Hongqi HQ9

Model Overview

The Hongqi HQ9 is the first full-size luxury MPV introduced in 2022 by the Hongqi brand under China FAW Group, marking a key strategic model for the marque to expand its product line-up and make inroads into the high-end corporate and premium family mobility segments. On 20 May 2026, the comprehensively refreshed 2026 Hongqi HQ9 officially went on sale, featuring a 2.0T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain across the entire range with three variants on offer, priced from RM338,800 to RM538,800 alongside six exclusive early-bird launch packages. Dimension-wise, the MPV measures 5,222 mm in length, 2,005 mm in width, and 1,935 mm in height, with a generous 3,200 mm wheelbase, squarely positioning it in the mid-to-large MPV segment. Pitched as an "all-scenario luxury MPV for high-end business and family users", its main rivals include RM350,000-class new energy MPVs such as the Voyah Dreamer and Denza D9.

Design Language

On the outside, the Hongqi HQ9 retains the marque's signature design language, boasting commanding road presence and high visual recognition. The front end adopts the "Noble, Exquisite, Artistic" design ethos, highlighted by an imposing vertical waterfall grille finished with chrome accents, punctuated by the brand's iconic illuminated red centreline emblem. Flanking the grille are full-LED headlamps sporting the "Flag Across the Realm" motif with intricate inner light elements that deliver a distinctive welcome sequence upon illumination. The 2026 model adds a new Galaxy Grey paint option, bringing the total exterior palette to four colours. The straight roofline profile maximises rear occupant headroom, with dual power-sliding doors and rear privacy glass fitted as standard, alongside upgraded front and rear double-glazed acoustic glass across all variants. At the back, a full-width LED light bar is complemented by vertical corner accents to enhance visual depth.

Inside, the cabin of the 2026 Hongqi HQ9 has been thoroughly overhauled, sporting a modern twin-screen layout that blends family-centric practicality with high-tech flair. The dashboard features a clean, layered architecture housing a built-in full digital instrument cluster and a floating 15.6-inch dual-screen setup, paired with a column-mounted electronic gear selector. The cabin offers five new interior colour themes and 256-colour ambient lighting, noticeably elevating overall luxury ambiance.

Powertrain and Performance

The powertrain marks one of the most substantial upgrades on the 2026 Hongqi HQ9. The range is powered by a 2.0T plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) system comprising a hybrid-specific 2.0T engine producing 163 kW (approx. 222 hp) and 260 Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor (286 hp) for formidable combined performance. Power is delivered via an electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) system, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h. Fuel efficiency is rated at a combined WLTC consumption of 2.2 L/100 km, with battery-depleted fuel consumption recorded at 0.72 L/100 km.

Additionally, the Hongqi HQ9 is offered with a conventional petrol powertrain featuring a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, developing 185 kW (252 hp) and 380 Nm of torque, mated to an Aisin 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox driving the front wheels. The petrol version completes the century sprint from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling Dynamics

Under the skin, the Hongqi HQ9 rides on a monocoque chassis equipped with an all-round independent suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, assisted by electric power steering (EPS). The front suspension incorporates high-damping hydraulic control arm bushings, while the fine-tuned rear multi-link setup effectively absorbs road ripples and coarse surface imperfections, settling rapidly over speed humps. Through tight corners, the chassis delivers composed body control, aided by broad front and rear tracks of 1,730 mm and the long 3,200 mm wheelbase for a planted driving feel, preventing floatiness even under full load. The PHEV variants feature an electric all-wheel drive layout (PHEV AWD), while the petrol version remains front-wheel driven.

