Hongqi H9

The Hongqi H9 is FAW Hongqi’s C+ segment intelligent luxury flagship saloon, engineered to redefine modern oriental sophistication and go toe-to-toe with traditional continental heavyweights (Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6L). Serving as the technological pinnacle and halo model of Hongqi’s internal combustion engine (ICE) saloon stable, it has cemented an unrivaled stature across elite business fleets, diplomatic protocol, and the private high-net-worth trade-up market through its signature "Oriental aesthetic etiquette" and commanding state-limousine presence.

At Auto China 2026, which opened on 24 April 2026, the all-new generation Hongqi H9 made its stellar global debut. This generational leap marks a pivotal milestone: positioned as a "C+ segment intelligent luxury flagship saloon", it is among the first to integrate the flagship HUAWEI Qiankun ADS 5.0 advanced driver assistance system alongside the HarmonySpace smart cockpit, with an official market launch slated for the second half of 2026. Representing a landmark collaboration between FAW Hongqi and Huawei, this flagship achieves a seamless convergence of traditional Oriental luxury and cutting-edge global intelligence.

Model Overview 

The product strategy of the all-new Hongqi H9 moves far beyond surface-level cabin space and premium trim, evolving into a cohesive trifecta of "stately Oriental road presence, robust longitudinal hybrid mechanicals, and top-tier Huawei intelligence". Retaining its imposing waterfall grille, the saloon now incorporates a roof-mounted 896-line dual-optical-path image-grade LiDAR above the windscreen, signalling its generational technological leap. Beyond VIP chauffeur fleets and diplomatic duties, it targets discerning industry leaders seeking bespoke cultural identity paired with uncompromising tech sophistication.

Development History 

From its headline-grabbing debut dubbed the "Oriental Rolls-Royce" to the mechanical refinements of the 2026 model and its deep integration with Huawei's intelligent ecosystem, the Hongqi H9 has undergone a thoroughbred flagship evolution:

Establishing the flagship benchmark (2020–2023): The first-generation Hongqi H9 debuted in 2020. Penned with input from renowned design maestro Giles Taylor, its front profile epitomised axial symmetry, waterfall grandeur, and structural majesty. Complemented by available two-tone coachwork and signature "flag wing" dynamic welcome carpet lighting, it made waves both in China and abroad as a definitive statement in modern Chinese luxury. 

2024–2025 ICE refinement and global expansion: While solidifying its domestic ICE lineup, the H9 aggressively expanded into export markets. Across the Middle East GCC region (notably Dubai, UAE, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), the H9 earned spots in the prestigious Dubai Police fleet as well as VIP diplomatic escort convoys, commanding luxury price tags exceeding AED 220,000. 

The all-new generation "HUAWEI Qiankun ADS + HarmonySpace" era (2026 to present): Unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026, the all-new H9 represents the crowning jewel of Hongqi’s strategic alliance with Huawei. The flagship introduces HUAWEI Qiankun ADS 5.0 and the HarmonySpace intelligent cockpit (built on the cutting-edge MoLA architecture). Mechanically, it integrates Hongqi's in-house 2.0T longitudinally mounted two-speed plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, decisively completing its electrification and intelligence roadmap. 

Market Performance 

The Hongqi H9 serves as a definitive benchmark in the Chinese premium executive saloon segment. It effectively dismantled the longstanding German "56E" (5 Series, A6L, E-Class) dominance in the RM300,000 to RM500,000 bracket, establishing commanding authority across corporate fleet transport, VIP motorcades, and state enterprise procurement. Bolstered by Huawei's cutting-edge intelligence, the all-new H9 reinforces its domestic stronghold whilst flexing Chinese flagship engineering prowess across international export and premium chauffeur sectors.

Core Technologies 

Dimensionally, the all-new Hongqi H9 commands immense road presence. Measuring 5,137 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,493 mm in height, with an exceptionally generous 3,060 mm wheelbase, its grand proportions are accentuated by sleek split headlamps and star-diamond grille detailing.

Key mechanical specifications, Huawei smart ecosystem features, and ultra-luxury cabin highlights include:

Longitudinally Mounted Powertrains & Electrified Lineup: 

2.0T Longitudinal Plug-in Hybrid System (New PHEV Flagship Core): The all-new H9 headlines with Hongqi’s in-house dedicated longitudinal two-speed hybrid architecture, pairing a high-output 2.0L turbocharged inline-four petrol engine with a high-efficiency electric motor. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), this PHEV setup delivers stellar fuel efficiency alongside the effortless linear shove and high-speed passing power demanded of an executive saloon.

Proven High-End Petrol Options: The lineup continues to offer the proven 2.0T with 48V mild-hybrid system, alongside the flagship 3.0T supercharged V6 petrol engine. 

Flagship "Magic Carpet" Chassis with 4-Stage Air Suspension + Rear-Wheel Steering:

Built on an executive-class longitudinal rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive (RWD/AWD) architecture, featuring front double-wishbone and rear trapezoidal multi-link independent suspension setups. 

Chassis engineering at its best: Equipped with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive dampers and a four-stage height/firmness-adjustable air suspension. The 2026 iteration introduces Rear-Wheel Steering (RWS), drastically cutting the turning circle of this 5.1-metre-plus executive saloon for rock-solid stability during high-speed lane changes and D-segment-like agility in tight urban U-turns. 

HUAWEI Qiankun ADS 5.0 Comprehensive Safety Suite:

Fully equipped with a suite of 40 high-precision perception sensors, spearheaded by an 896-line dual-optical-path image-grade LiDAR. 

Next-generation autonomous capabilities: Powered by full-stack HUAWEI Qiankun ADS 5.0 algorithms, the system can detect small, non-standard obstacles as low as 14 cm (such as road debris or fallen cartons) up to 120 metres ahead at highway cruising speeds of 120 km/h. It supports mapless Urban Navigation on Autopilot (Urban NOA), Highway NOA, and multi-level Automated Valet Parking (AVP).

HarmonySpace State-Guest First-Class Cockpit:

Engineered on the all-new MoLA smart vehicle architecture. The panoramic central infotainment touchscreen runs the latest HarmonyOS interface, delivering benchmark multi-screen streaming speed and fluid touch/gesture response. It also introduces a dedicated "One-Touch Privacy Mode" that instantly severs external audio and video connectivity for confidential business discussions. 

In terms of passenger comfort, the cabin boasts Hongqi’s proprietary zero-pressure full-leather executive seating. All four individual seats come standard with heating, three-stage ventilation, and pneumatic wave massage. Acoustic performance is delivered via a flagship HUAWEI SOUND Superior Series sound system, perfectly matched with industry-first high-resolution pixel matrix headlamps and dynamic exterior laser welcome light carpets for an unmatched sense of luxury and VIP ceremony upon arrival.

Future Plans 

Following its official global commercial rollout in the second half of 2026, the all-new Hongqi H9 will complete the ultimate convergence of electrification and smart driving technology for the marque's flagship lineup. Looking ahead, the H9 range will leverage continuous over-the-air (OTA) cloud updates via HUAWEI Qiankun ADS to maintain its competitive edge in autonomous tech. Furthermore, with the 2.0T longitudinal two-speed PHEV as its primary export spearhead, Hongqi will deepen its presence across high-net-worth executive segments in the Middle East GCC and Southeast Asia, continuing to elevate the global standing of Chinese luxury flagships.