The Hongqi HQ9 PHEV is FAW Hongqi's first plug-in hybrid large MPV, officially launched at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024. The model lineup has been continuously updated across various model years—with the 2024, 2025, and 2026 models currently on sale—and is marketed globally under the unified Hongqi HQ9 PHEV nameplate without regional rebranding. The 2026 HQ9 PHEV is offered in three variants, priced between RM338,800 and RM538,800, with the entry-level variant priced RM20,000 lower than the 2024 model (RM358,800). In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,222 mm long, 2,005 mm wide, and 1,935 mm tall, with a 3,200 mm wheelbase. Adopting a seven-seater layout, it offers a generous rear cabin headroom of 1,332 mm and an aisle width of 182 mm, accommodating seven adult occupants comfortably. Boot capacity is rated at 620 litres in standard configuration, and the full-length seat slider rails across the second and third rows allow for quick reconfiguration into a flat 1,150-litre load bay. Powered dual sliding doors are standard across the range, with higher-spec variants adding hands-free kick-sensor operation. As Hongqi's inaugural plug-in hybrid MPV, the HQ9 PHEV shoulders the strategic responsibility of mounting a direct challenge against the Denza D9 and Trumpchi E9 in the premium new energy MPV arena.
The Hongqi HQ9 PHEV retains the "Chinese Luxury" design philosophy of its petrol sibling, boasting an almost identical exterior. Up front, it features a waterfall-inspired vertical chrome radiator grille, flanked by wing-shaped LED daytime running lights, while the split LED matrix headlamps support adaptive high beam and auto on/off functionality. The signature full-length illuminated red centre-stripe emblem extends from the bonnet down to the grille, delivering unmistakable road presence at night. The 2026 model introduces a new dynamic scenario lighting signature with welcoming effects. Along the sides, the design draws inspiration from the grand architecture of the Forbidden City, featuring a "brick-pattern" D-pillar with an integrated "HQ9" emblem, while a floating roof with blacked-out C-pillars enhances its modern stance. At the rear, full-width LED taillights take inspiration from traditional calligraphy strokes, with vertical lighting elements extending outwards on both sides. The 2026 iteration also gains a new Galaxy Grey exterior shade, bringing the total colour palette to four options across the lineup.
Inside, the cabin layout has undergone a radical transformation between the generations. The 2024 and 2025 models utilised a 7.0-inch full digital instrument cluster paired with a 16.2-inch floating central infotainment screen. The 2026 model completely updates to Hongqi's latest family cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, dual 15.6-inch 2.5K displays for the centre infotainment and front passenger (supporting up to 9-screen interconnectivity), a column-mounted electronic gear selector, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel as standard. The dashboard is trimmed in soft-touch surfaces, wood grain inserts, and Nappa leather upholstery, elevated by a 256-colour ambient lighting system that blends digital sophistication with luxurious refinement.
The Hongqi HQ9 PHEV has received two major powertrain upgrades throughout its two-year evolution. The 2024 model features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with front and rear dual electric motors, producing a combined output of 300 kW (approx. 408 PS) and 820 Nm of torque. Backed by a 20.1 kWh CATL ternary lithium-ion battery, it delivers a WLTC pure electric range of 73 km, a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 2.2 L/100 km, and a total cruising range of 833 km. The 2025 Welfare Edition offers the identical powertrain package with the same EV range.
The 2026 model steps up to a dedicated 2.0T hybrid engine (CA4GC20TDH-42) coupled with upgraded front and rear dual motors and a larger battery pack. Total system output jumps to 358 kW (approx. 487 PS) and 760 Nm of torque, dispatching the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds on to a top speed of 180 km/h. Energy is stored in a larger 39.5 kWh battery pack sourced from tier-one suppliers like CATL, extending the CLTC electric range to 220 km and the CLTC total cruising range to 1,200 km. It also supports 4C ultra-fast charging, juicing from 30% to 80% state of charge in just 16 minutes. Under the stricter WLTC cycle, electric-only range is rated around 168 km (with some figures citing 173 km), more than doubling the predecessor's 73 km. A 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power outlet is standard across the range. The 2.0T petrol engine itself produces a maximum output of 120 kW (163 PS) and runs on RON 95 petrol. Ministry homologation data also hints at an upcoming 2WD variant powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery; however, all 2026 models currently on sale remain exclusively AWD with ternary lithium-ion packs.
