Hongqi HQ9 PHEV AWD Flagship Edition Deep Review: A Dual-Scenario Breakthrough in Chinese Luxury MPVs

Design: Eastern elegance, poised yet unburdened

Entering 2026, premium MPVs are no longer mere accessories at corporate meeting rooms. The Hongqi HQ9 PHEV AWD Flagship Edition—measuring 5222 × 2005 × 1935 mm with a generous 3200 mm wheelbase—hits the sweet spot for full-size MPVs: squared-off yet never bulky, expansive yet substantial. Its front fascia carries forward Hongqi’s signature design language: a large U-shaped chrome grille with refined texture, crowned by the iconic vertical red emblem—a true focal point. The split-headlight setup features dynamic sequential turn signals above, delivering both ceremonial flair and enhanced daytime visibility.

Sideways, clean, restrained lines flow across a broad D-pillar accented with bespoke chrome trim. The power sliding doors open wide—no bending required for seniors or children boarding. New paint options include Galaxy Gray, Gentian Purple, and Midnight Black II, joining two other hues for a total of five—covering both business gravitas and family sophistication. At the rear, a贯穿-style taillight stretches vertically, while subtle dual exhaust garnishes add quiet confidence—unassuming, yet undeniably self-assured.

Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid AWD, smooth and stress-free

Equipped standard with a 2.0T engine plus front/rear dual electric motors in a plug-in hybrid AWD system, it delivers a combined output of 358 kW and 760 N·m torque—0–100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds. In real-world driving, its EV-first logic shines: silent pure-electric propulsion dominates city traffic, with linear, jerk-free acceleration—ideal for passengers prone to motion sickness, including elders and kids.

CLTC pure-electric range reaches 220 km—sufficient for most users’ weekly commutes—while total system range extends to 1200 km. Paired with a 60L fuel tank, cross-province road trips require minimal refueling stops. WLTC combined fuel consumption is just 0.72 L/100 km; even with battery depleted, it sips only 6.9 L/100 km—exceptional efficiency for a 2.7-ton-plus AWD MPV. It runs on affordable 92-octane gasoline and supports 92 kW DC fast charging—30% to 80% in only 16 minutes, perfect for quick service-area stops.

Intelligence: Not just usable—intuitively human-centric

The cabin integrates Qualcomm’s 8295P chip and the Doubao large language model, enabling four-zone wake-up-free continuous voice dialogue and full ‘see-and-say’ control. Voice response is swift and intuitive—seniors and children alike can effortlessly adjust climate, seats, or entertainment. Preloaded ‘Meeting & Rest Mode’ and ‘Leisure & Entertainment Mode’ let drivers instantly switch between office-ready silence and family-friendly relaxation.

Dynaudio Confidence flagship audio (16 speakers, 800W output), active noise cancellation, double-layer acoustic glass, and high-density sound-deadening material deliver class-leading cabin serenity. Urban traffic noise fades away; wind and tire roar are well suppressed at highway speeds—enabling private conversations and immersive media experiences.

Space & Comfort: True equality across all seven seats

The 3200 mm wheelbase unlocks genuinely inclusive space. Second-row zero-gravity seats offer multi-directional power adjustment, leg rests, fold-out tables, and one-touch 126° recline. Third-row seating sees major upgrades this generation: four-way power adjustment, 135° backrest recline, heating, dedicated cup holders, and USB-C ports—allowing even 183 cm adults to sit comfortably for extended periods, finally shedding the ‘emergency-only’ stigma.

With 32 storage compartments throughout, the vehicle accommodates seven 20-inch carry-ons—even with all three rows occupied. Folding the third row electrically expands cargo volume to 3565 L—ample for camping gear, strollers, or large home appliances. Standard Nappa leather seats feature ventilation, heating, and massage; graphene-based heating warms faster, while three-stage suction-style ventilation keeps occupants cool and dry in summer—comfort tech that truly serves every row.

Safety & Chassis: Rock-solid stability, comprehensive protection

The 9H integrated cage body uses 77% high-strength steel, with critical zones reinforced by 2000 MPa hot-formed steel. Rear-end collision protection is enhanced via a triple-horizontal/four-vertical rear structure and a 650 mm crumple zone—maximizing survival space for third-row occupants. Extended side-curtain airbags cover all three rows and maintain pressure for over 15 seconds. Collision-triggered automatic door unlocking, hazard flashers, eCall emergency assistance, and high-voltage cutoff complete a robust passive safety loop.

CDC adaptive dampers integrate road-surface visual prediction—scanning ahead for speed bumps and potholes to proactively adjust damping. On paved roads, ride quality is plush and composed; high-speed lane changes feel stable and planted. Despite its 2.7-ton mass, the HQ9 feels substantial—not floaty—balancing comfort and control.

ADAS: Practical, next-generation driver assistance

Hongqi’s Sishan L2 system pairs with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5-layer defense architecture. On highways, map-free intelligent driving handles autonomous lane changes, ramp navigation, and curve deceleration. In urban settings, multi-route memory adapts to mixed-use scenarios like commuting and school pickups. New features include intersection active defense and driver state monitoring—triggering automatic roadside pull-over and emergency call if impairment is detected. Blind-spot warning, door-open alert, and 360° panoramic imaging come standard—giving both new drivers and long-haul professionals tangible peace of mind.

Pricing & Verdict: A rational choice—and a refined one

Official MSRP is ¥538,800, with ¥20,000 cash incentives available at dealerships—further lowering entry barriers. Six exclusive owner benefits cover financial subsidies, maintenance packages, and residual value guarantees—reducing total cost of ownership.

This isn’t just an MPV defined by specs—it’s a flagship engineered to understand China’s dual-track lifestyle: dignified presence outside, inclusive comfort within; seamless electric drive paired with confident AWD traction; intuitive intelligence for all ages; and uncompromising safety. Within the ¥300,000–¥500,000 segment of Chinese premium PHEV MPVs, the Hongqi HQ9 PHEV AWD Flagship Edition sets a new benchmark—balanced, capable, and flawlessly executed.