Hongqi H5 PHEV

Model Overview

The Hongqi H5 PHEV is the Hongqi brand's first plug-in hybrid electric sedan, officially launched at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in April 2025. It marks a pivotal step in the electrification journey of the Hongqi H5 model line. Underpinned by the Hongqi HMP (HQ Modular Power) modular hybrid platform, the new model is positioned as a "super hybrid intelligent luxury sedan", targeting the mainstream PHEV sedan segment priced under RM200,000. It debuted with two variants: the 130 Super Hybrid Edition and the 170 Super Hybrid Edition, carrying official retail prices ranging from RM185,800 to RM199,800, alongside a limited-time launch promotional price of RM159,800 to RM173,800. The launch of the Hongqi H5 PHEV fills the brand's gap in the D-segment PHEV sedan market and, alongside sibling models like the HS3 PHEV, further strengthens Hongqi's product matrix in the new energy vehicle segment.

Design Language

The exterior of the Hongqi H5 PHEV carries over the marque's signature "New Hongqi" design language. Upfront, it features an imposing vertical-waterfall chrome grille complemented by split LED headlamps and an illuminated, full-width red centre flag badge, delivering a commanding road presence. The side profile adopts a sleek fastback silhouette with crisp character lines, complemented by newly styled 18-inch pillar-inspired alloy wheels and illuminated fender emblems, striking a fine balance between sportiness and elegance. Round the back, a distinctive "Y"-shaped full-width wing-style LED tail lamp cluster ensures high visibility at night, paired with a concealed exhaust layout and a "PHEV" emblem on the right side of the boot lid to denote its electrified powertrain. Measuring 4,988 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height with a 2,920 mm wheelbase, the car stands 30 mm taller than its petrol-powered sibling, bringing its overall dimensions close to executive executive-class proportions. The drag coefficient has been optimised to 0.26 Cd—an approximate 8% improvement over the petrol variant—which aids high-speed efficiency. Exterior paint options include Phantom Night Black, Alpine White, and Quantum Silver Grey.

Inside, the cabin mirrors the layout of the petrol version with a wraparound cockpit architecture, offered in three colour schemes: Graphite Black, Graphite Black + Pomegranate Red, and an exclusive Graphite Black + Moonlight Blue. Notably, the "Graphite Black + Moonlight Blue" interior is zero-formaldehyde VOC certified, boasting in-cabin air quality three times cleaner than national standards. It features seat upholstery treated with a nano-grade antibacterial coating, coupled with a cabin air filter boasting 99.9% PM2.5 filtration efficiency and a negative ion generator, creating a "breathable healthy cabin". A 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.6-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen are fitted as standard across the range, blending high-tech appeal with premium luxury.

Powertrain and Performance

The Hongqi H5 PHEV is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The 1.5T engine produces a maximum output of 110 kW (150 PS) and 225 Nm of peak torque; the electric motor churns out 168 kW (approx. 228 PS) and 340 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The sedan completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.2 to 7.6 seconds (depending on the variant), on to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Energy storage comes courtesy of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with cells supplied by CATL and FAW-CATL. The 130 Super Hybrid Edition is equipped with an 18.4 kWh battery pack, delivering a WLTC-rated pure electric range of 106 km, whereas the 170 Super Hybrid Edition packs a 23.9 kWh battery for a CLTC pure electric range of 170 km. Combined cruising range reaches up to an impressive 1,600 km on a full tank and full charge, with WLTC battery-depleted fuel consumption rated at around 4.5 L/100 km. Both variants support 60 kW DC fast charging, juicing the battery from 30% to 80% in just 13 to 14 minutes—a competitive charging rate within its class. Additionally, a 3.5 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function is standard-fit across the range to cater to outdoor activities like camping.