The Hongqi HQ9 PHEV features an electric all-wheel drive setup across the board, underpinned by front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, complete with an electronic parking brake (EPB) and 235/60 R17 tyres. The 2026 model comes standard with CDC adaptive damping suspension, which dynamically tweaks damping forces to suit real-time road conditions, striking an optimal balance between handling agility and ride plushness. The suspension tune leans heavily towards comfort; despite a kerb weight approaching 3 tonnes, the MPV remains composed at high-speed cruising, ironing out road undulations effortlessly. The AWD system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear electric motors on slippery roads or light unpaved surfaces, effectively suppressing wheel slip; nevertheless, its tuning is engineered for all-weather road stability rather than hardcore off-roading. Acoustic comfort has also been enhanced, with front and rear dual-pane acoustic glass now standardized across the entire range alongside active noise cancellation (ANC).
The 2026 Hongqi HQ9 PHEV's cabin has been significantly modernized. The intelligent cockpit is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset (offering 46 TOPS of NPU computing power), running the FAW.OSHMI5.0 operating system integrated with the Doubao AI large language model. It supports four-zone voice commands and multi-intent continuous conversation, while maintaining full compatibility with HUAWEI HiCar and ICCOA CarLink. Audiophiles are treated to a standard 16-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive acoustic experience. In terms of comfort equipment, the MPV is fitted as standard with front and rear 50W wireless phone charging pads, a 21.4-inch 3K fold-down rear ceiling display, a 9.3-litre smart cooler/warmer console box (-5°C to 50°C with UV sterilisation), front and rear acoustic glass, and manual rear window sunshades (standard from mid-spec upwards).
The seating is laid out in a 2+2+3 executive configuration. The second-row dual zero-gravity captain chairs come standard with heating, ventilation, and massage functions; on the 2026 model, they incorporate magnetorheological AI adaptive floating technology that adjusts in real time based on vehicle speed and steering angle, complete with 16-way electric adjustment and graphene rapid-heating elements. Dedicated armrest touchscreens allow rear VIPs to control climate settings, lighting, seat recline angles, and one-touch "Rest/Business" presets. The front seats similarly feature heating, ventilation, and massage as standard, while third-row heating is added on mid-to-high-spec variants. All three rows boast electric adjustment—the third-row bench offers four-way power adjustment, a generous 135° backrest recline, fore-aft sliding, USB charging ports, and cup holders. Even with all seven seats occupied, the boot can swallow two 24-inch luggage bags, expanding significantly when the rear seats are folded down.
On the passive safety front, the Hongqi HQ9 PHEV utilizes a 9H high-strength cage body structure, with high-strength steel making up 77% of the frame, complemented by a 650 mm rear crumple zone designed to absorb rear-end impact forces. High-spec variants are equipped with 6 airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags covering all three rows. Battery safety complies with stringent post-collision electrical cut-off regulations, backed by multi-path crash-load paths that ensure the high-voltage circuit is severed instantaneously in an accident.
Active safety and ADAS capabilities on the 2024/2025 models are rated at Level 2, with equipment tiers tailored to specific variants—the AWD Luxury Edition and above add a 360-degree camera system, Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward/Rear Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Lane Change Assist (LCA). The 2026 lineup upgrades to the Level 2+ Hongqi Sinan Intelligent Driving System as standard. Key functions include Full-Speed ACC, a 540-degree panoramic camera with transparent chassis view, LCA, LKA, Automated Parking Assist (APA), and active lane change assist, along with traffic light recognition, auto highway ramp entry/exit, and highway pilot assist. Driven by a multi-sensor fusion architecture, the ADAS suite delivers comprehensive parking and highway cruising assistance, effectively reducing driver fatigue on long-distance journeys while bolstering active safety.
The Hongqi HQ9 PHEV had a relatively muted commercial debut. Following its 2024 launch, monthly sales hovered at lower volumes for an extended period, dipping to just 51 units in March 2026 due to tepid initial market demand. The extensive 2026 overhaul was engineered precisely to address this sluggish reception—reinvigorating showroom appeal through a substantial powertrain leap, a doubled pure electric driving range, cutting-edge cockpit technology, and a price cut of RM20,000 on the entry variant. Following the arrival of new demo units in April 2026, market interest has rebounded sharply. Automotive media and industry analysts have praised the 2026 HQ9 PHEV for establishing a solid technical edge in the plug-in hybrid MPV segment, highlighted by its 220 km EV range, 1,200 km total range, and potent 358 kW output, while the dual 15.6-inch screens and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor bring cabin infotainment up to segment-leading standards. Nevertheless, practical considerations such as manoeuvring its substantial dimensions in tight urban carparks and ADAS stability in complex traffic environments remain key factors for prospective buyers. As Hongqi's crucial contender in the executive MPV segment, whether the 2026 HQ9 PHEV's comprehensive overhaul will translate into sustained commercial success remains to be proven in the market.
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