Moving forward, Leapmotor will supply Hongqi with an EV platform for several models
While Hongqi may be unfamiliar to most car buyers outside China, at home it is recognized as the nation’s leading premium brand. Founded in 1958, it is among the country’s oldest carmakers having established itself at the top of the market, with early models reserved exclusively for high-ranking government officials. The name itself translates to “red flag,” a direct nod to the Communist revolution that shaped modern China.
Read: China’s Hongqi Rolls Into Germany With Ambitious E-HS9 Electric Luxury SUV
Now Hongqi has its sights set far beyond domestic roads. The company is embarking on a major expansion into Europe, where it hopes to build recognition alongside other Chinese automakers like BYD, Chery, and Changan that are already moving aggressively into the region.
That ambition took center stage earlier this week at the Munich motor show where it unveiled the mid-size electric EHS5 SUV. While it could be easily discounted as yet another electric SUV with a rather generic Chinese design, it will play an important role in the automaker’s growth across Europe. By 2028, Hongqi plans to launch no fewer than 15 new electric and hybrid models across the continent.
Building A Foothold
The premium Chinese brand has already dipped its toes into Europe, with cars currently available in Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland. The broader vision is much bigger: more than 200 dealerships across Europe by 2028, paired with a steadily expanding product line.
Details about the full range of incoming models remain under wraps, but one partnership has been confirmed. Chinese automaker Leapmotor will supply Hongqi with an EV platform that will underpin several upcoming vehicles, the first of which is scheduled to debut in the final quarter of 2026.
The Hongqi EHS5
Visually, the new EHS5 has some strong points, and some weak points. From the front, it’s reminiscent of some models from Deepal and there’s nothing particularly inspired or unique about its profile. However, the rear-end is quite striking thanks to the curvy LED taillights.
Underpinning the EHS5 is an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s said to give it a WLTP driving range of around 342 miles (550 km). Hongqi has yet to disclose full specifications for the SUV, but has said it can charge from 10-80 percent in just 20 minutes.
Power figures for the European model have yet to be announced, but in China, it’s available in 339 hp rear-wheel drive and 610 hp all-wheel drive specifications. Given that the Chinese model has a much larger 111 kWh battery, lower power figures are likely for the Euro-spec version.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

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