China’s oldest automobile brand, Hongqi, is setting its sights on paving a new path in the realm of travel — and making its Vogue Ball of Arabia debut this year.
Photo: Courtesy Hongqi
‘Luxury’ can mean a myriad of things — a couture creation, a rare gem, or even a cutting-edge machine. At Vogue Arabia, our focus has always been to seek out the next big thing. And as we approach the Vogue Ball of Arabia, we may have found it with an automobile house whose name is synonymous with impeccable craftsmanship, technological tools, and high standards. Come February 15, China-born luxury vehicle brand Hongqi will serve as the official automotive partner for the Ball, escorting VIP guests to Dubai’s Atlantis the Royal in style, and allowing guests to explore its latest launches in the region.
Launched in 1958, Hongqi is a name that holds a special place in China’s automobile industry. Ever since it was first put into production, the sedan became a national emblem of sorts for its people, its years of success eventually earning it the title of the preferred mode of travel for Chinese leaders at major national events. What sets Hongqi apart from the rest, however, is its focus on innovation. Six decades since it first launched, the brand finds itself at the precipice of big changes. 2018 saw Hongqi launch a brand new strategy, complete with a novel design concept and fresh technology — and there’s been no looking back since.
With loyalists all over the world today — spanning from Europe and Latin America to Southeast Asia and now the Middle East, Hongqi’s vehicles have found homes in more than 24 countries, with some of its best-known models, the HS5, HS7, H9, and the new H5, also now available in the region. As the world opens up to Hongqi, Vogue Arabia acquaints you with two key models.
Hongqi E-HS9: A new level of luxury for electric vehicles
Photo: Courtesy Hongqi
Among Hongqi’s most recent launches is the E-HS9, a model that debuted in December 2020 and has already taken over the automobile space in both, China and Europe. The E-HS9, a full-scale intelligent pure electric premium SUV, is a flagship manufactured by the China FAW Group, and employs the world’s leading design and interior space technology.
At first glance, the E-HS9 paints an imposing picture with its dual-color design and 22-inch wheel hub. Step closer, and you’ll notice that its interiors are just as grand: the SUV’s “Wings of Hongqi” greeting lights welcome travelers upon opening the vehicle’s doors, and inside, the luxury cabin layout features plush Nappa/Alcantara seats. For the nature lover, the extra large skylight promises to become a favorite feature.
Photo: Courtesy Hongqi
The E-HS9 also comes equipped with a wheelbase that reaches 3,110 mm, making it the largest 6-seater pure electric SUV on the market. The machine’s intelligent sensor steering wheel and selection of six smart screens mean that no-one misses a beat on the road thanks to its real scene navigation options. Adding to the elevated experience are key features like smart voice control and mobile phone vehicle control, which allow one to unlock the car remotely, regulate interior temperature, and locate their car when needed, and the vehicle’s large-capacity, high-performance batteries, which can fully charge the SUV in just 8.4 hours via wireless charging technology. Through the lens of Hongqi, the future of transport looks bright.
Hongqi HS3: Made for a new generation of the Middle East
Photo: Courtesy Hongqi
Spotlighting Hongqi’s luxe ethos, the HS3 SUV made its Middle East debut at the Riyadh Auto Show in December 2023, and brings together the brand’s trademark family-style luxury design language with sporty aesthetics. The defining factors of this C-Class SUV are its compact silhouette, and crystal-like flying-wing design theme, which works well with its illuminated flag light detailing. The ride makes the ideal choice for the Arab youth who’s always on-the-go with its panoramic sunroof, ideal for Middle Eastern summers, and black anti-UV heat-insulating glass
Fitted with a 2.0T engine, the HS3 offers a power performance of 185kW+380N·m, and paired with the AISIN 8AT gearbox, aims to treat travelers to a winning combination of speed and security. Add to that the HS3’s smart driving configurations such as automatic parking, SACC, and AVM (Around View Monitor), and you’ve got yourself a vehicle that makes long journeys easier than ever before.
Photo: Courtesy Hongqi
Along with its sleek look and features, the Hongqi HS3 also delivers in the realm of safety. The SUV’s high-strength 9H4M body is among the most durable in the world, crafted using 64% high-strength steel and 17% hot-formed steel. Also on its list of features are chrome-plated grills that bring in an elegant twist, 253 colors of ambient lighting for a more youthful atmosphere, and color-blocked leather sports seats with classic wrap-around architecture centered on the driver and passengers.
