Hongqi unveils mid-size electric SUV EHS5

Founded in 1958, Hongqi, long known in China primarily as a manufacturer of state cars with combustion engines, already set its sights on Europe in 2022. At that time, Hongqi first brought its flagship electric SUV, the E-HS9, to Norway and the Netherlands, and later to other countries such as Germany. In October 2024, the company presented the EH7 (luxury sedan) and EHS7 (high-end SUV) electric models at the Paris Motor Show and began delivering these vehicles in Europe at the end of 2024.

Hongqi has now unveiled the new, fully electric EHS5 at the IAA Mobility in Munich. According to the Chinese manufacturer, it offers a “highly robust safety architecture with a spacious interior, first-class travel comfort and modern connectivity.” However, a number of details remain unclear, such as key technical specifications, the price and the start date for deliveries.

According to Hongqi, the model has a wheelbase of 2.90 metres. Hongqi has not yet specified the overall length, but it is apparently derived from the HS5 combustion engine model, which is 4.76 metres long. This would make the EHS5 significantly shorter than the higher-end EHS7, which is 4.93 metres long. Incidentally, according to the Hongqi website, the larger EHS7 currently starts at £59,995, so the EHS5 is likely to cost less.

Hongqi has provided some information regarding the EHS5, but not all of the relevant data. First of all, unfortunately, there is no information about the engine power yet. Instead, there is only a mention of the fact that the EHS5 will have a 2WD configuration when it launches in Europe. Presumably, this two-wheel drive will be located at the rear, as this is also where it is located in the 2WD configuration of the larger EHS7.

The car will continue to have an LFP battery with a capacity of 85 kWh. The WLTP range is expected to be around 550 km and consumption around 16.2 kWh/100 km, although homologation has not yet taken place. According to Hongqi, charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 20 minutes at suitable DC fast charging stations. However, the system voltage and charging power are not yet known.

The body structure of the EHS5 consists of 78 per cent ultra-high-strength steel, which is intended to provide the vehicle with particularly good protection in the event of an accident. Active accident protection features include a predictive emergency braking system (AEB) with multi-scenario detection, 360-degree environment detection and front and rear cross-traffic alerts with brake intervention.

Thanks to its 2.90-metre wheelbase, Hongqi promises generous space in all seats of the EHS5. The ‘Queen’s Seat’ front seats can be adjusted electrically in 18 different ways and can be moved into a relaxation position at the touch of a button. They are also equipped with seat ventilation, seat heating and a massage function. In the rear, a backrest that can be reclined by up to 6 degrees is designed to increase long-distance comfort.

Entertainment is provided by a 15.6-inch central display with a resolution of 2.5K, and there are also two focus zones in the augmented reality head-up display, which projects all vehicle and route data onto the windscreen in an area measuring 65 inches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as apps such as Spotify and YouTube and intelligent 4-zone voice control, are also included. A premium sound system from Dynaudio with 14 speakers is also standard. In addition, the vehicle offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and wireless smartphone charging.

The cargo area offers plenty of space for suitcases, prams and other items: up to 1,611 litres of boot space in the rear is complemented by 42 litres of additional storage space in the front frunk, which can accommodate charging accessories and other small items.

Source: Info via email

This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.