Hongqi HS7

The Hongqi HS7 serves as FAW Hongqi's long-established flagship pillar in the premium mid-to-large luxury crossover SUV segment. Positioned as a core backbone bridging Hongqi's internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrified SUV line-ups, the HS7's signature hallmarks include an imposing exterior spanning nearly five metres, a planted rear fascia inspired by traditional Chinese architectural eaves, and a versatile flat-floor cabin offered in practical 5-seater, executive 6-seater, and luxury 7-seater configurations. Amid the rapid transition towards new energy vehicles (NEVs) and rising demand for premium road-tripping multi-generational family vehicles, the Hongqi HS7 has transitioned from its first-generation rear-wheel-drive architecture to an all-new aluminium-intensive front-wheel-drive hybrid platform. Offering both 48V mild-hybrid petrol and PHEV super hybrid powertrains, the HS7 firmly establishes itself as a capable contender in the domestic chauffeured executive and family touring market, while spearheading Hongqi's global expansion into high-value overseas territories such as the Middle East and Central Asia.

Model Overview 

Billed as a premium C-segment intelligent luxury flagship SUV, the Hongqi HS7 delivers a value-driven proposition offering expansive cabin space and executive comfort tailored for large families. In terms of market positioning, it goes head-to-head with established mid-to-large three-row rivals such as the Volkswagen Teramont, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, as well as luxury-tier contenders like the Cadillac XT6.

Featuring a cascading waterfall split-headlamp front grille, an Italian-sourced eco-friendly suede headlining, a portrait-oriented 12.6-inch central touchscreen, an Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, and an advanced 2-speed DHT plug-in hybrid system, the Hongqi HS7 delivers a well-rounded mobile lounge suited for executive chauffeuring, long-distance family road trips, and all-weather touring with high structural safety rigidity.

Development History 

From its initial breakthrough with a longitudinal rear-wheel-drive supercharged V6 powertrain to its latest transverse platform repackaging and subsequent plug-in hybrid electrification, the Hongqi HS7 has undergone several generations of evolutionary refinement:

Longitudinal RWD V6 Era (2019–2022): The first-generation Hongqi HS7 debuted in 2019 as a rare rear-wheel-drive mid-to-large Chinese luxury SUV. Powered by an in-house developed 3.0T V6 supercharged engine, its commanding presence and robust mechanical specifications allowed it to break into the RM300,000 to RM500,000 luxury segment traditionally dominated by foreign marques, establishing a solid reputation in the market.

All-New Transverse Platform Generation (2023–2025): At the Chengdu Motor Show, the second-generation Hongqi HS7 was officially launched with a comprehensive redesign. To maximise cabin space efficiency, the vehicle switched to a transverse front-wheel-drive architecture better suited for urban family commuting. The exterior incorporated modern Chinese design motifs, the powertrain was standardised on a high-output 2.0T engine, and the transmission was upgraded from a 7-speed dual-clutch unit to a smooth-shifting Aisin 8-speed automatic (8AT), significantly improving ride comfort and drivability. 

PHEV Super Hybrid Facelift and Global Export Drive (2026–Present): Entering its latest strategic lifecycle, the HS7 line-up has expanded on both the electrification and export fronts. The Hongqi HS7 PHEV received significant upgrades to its battery system and energy management algorithms, delivering improved pure electric and combined WLTC driving ranges. Concurrently, Hongqi has accelerated its overseas footprint, deploying the HS7 in premium transport and executive fleets across the Middle East and CIS markets.

Market Performance 

The Hongqi HS7 has built a solid reputation as a versatile all-rounder in the 5-, 6-, and 7-seater luxury SUV category. Its flat-folding cavernous boot and refined cabin NVH insulation—complemented by a Dynaudio sound system—make it popular among corporate clients and affluent multi-child families who favour second-row individual captain seats. In export destinations such as the GCC nations, the HS7 has found steady appeal thanks to its high-capacity climate control system designed for 50°C ambient temperatures and a robust chassis setup capable of handling demanding road conditions.

Core Technologies 

The Hongqi HS7 features commanding full-size proportions, measuring 4,995 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,760 mm in height, with an expansive wheelbase of 2,920 mm. Its five-metre profile is accented by two-tone wing mirrors, aerodynamic D-pillar guide trims, and multi-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a balanced and stately road presence.

Key mechanical specifications, cabin configurations, and active safety systems include:

Dual Flagship Powertrain Options (Front-Wheel Drive / Real-Time All-Wheel Drive):

2.0T Petrol + 48V Mild Hybrid (MHEV): Powered by a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection engine producing 185 kW (252 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. Paired with an imported Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT), the 2WD variant completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds. The available multi-plate clutch real-time 4WD system ensures composed handling and reassuring high-speed cruising stability.

PHEV Super Hybrid: Combines a dedicated hybrid petrol engine with a dual-motor series-parallel drive unit mated to a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The setup offers a practical pure electric driving range while maintaining low fuel consumption even in battery-depleted (charge-sustaining) mode, providing a long-distance touring experience free of range anxiety. 

Versatile Flat-Floor Executive / Family Cabin:

Seating Configurations: Available in a 5-seater layout (two-row spacious boot), a 6-seater executive layout (2+2+2 with middle-row captain seats), and a 7-seater family layout (2+3+2).

First-Class Comfort: The seats are trimmed in a combination of high-grade NAPPA leather and Italian-imported eco-friendly suede. The 6-seater version features second-row captain seats with wide-angle recline adjustment and built-in tray tables for working or entertainment on the move. A dedicated rear-seat visual monitoring display allows front occupants to keep an eye on children in the back via the central screen without turning around. 

Flat-Folding Boot Floor: With the second and third rows folded completely flat, the cargo compartment converts into an expansive, level loading bay ideal for outdoor camping gear or stacking bulky long-distance luggage.

Digital Waterfall Touch Cockpit: 

The dashboard layout centres around a three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a portrait-oriented 12.6-inch high-definition floating central infotainment touchscreen. 

The infotainment system features full-scenario intelligent voice command functionality, capable of operating 13 core onboard amenities including the panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, head-up display (HUD), and ambient lighting. The centre console is fitted with dual 40W Qi wireless fast-charging pads, while flagship variants feature a 12-speaker Dynaudio premium surround sound system with a 675W amplifier, complemented by excellent overall cabin NVH suppression.

Dual Five-Star Active and Passive Safety Suite: 

Rigid Body Shell: Engineered to meet C-NCAP and C-IASI five-star/Good crash test benchmarks, the HS7 is built on a high-strength cage unibody structure equipped with multi-stage pretensioner seatbelts and a comprehensive surround airbag network. 

Adaptive Damping Suspension and Level 2 ADAS: Higher-spec variants are equipped with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension, which adjusts damping stiffness in real time to suit surface imperfections and high-speed cornering. Active safety is supported by a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) incorporating Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and a 360-degree high-definition surround-view camera system, ensuring comprehensive occupant protection on every journey.

Future Plans 

As the Hongqi brand broadens its international footprint and accelerates its electrification roadmap, the strategic focus for the HS7 platform will centre on continuous optimisation of PHEV thermal efficiency algorithms and multi-language over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades for global markets. Leveraging its versatile multi-seat cabin packaging and reliable Aisin 8AT and 2-speed DHT PHEV powertrains, Hongqi aims to further strengthen its commercial fleet presence across Western Europe, the GCC, and Central Asia, offering a premium and value-focused Chinese luxury SUV mobility solution for global buyers.