Chassis and Handling

The Hongqi H5 PHEV features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup with a chassis comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension. An electronic parking brake (EPB) with ventilated disc brakes front and rear is standard across the lineup. The suspension is tuned with a distinct focus on ride comfort, effectively absorbing surface imperfections and minor road ruts without harsh rebound over speed bumps, while maintaining composed body roll through bends. The electric power steering (EPS) is lightly weighted at low speeds for effortless manoeuvring and parking, yet firms up progressively at higher speeds to ensure high-speed stability, making the five-metre-long saloon feel nimble in urban traffic. All variants ride on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/50 R18 tyres, with a minimum turning radius of 5.9 metres. Multiple drive modes are available across the range; in pure EV mode, instantaneous electric torque delivers brisk and quiet off-the-line response, while in hybrid mode, the engine and motor work seamlessly to deliver smooth and potent power delivery.

Cockpit and Features

The Hongqi H5 PHEV features an intelligent cockpit driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. Standard across the range are a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 12.6-inch floating portrait infotainment touchscreen, supporting voice recognition, customized navigation, online audio/video streaming apps, mobile remote telematics, and E-CALL emergency assistance. Top-spec variants add an 8-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, 253-colour ambient lighting, a 40W wireless smartphone fast charging pad, front seat ventilation, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings. Standard kit across all trims also includes a panoramic sunroof, acoustic laminated front door glass, power-adjustable/heated/power-folding wing mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rear centre armrest. In addition, the 3.5 kW V2L functionality adds practical versatility for outdoor excursions.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

On the passive safety front, the Hongqi H5 PHEV adopts a robust "9H4M" cage body architecture with high-strength steel accounting for 68.1%, with critical areas reinforced with 2,000 MPa hot-stamped steel to form an efficient energy-absorbing cell. Up to 9 airbags are deployed across the cabin, encompassing dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, rear side airbags, and a driver's knee airbag, ensuring comprehensive passive protection for all occupants. For battery safety, the vehicle features a six-sided fortress-grade insulation protection architecture; the battery pack withstands thermal propagation for up to 2 hours (against the national standard requirement of just 5 minutes) and remains functional even after 120 hours of submersion in 1 metre of water, well exceeding industry benchmarks. A cloud-based AI monitoring system continuously oversees voltage, current, and insulation metrics to provide proactive hazard warnings.

In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the range-topping 170 Super Hybrid Edition is equipped with Level 2 driving assistance, featuring Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). Standard across all trims are a 360-degree surround-view camera with a transparent chassis view, cruise control, and rear parking sensors, with high-spec trims gaining adaptive high-beam assist.

Market Performance and Verdict

Serving as a pivotal strategic model in Hongqi's PHEV saloon lineup, the Hongqi H5 PHEV has seen steadily climbing sales since its debut, recording around 8,680 cumulative deliveries in 2025 (as of October) and closing the full year 2025 with approximately 13,849 units delivered. Peak monthly deliveries occurred during its initial launch period in April and May, hitting 2,543 and 1,560 units respectively. While its new energy journey is still gathering momentum, the Hongqi H5 PHEV is making noticeable headway in market traction.

Feedback from owners highlights strong appreciation for its bold exterior styling, quality cabin appointments, and generous rear legroom, with its classic Chinese-inspired aesthetics and premium paint finish earning widespread praise. Its punchy powertrain and exceptionally low fuel consumption during daily city commutes are also key selling points. On the flip side, some users have noted that infotainment responsiveness, voice command accuracy, and minor build quality aspects (such as occasional power window squeaks) could be further refined, while tyre roar and wind noise are somewhat noticeable at motorway speeds. Chief rivals in the D-segment PHEV sedan arena include the Lynk & Co 07 EM-P, BYD Seal 07 DM-i, and BYD Seal 06 DM-i. All in all, with its generous proportions, exceptional combined range, and comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite, the Hongqi H5 PHEV clearly demonstrates the brand's commitment to electrification, though sustaining long-term market share growth in the PHEV segment will require ongoing product refinement and elevated ownership experiences.