The Hongqi Ousado is a luxury D-segment executive saloon tailored and badged by FAW Hongqi specifically for overseas and Middle Eastern markets, particularly across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Regarding the origin of its nameplate, car enthusiasts should note that the Hongqi Ousado is essentially the localized export version of China's best-selling Hongqi H5. Derived from Portuguese, "Ousado" translates to "bold, daring, and innovative"—aptly capturing Hongqi's ambition as a premier Chinese marque taking on established traditional luxury giants abroad with distinct Eastern cultural flair. Sharing FAW's latest Hongqi BME modular architecture with the H5, the Ousado features heavy-duty upgrades across its dust sealing, chassis anti-corrosion protection, and air-conditioning thermal management systems to handle the extreme heat and sandstorm conditions of the Middle East and export markets, establishing itself as a standout contender among exported Chinese petrol saloons.
Across the Middle East (such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait) and parts of North Africa, the Hongqi Ousado is officially priced between AED 112,900 and AED 123,900 (or approximately KD 7,249), depending on the variant (e.g., Luxury, Flagship).
Its core value proposition centres on offering "D-segment pricing with the presence and specifications of an executive E-segment saloon": overseas, it goes head-to-head against established mainstream models like the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Skoda Octavia. However, armed with an imposing 4.98-metre "state-limousine" stature, a signature cascading waterfall grille, a premium Dynaudio sound system, and a GCC-dedicated E-Call emergency response system, the Ousado punches well above its weight class to appeal directly to affluent middle-class professionals, corporate fleets, and expatriate executives.
From making its Gulf debut to becoming a staple in Middle Eastern VIP hospitality fleets, the Hongqi Ousado has charted a remarkably solid path abroad:
"The Bold" Global Debut (2022–2023): Following the domestic launch of the all-new second-generation Hongqi H5, FAW Hongqi officially christened the export model "Ousado" and hosted high-profile launches in key markets such as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bearing an unmistakable resemblance to the flagship Hongqi H9, its commanding "mini-limousine" road presence quickly turned heads across the regional luxury car scene.
Regional Network Expansion and GCC Localization (2024–2025): To cope with the GCC's arid climate and blistering summer temperatures exceeding 50°C, Hongqi fitted the Ousado with a heavy-duty, high-capacity air-con compressor, an advanced AQS air purification filter, and fully activated the mandatory GCC-spec E-Call (emergency call) system. All exterior rubber components and weatherstrips were upgraded with anti-UV and anti-ageing compounds, successfully clearing rigorous Middle Eastern homologation standards.
Smart Tech Upgrade and Sustained Momentum (2026 to Present): Moving into 2026, backed by premier regional dealership conglomerates such as the UAE's Al Tayer Motors and Kuwait's Alghanim Automotive, Ousado sales have continued to surge. The 2026 export-spec Ousado further refines its digital cockpit with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration—a must-have for international buyers—alongside standardized advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) across the range, firmly cementing its reputation as the premier Chinese executive saloon in mainstream Middle Eastern markets.
The Hongqi Ousado enjoys high visibility across the Middle East and North Africa's petrol saloon market. Beyond serving in premium private-hire fleets and VIP airport transfer services in major metropolises like Dubai and Riyadh, it has emerged as a high-value favourite among local middle-class families and young executives seeking distinctive styling and plush ride quality. International owners routinely praise its "commanding road presence," "composed, German-esque high-speed cruising stability," and "luxurious leather trim with NVH refinement that comfortably outclasses Japanese rivals in the same price bracket."
Dimension-wise, the Hongqi Ousado boasts generous executive proportions. It measures 4,988 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,470 mm in height, riding on an expansive 2,920 mm wheelbase. The upright front fascia paired with a graceful, sweeping shoulder line delivers a striking balance of classical Eastern elegance and contemporary flair.
Its core powertrain, GCC-spec safety suite, and cabin technologies are detailed below:
Potent 2.0T Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Powertrain:
Engine: The primary overseas offering is a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection inline-four petrol engine, delivering 165 kW (rated at 223 hp) and a peak torque of 340 Nm.
Transmission: Power is sent to the front wheels via a robust Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire electronic gear selection.
Performance & Efficiency: Despite its substantial footprint, it completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in just 7.8 seconds. Drivers can select from four drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom—with WLTC combined fuel consumption rated as low as 6.6 L/100 km. Selected markets also offer an entry-level 1.5T variant (115 kW / 255 Nm) to broaden the lineup.
Comprehensive GCC-Spec Active & Passive Safety:
Structural Safety: Built on a reinforced H-SAFE high-strength cage body-in-white, the Ousado is equipped with up to 7 to 9 airbags (including dual front airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag rarely seen in this class).
Full ADAS Suite: Standard or higher-spec variants come equipped with an extensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, including Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward/Rear Collision Warning (FCW/RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The mandatory GCC-spec satellite E-Call system is also fitted as standard.
Luxurious Digital Cockpit:
Premium Seating: The cabin is trimmed in premium leather upholstery. On the Flagship variant, the driver's seat features 12-way power adjustment with memory, three-level heating and ventilation, plus segment-exclusive 4-way pneumatic lumbar support and an 8-point pneumatic massage function. The front passenger seat also gets 4-way power adjustment and ventilation. Overhead, a large 1,010 mm × 890 mm UV-protective panoramic glass sunroof bathes the interior in natural light.
Infotainment & Audio: The dashboard layout integrates a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, a vertically mounted portrait infotainment touchscreen, and a Head-Up Display (HUD). The infotainment unit has been tailored for international markets with native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher-tier models boast a 12-speaker Dynaudio premium surround sound system, complemented by dual-zone automatic climate control with an Air Quality System (AQS), negative ion generator, and PM2.5 monitoring—ensuring a whisper-quiet, refreshing, and first-class cabin ambiance even amid desert sandstorms and blistering Middle Eastern heat.
FAW Hongqi regards the Middle East and GCC region as a strategic spearhead for its global ICE and electrified vehicle push. As a core volume driver overseas, future updates for the Hongqi Ousado lineup will not only focus on over-the-air (OTA) enhancements for ADAS and multilingual voice control, but will also gradually introduce its proven series-parallel dual-motor HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) powertrains to international markets. This electrified roadmap aims to meet increasingly stringent global emission targets, further solidifying the Hongqi Ousado's standing as a flagship ambassador for Chinese luxury saloons worldwide.
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