By LESTER DIZON
Chinese premium car brand Hongqi marked a double celebration recently, making its presence felt in the emerging motor town of the Manila Bay area.
The launch of the two latest luxury all-electric vehicles – the Hongqi EH7, a premium mid-sized 4-door electric sedan, and the Hongqi EHS7, a premium mid-sized 5-door SUV – coincided with the opening of the new Hongqi Manila Bay showroom.
The Hongqi Manila Bay showroom is situated on the ground floor of the Four E-Com Center, Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, Pasay City. It features several Hongqi auto models on display. It is owned and operated by Max888 Auto.
Premium electric sedan
The first Hongqi premium electric vehicle unveiled at the event was the EH7, a mid-sized 4-door electric sedan. Dual electric motors deliver 455 kilowatts (610 horsepower) and 756 Newton-meters of torque to all four wheels through an innovative all-wheel drive (AWD) system, allowing the EH7 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds. A 111 kilowatt-hour battery pack offers a range of up to 650 kilometers on a single charge.
An all-new visual design language on the exterior and hand-stitched Nappa leather seats in the interior show the luxury, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail that goes into every Hongqi EH7. An Intelligent Damping Control System (IDCS) dynamically adjusts the suspension settings in real-time for a smooth, composed, and luxurious ride. Prices start at P2.28 million for the EH7 Executive and P2.88 million for the EH7 Flagship.
Premium electric SUV
At the other end of the Hongqi Manila Bay showroom was the unveiling of the EHS7 premium mid-sized 5-door electric SUV. With a similar 455 kW/610 hp, 756 Nm dual-motor AWD powertrain and 111 kWh battery pack, the EHS7 can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and travel up to 540 kilometers on a single charge. As with the EH7 premium sedan, fast charging technology enables the battery pack to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
As with the premium sedan, the exterior features sharper, smoother lines and a profile that highlights the flow of motion, even when the vehicle is at rest. Equipped with IDCS, the EHS7 Executive is priced at P2.58 million. By adding premium enhancements, such as upgraded ambient lighting, a more advanced audio system, exclusive design touches, and increased power and range, the EHS7 Flagship is priced at P3.08 million.
Combining exhilarating performance, cutting-edge technology, and refined design, both the EH7 and EHS7 promise to deliver an unmatched driving experience. With robust structural integrity, intelligent safety technologies, and a commitment to safety, both vehicles earned a prestigious 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, backed by a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
With luxury features such as concealed door handles with electric suction, a panoramic glass sunroof with 99% UV protection, and soundproof front door glass that help enhance NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) insulation, both the EH7 and EHS7 guarantee a smooth, comfortable, and luxurious ride. These Hongqi vehicles set a new benchmark in the premium electric vehicle segment.
