FAW Hongqi’s highly anticipated off-road SUV delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in approximately 4 seconds using four independent electric motors paired with a 2.0T turbocharged range extender, positioning the vehicle as a serious competitor in the luxury off-road segment. The vehicle, unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show, represents Hongqi's first dedicated off-road model and marks the brand’s entry into the electrified adventure vehicle category.
Design and Architecture
The Hongqi off-road SUV features a non-load-bearing body design with a boxy, angular silhouettreminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-Classss. The exterior incorporates Hongqi’s signature design language with a closed front grille, straight body lines, and a commanding stance enhanced by high ground clearance. Notable design details include golden sunflower-pattern wheel trim, vertical red taillights, and a side-opening tailgate with an external storage box marked with the “Red Flag” branding.
The vehicle is equipped with high-resolution cameras positioned at the front grille, windshield, front fenders, and rear roof, supporting advanced intelligent driving systems, including high-speed navigation and multi-scenario intelligent parking. Dual trunk design—front and rear—provides substantial cargo capacity for extended off-road expeditions and urban use.
Powertrain and Performance Capabilities
Rather than a pure battery electric vehicle, the Hongqi off-road SUV employs a range-extending hybrid architecture with four independent electric motors delivering coordinated all-wheel drive. The 2.0T turbocharged engine functions exclusively as a generator, powering the electric motors and charging the battery pack rather than directly propelling the vehicle.
The four-motor setup enables torque vectoring and differential lock functionality through three mechanical differential locks, allowing the vehicle to instantly boost maximum torque to 18,500 Nm for enhanced obstacle avoidance and off-road traction. This powertrain architectperformance metrics comparable to the BYD Yangwang U8D Yangwang U8, another range-extended SUV targeting the premium off-road market.
The vehicle accelerates from 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds, demonstrating substantial power delivery despite its off-road-focused design. Hongqi has positioned the vehicle for multiple use cases including off-road driving, long-distance transit, outdoor entertainment, and urban transportation.
Market Positioning and Timeline
Hongqi has launched a joint-creation project and naming campaign for the vehicle, with official market launch scheduled for 2026. The brand describes the off-road SUV as a “luxury, tough off-road vehicle” with a “powerful and dominant appearance,” targeting affluent consumers seeking premium adventure capability.
The vehicle’s specifications and powertrain strategy align with growing Chinese consumer demand for electrified off-road vehicles that combine performance, range, and luxury appointments. The range-extending architecture addresses range anxiety while maintaining the efficiency benefits of electric motors for low-speed off-road maneuvers.
Competitive Context
| Vehicle | Powertrain | 0-100 km/h | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hongqi Off-Road SUV | Four motors + 2.0T range extender | ~4 seconds | Three differential locks, 18,500 Nm torque boost |
| BYD Yangwang U8 | Four motors + turbocharged engine | 3.8 seconds | Comparable off-road performance |
| Hongqi E-HS9 (Pure EV) | Dual motors (405 kW) | Not specified | 690 km range, luxury SUV positioning |
Unanswered Questions
Key specifications remain unconfirmed, including battery capacity, total system power output in kilowatts, electric-only range before range extender engagement, and pricing strategy. Hongqi has not disclosed whether the vehicle will be exported beyond Chinese markets or offered in international markets. The final vehicle name remains pending the conclusion of the brand’s naming campaign.
Verdict
The Hongqi off-road SUV represents a technically sophisticated entry into the premium electrified adventure vehicle segment, combining four-motor performance with practical range-extending architecture. The 4-second 0-100 km/h acceleration and 18,500 Nm torque capability position it as a genuine performance vehicle rather than a lifestyle accessory. This vehicle targets wealthy Chinese consumers prioritizing off-road capability, technological sophistication, and luxury appointments—a demographic increasingly willing to embrace electrified powertrains. Success will depend on pricing competitiveness against the established Yangwang U8 and perceived reliability of the four-motor system in demanding off-road conditions.