Cabin Tech and Equipment

Interior appointments are a major selling point for the Hongqi HQ9. The vehicle incorporates a "9-screen interaction" smart ecosystem encompassing a head-up display (HUD), a digital instrument cluster, a dual-screen unit consisting of a 15.6-inch 2.5K central infotainment display and front-passenger screen, a dedicated fridge control panel, rear climate controls, a 21.4-inch fold-down roof-mounted rear entertainment display, and dual individual armrest touchscreens, providing comprehensive digital control across all rows. Powering the system is the Hongqi Lingxi cockpit running on a 5nm automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset, integrated with FAWOSHMI 5.0 OS and the Doubao large AI model to deliver millisecond-level natural voice response and four-zone voice command capabilities.

Seating is arranged in a 2+2+3 seven-seater layout, with both front and second-row seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second row features dual "Zero Gravity" captain chairs capable of reclining up to a class-leading 173° with 16-way power adjustments, graphene seat heating, individual touchscreen controls, fold-out tray tables, and wireless smartphone charging pads. The third-row seat mounting is positioned 714 mm from the rear tailgate and is reinforced with a high-rigidity structural frame beneath, delivering ample passenger room without compromising structural safety. Other creature comforts include an on-board refrigerator as standard across the range, a 16-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 support, and multi-layer acoustic laminated glass throughout the cabin.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Hongqi HQ9 adopts a 9H cage-type body structure, utilising 77% high-strength steel throughout the chassis and 2,000 MPa hot-formed ultra-high-strength steel in critical load-bearing areas, boasting compressive strength that surpasses standards used in submarine-grade steel. The rear structure includes a 650 mm crumple zone, engineered to absorb crash energy effectively and prevent passenger compartment intrusion.

The 2026 Hongqi HQ9, in collaboration with CATARC (China Automotive Technology and Research Center), completed the industry-first multi-vehicle crash test involving a heavy lorry rear-end collision followed immediately by a side impact with an adult male dummy seated in the third row. The test simulated an extreme intersection accident where the vehicle suffered a 100% overlap rear-end crash by a 3-tonne lorry at 50 km/h (2.1 times the impact energy of the latest national standard), followed almost instantaneously by a side T-bone impact from a 1.7-tonne SUV at 50 km/h on the third row (1.2 times national standard energy); with a larger male dummy in the rearmost row, the vehicle passed with flying colours, proving its robust crashworthiness and all-round passenger cell integrity. The vehicle successfully passed the stringent evaluation, validating its exceptional structural protection and balanced occupant safety across all seating rows.

On the active safety front, the Hongqi HQ9 features the Sinan ADAS suite, incorporating full-scenario automated parking assist, highway navigation pilot (NOA), and a 10-route memory navigation pilot to ease driver fatigue in heavy traffic and long-distance driving. Additionally, the Hongqi HQ9 is available in a Welcab mobility variant equipped with a motorised swivel seat for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility.

Market Performance and Verdict

Leveraging Hongqi's strong brand heritage, stately styling, expansive interior volume, and generous equipment levels, the Hongqi HQ9 has carved out a unique position in the luxury MPV segment. Customer sentiment has been positive, with owner reviews highlighting: "The Hongqi HQ9 commands tremendous road presence; thanks to its substantial dimensions, cabin space is remarkably spacious, ensuring even third-row occupants never feel cramped". In a luxury MPV market traditionally dominated by established joint-venture marques, the Hongqi HQ9 PHEV leverages electrified capability combined with oriental styling cues and practical technology to build solid market traction.

Nevertheless, the Hongqi HQ9 still faces stiff market headwinds. In Q1 2026, FAW Hongqi's cumulative retail sales stood at approximately 76,000 units, down 6.8% year-on-year amid segment divergence. In the competitive RM350,000-class MPV category, the HQ9 faces intense rivalry from contenders such as the Denza D9 and Voyah Dreamer. Industry analysts note that earlier model years had scope for improvement in entry-level specification and lacked a 3.0T V6 option for higher-tier positioning. However, with the 2026 model receiving 28 major upgrades spanning comprehensive PHEV electrification, smarter in-car tech, and reinforced safety structures, the Hongqi HQ9's overall market competitiveness in the luxury MPV arena has been substantially elevated.