In early 2020, the Chinese concern FAW presented the most expensive and luxurious mass model of its luxury brand Hongqi (Red Banner) – the H9 Sedan, which, as conceived by the developers, is intended to impose competition on such four-doors as the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S -Class.

It is reported that the development of Hongqi H9 began as early as two thousand seventeen. The main styling of the model was invented by a team of Chinese designers led by Ding Yangfen, although in 2000 the company also hired ex-Rolls-Royce stylist Giles Taylor, who made certain adjustments to the appearance of the four-door.

The developers themselves note that the Hongqi H9 is the first model of the brand in a new style. The four-door looks quite strict, as befits cars of this class, while borrowing from cars of other brands can be guessed in its design.

For example, the two-tone paintwork immediately evokes associations with Maybach cars, while the huge and generously chrome-flavored radiator grille was clearly spied on Rolls-Royce models. As for the stern, the design of the taillights evokes associations with the Cadillac XTS sedan.

Other features of the exterior of the luxury Chinese sedan are also worth noting 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, retractable door handles and an unusual logo of the Chinese brand on the hood, which, as conceived by the designers, is intended to resemble a flagpole.

The salon of the new Honka H9 2021 is trimmed with natural leather and wood veneer, and is also richly decorated with chrome. On the front of the car there are large displays of digital instrumentation and multimedia system, while on the passenger side there is a light panel.

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The sedan’s steering wheel is covered in leather and has touch-sensitive buttons. It is curious that the Chinese decided to place the engine start button between the climate control knobs, which from the point of ergonomics is a rather controversial decision.

So far, the manufacturer has presented a four-door in the most luxurious design, where separate seats with heating, ventilation and electrical adjustments are installed in the back row, although the company promised that later versions will appear simpler – with a traditional three-seater sofa.

Of the options available for a car, it is worth noting a fragrance, a panoramic roof, screens for second-row passengers, etc. It is reported that the Hongqi H9 is based on a rear-wheel drive platform with a longitudinal engine. The exact dimensions of the model are not advertised, but the sedan is about 5.2 meters long and has a wheelbase of more than 3.0 meters.

Of the motors for the flagship sedan of the Chinese brand, a 2.0-liter “turbo four” with a capacity of 252 hp is proposed. (380 Nm) and a 3.0-liter “turbo six” for 272 forces (400 Nm). Both units work in conjunction with a robotic gearbox with two clutches.

A sedan with a top-end V6 is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km / h in less than 8.0 seconds, and the dynamics of the younger version has not yet been advertised. But the Chinese report that their car is equipped with air suspension and has an autopilot of the so-called level 2.5. The latter is an advanced cruise control with the function of keeping the car in the occupied lane.

The Honka H9 is expected to hit dealerships by the summer of 2020, but the price list has yet to be released. At the same time, the FAW concern has big plans for the premium brand. The automaker promises to significantly expand the model range of the brand and sell a million cars annually by 2030.