Hongqi: A heritage built on luxury and tradition

The Hongqi brand may be new to many in the Philippines, but in China, where it was established, it has a long and storied history. Founded in 1958, Hongqi is the oldest Chinese passenger-car marque. 

Today, Hongqi is a symbol of opulence and prestige in China, offering everything from full-size luxury sedans to electric crossover SUVs. But this hasn’t always been the case. In its early days, Hongqi was reserved exclusively for state functions — for high-ranking officials and visiting dignitaries. 

Over time, Hongqi evolved. While earlier models were custom-built for ceremonial purposes, the modern Hongqi line brings ultra-luxury, advanced technology, and broader market appeal. Its rich history has strongly influenced how the brand views luxury today — not just as extravagance, but as heritage, craftsmanship, symbolism, and state identity.

In order to understand how Hongqi arrived at its current identity, let’s take a quick look at its history through its cars.

The very first car to bear the Hongqi name was the CA72. Not only was it the first Hongqi ever built, it also holds the distinction of being China’s first “representative” luxury sedan — a vehicle constructed for government and state use rather than mass public ownership. It was produced by First Automotive Works (FAW), which bestowed upon it the name Hongqi, meaning “Red Flag” — a symbol of national pride and revolutionary progress in China.

Technical details of the CA72 are somewhat limited, but what is known is more nuanced than commonly portrayed. The car utilized V8 power and drew heavily from mid-1950s Chrysler (Mopar) engineering, but it was not a simple rebadged Chrysler. The production engine was a 5.6-liter V8, producing about 210 horsepower. The rest of the car, the styling, body, and interior, were designed and built by FAW. 

Visually, the CA72 by modern standards looks very boxy and old-fashioned, but at the time, it carried a regal and authoritative presence: sleek, simple lines, a large-profile body, and imposing proportions. The CA72 was in production from about 1959 to 1965. 

The production numbers are low: approximately 198 sedans were made. Despite its small production numbers, the CA72 achieved its purpose: it established Hongqi as China’s first true luxury automobile brand and laid the foundation for the marque’s enduring legacy.

Skipping a few years, we head to the 2000s, where Hongqi saw a resurgence in the form of the Hongqi Guoli, formerly known as the L5. First launched in 2014, the Guoli is a full-size luxury sedan developed from the V12-powered HQE limousine. 

The name Guoli, meaning “State Gift,” underscores its role as the brand’s modern flagship and the spiritual successor to early state cars like the CA72 and CA770. Its design draws heavily on retro inspiration, featuring a tall chrome grille with vertical slats, round headlamps, and a long, squared-off body that conveys authority and presence. Measuring more than 5,500 mm in length and weighing over 3,000 kg, the L5 surpasses most luxury sedans in scale, standing shoulder to shoulder with European contemporaries.

Inside, the car offers handcrafted luxury, with an interior trimmed in fine leather, rich wood, and modern technology—all emphasizing space and comfort for state leaders. Power comes from a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing around 400 horsepower, delivering smooth yet commanding performance despite the car’s immense size. While technically available to private buyers, its price when it first launched—over five million RMB (around P40,900,000)—and extremely limited production ensured its exclusivity.

Much like its predecessors, the L5 represents more than mere transportation: it is a rolling emblem of state power, national pride, and the continuity of heritage in China’s automotive history.

Now, let’s take a look at the current fleet of cars that Hongqi offers. In China, Hongqi’s model range has grown significantly, spanning sedans, SUVs, and new energy vehicles (NEVs)—with even more on the way. Leading the charge are next-generation models such as the H9 full-size luxury sedan and the E-HS9, a full-size battery-electric crossover SUV. Both exemplify Hongqi’s ability to translate opulence and prestige into modern automobiles.

Beyond these flagship models, newer entries like the E-H7 sedan, the E-HS7, and the compact crossover HS3 highlight the brand’s strong push into the luxury EV market. At the same time, traditional luxury sedans such as the Guoya—available with hybrid or powerful internal combustion powertrains—showcase Hongqi’s strategy to cover multiple fronts: electric, hybrid, and ICE.

Looking ahead, Hongqi has made its ambitions clear: to expand its NEV lineup, advance intelligent driving technologies, and grow its global presence, with a particular focus on Europe and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, many of these models are already available through EVOxTerra, giving local buyers the chance to experience firsthand how Hongqi blends its legacy of ceremonial grandeur with a future shaped by electrification, innovation, and uncompromising luxury. If the brand’s growing lineup is any indication, the future of Hongqi in the Philippines is shaping up to be an exciting one.

Are you ready to experience the kind of luxury Hongqi has to offer? Explore the Hongqi Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph.