Xi Jinping’s Carmaker Adds More Luxury EVs to Its Philippine Lineup

Hongqi expands in the Philippines with a fourth dealership and two new EVs.

Last week, Hongqi Philippines introduced two more electric vehicles to its lineup. The EH7 and EHS7 are “the new standard in luxury motoring in the Philippines.”

That standard, according to Rashid Delgado, Hongqi Philippines president, is that the brand was created specifically to create imposing, luxurious vehicles, as evidence “of the power and position its owners possess.”

No other Chinese EV brand can claim the “venerable” status that national carmaker can. Having built the cars that Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in as he moves about through parades and public gatherings, Hongqi, which means red flag, is as prestigious as it is commanding. This reflects in the way the cars are designed and built, according to a company representative present at the launch.

Rashid, who spoke briefly to CleanTechnica at the launch event of the new car, is also the president of EVOxTerra, a Philippine distributor of electric vehicles. Since 2023, when the brand first debuted in the Philippines, it has added 4 showrooms in the glitzy parts of town. The latest addition can be found in the Manila Bay area. Currently, another six Hongqi models are being sold in the Philippines, including four other internal combustion and hybrid vehicles.

Using what they call a “new design ethos,” the cars blend the sleek, minimalist lines of the brand with more youthful and sophisticated aesthetics. Delgado said this design integration is aimed at a market that values both form and function equally.

The EH7 is a sedan with a silhouette of a fastback, while the EHS7 is a midsize sport utility vehicle. The vehicles come in two drivetrain variants. The Executive has the 85 kWh battery pack and rear-wheel drive only that outputs 253 hp and 450 Nm torque. The pricier Flagship is energized by a 111 kWh power source with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system producing 455 kW (610 hp) and 756 Nm of torque.

The 85 kWh battery can deliver up to 292 miles (470 km) on the sedan and 316 miles (510 km) on the SUV. The Flagship’s 111 kWh energy pack can run up to 335 miles (540 km) for the EHS7 and 403 miles (650 km) on the EH7 on a full charge. Fast-charging capabilities replenish the batteries from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes using its DC charging facilities.

In terms of acceleration, the EH7 achieves 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds, and the EHS7 follows closely at 3.9 seconds.

Both cars feature meticulously hand-stitched Nappa leather seats and a panoramic glass roof with 99% UV protection. Acoustic glass is used on the front doors to ensure a “quiet and serene ride.” It has retractable door handles. The Intelligent Damping Control System (IDCS) adapts suspension settings in real-time to deliver a smooth, controlled ride across various road surfaces (a big plus in the undulating and pothole-ridden streets of the National Capital Region). An advanced infotainment system with Apple and Android connections, customizable ambient lighting, and a selection of premium materials complete the luxurious cabin experience.

Crash safety is rated at 5 stars under the Euro NCAP rating.

The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is Level 2 and includes automatic emergency braking, intelligent parking assistance, and 360-degree around-view cameras.

The EH7 Executive is priced at ₱2,280,000 (~$40,100) and the EHS7 at ₱2,580,000 (~$46,200). The Flagship variant costs ₱2,880,000 (~$51,600) for the sedan and ₱3,080,000 (~$55,160) for the SUV.