, is on the softer side, typical of Chinese vehicles. While comfortable, the car’s body does tend to bounce on uneven surfaces, which could use a bit more tuning.
Battery and Range
The 85 kWh battery offers a range of 510 kilometers, and despite the 400-volt architecture, Hongqi claims a fast-charge capability of up to 250 kW. This setup theoretically takes the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 25 minutes — solid figures.
The EH7 makes good use of its nearly five-meter length and three-meter wheelbase, offering ample space throughout. As expected in Chinese luxury sedans, the best spot is the rear right. The trunk stretches deep into the body, though the opening is relatively narrow, limiting easy loading. Fortunately, the front trunk, or “frunk,” adds extra storage.