Hongqi E-HS9

Model Overview

The Hongqi E-HS9 is the first full-size intelligent fully electric SUV launched by FAW Hongqi on 4 December 2020, positioned as a "C+ segment luxury flagship pure electric SUV" aimed at corporate elites and affluent family buyers. Serving as the pinnacle showcase of Hongqi's cutting-edge developments in the new energy vehicle (NEV) arena, the E-HS9 is built on the brand's bespoke FME intelligent connected EV architecture. Since its debut, official pricing has ranged between RM509,800 and RM779,800, available across multiple NEDC-rated range variants of 460 km, 510 km, 660 km, and 690 km. Measuring over 5.2 metres in length and more than 2 metres in width, its imposing proportions and flagship positioning directly rival full-size luxury SUVs from established global marques.

Design Language

The Hongqi E-HS9 embraces the marque's signature "Nobility, Elegance, and Dynamic Spirit" design philosophy, seamlessly blending oriental aesthetics with state-of-the-art tech. Up front, the commanding "Waterfall" closed-off radiator grille takes centre stage, flanked by the signature Chinese-style red flag motif running down from the bonnet to create an authoritative road presence. It is complemented by sleek split LED headlamps that deliver sharp visual distinction when lit. Along the sides, bold, straight character lines pair with a dual-tone paint scheme and 22-inch alloy wheels to give the silhouette a muscular, planted stance. Round the back, a contemporary full-width LED light bar is complemented by intricate dot-matrix lighting elements beneath. Inside, the E-HS9's cabin is swathed in genuine wood trim, plush leather upholstery, and polished chrome accents, showcasing top-notch craftsmanship. Up front, a digital cockpit surrounds the driver and front passenger with four digital displays, while the rear seatbacks house two additional large touchscreens to complete an immersive six-screen interconnected environment.

Powertrain and Performance

The entire Hongqi E-HS9 lineup features a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup paired with a single-speed reduction gearbox. The powertrain comes in two output tunes: the Qiyue and Qixiang variants feature twin electric motors producing a combined 320 kW (435 PS) and 600 Nm of torque, while the higher-grade Qichang and Qiling variants step up to a punchier motor configuration delivering a robust 405 kW (551 PS) and 750 Nm of torque. This allows the high-spec model to dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds, delivering performance figures on par with high-end sports cars. Supplying the juice is a ternary lithium-ion battery pack sourced from CATL, with the long-range variant debuting a massive 120 kWh battery pack. This enables a maximum NEDC-rated cruising range of up to 690 km. Furthermore, the chassis supports an optional wireless battery charging system (priced at RM36,000), highlighting its vanguard EV credentials.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Hongqi E-HS9 rides on Hongqi’s premium FME platform, making generous use of lightweight aluminium components. Hardware-wise, it features a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup, bolstered by Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive shock absorbers and height- and stiffness-adjustable air suspension. Drivers can choose from 7 driving modes: Sport, Comfort, Extreme, Long Range, All-Terrain, Off-Road, and Custom. The chassis automatically alters ride height and damping firmness according to the selected mode. Consequently, the E-HS9 delivers exemplary ride compliance and flat cornering stability, maintaining surprising agility and composure through aggressive slalom manoeuvres despite its sheer size.

Cabin and Features

The Hongqi E-HS9’s cabin is a tour de force in smart tech and bespoke luxury. The front cockpit is anchored by a four-screen interconnected system comprising a digital instrument cluster, a central infotainment touchscreen, a dedicated front passenger entertainment display, and a lower climate control touch panel. The infotainment operates on Hongqi’s proprietary "Qisi" OS powered by the new FEEA 2.0 electronic/electrical architecture, which streamlines onboard controllers and supports full-vehicle Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. Rear occupants are treated to an equally plush experience, with twin independent entertainment screens fitted to the back of the front headrests. The seats feature up to 30-way electric adjustments, wrapped in premium genuine leather with heating, ventilation, and massage functions to deliver executive-grade comfort. Audiophiles will appreciate the high-spec variant’s 16-speaker audio setup—with options expanding up to 28 speakers—which, paired with extensive acoustic double-glazed glass, turns the cabin into a whisper-quiet mobile auditorium.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety is a paramount pillar for the Hongqi E-HS9. In the stringent Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests, it earned a prestigious five-star safety rating, scoring 97.6% in active safety and 86.7% in safety assist systems—the first model in Hongqi’s history to bag this accolade. On its home turf, the E-HS9 also aced China’s first-ever public dual-side pole crash test, emerging with its structural cell fully intact and the battery pack completely unharmed, proving its robust 360-degree occupant protection. In terms of active safety and ADAS, the E-HS9 offers Level 2+ driver assistance powered by a sensor suite comprising 5 millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 6 cameras. This suite supports Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Active Lane Change Assist, Auto Park Assist, and Remote Parking Assist. In addition, its onboard C-V2X vehicle-to-everything system enables Forward Collision Warning and Intersection Collision Warning, registering a flawless 100% pass rate in industry evaluations.

Market Performance and Reception

As the pinnacle of Chinese ultra-luxury BEVs, the Hongqi E-HS9 has not only cemented its flagship stature domestically, but also spearheaded Hongqi's global expansion. Internationally, the E-HS9 has been rolled out in markets such as Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, and Bahrain, serving as a trailblazer for premium Chinese automotive exports. Endorsed by its class-leading safety and luxury, the E-HS9 has achieved total cumulative sales of 18,496 units. However, in 2025, amid intensifying global EV market competition and the natural vehicle lifecycle transition, sales softened to 318 units for the full year, with December 2025 recording 18 units. Nonetheless, as a homegrown flagship EV bearing a price tag above RM500,000, its strategic value in elevating brand equity and breaking into overseas territories far eclipses raw sales volume. Looking ahead, FAW Hongqi has announced that the upcoming 2026 Hongqi E-HS9 facelift will incorporate Huawei's full suite of automotive tech—including Huawei Qiankun Smart Driving, HarmonyOS Smart Cockpit, and Qiankun Vehicle Control—along with pre-installed Level 3 autonomous driving hardware. This monumental upgrade is set to redefine the E-HS9’s smart vehicle credentials, signalling the resolute evolution of traditional luxury flagships in the software-defined EV era.