Hongqi showcased the EHS5 in right-hand drive configuration at the Hong Kong Auto Expo in June, opening the doors for the UK market, where the brand had showcased its other models during the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024.
Known as the Tiangong 06 in China, this pure-electric mid-size SUV is already on sale in European markets like Norway and the Netherlands.
We experienced the RHD-spec Hongqi EHS5 to see what it can offer UK buyers, should the brand expand into our market.
Design
The EHS5 adopts a clean and modern design that clearly distinguishes it from Hongqi’s combustion-powered SUVs. The front end features slim LED headlights, a closed grille and an illuminated Hongqi badge.
On the sides, the EHS5 features flush door handles, black multi-spoke alloy wheels, black window trim and a gently rising shoulder line. The roof extends into a rear spoiler, while the charging port is positioned on the front fender.
At the rear, the EHS5 features uniquely shaped LED taillamps rather than the full-width light bar now common across the industry.
Interior
A 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system runs Hongqi’s Lingxi operating system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, integrated navigation, over-the-air updates and voice controls are included. An AR head-up display is also available.
Seat upholstery combines leather and suede materials, while the roof lining uses a suede-style finish. The driver’s seat features 12-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage and memory functions. The front passenger seat offers 10-way electric adjustment along with heating, ventilation and massage functions.
A 14-speaker Dynaudio audio system, dual-zone climate control, 40W wireless phone charging, a heat pump and a PM2.5 air filtration system are available.
The rear bench features a 60:40 split-folding design, reclining seatbacks and heated outer seats. Boot capacity stands at 462 litres and expands to 1,601 litres with the rear seats folded. A 48-litre front trunk provides storage space for cables.
Experience in the Hongqi EHS5
I spent time in the Hongqi EHS5, and getting in was easy once the door was open. However, I am not a fan of the flush door handles. They do not deploy out, and having to press them does not feel as natural as a proper extending handle.
Inside, the EHS5 has the feel of a global mid-size SUV. Visibility is good overall, though the A-pillars are thick. The small front glass panels help reduce the blind spot, and the mirrors are adequately sized. The three-quarter visibility is also helped by the glass cutouts.
I also liked the minimalist two-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel, which makes getting in and out easier. The front seat was comfortable, with good back support, nice side bolstering and a good headrest. I had almost 20 cm of headroom to the glass roof, and the pedal box worked well with my UK size 11.5 shoes.
Storage is also well thought out, with open space between the front seats, a wireless charging pad, cupholders, a useful storage box under the centre armrest and a practical glovebox.
The cabin has a cocooning feel because the dashboard flows into the door cards. The screen is responsive, and steering-wheel controls allow fan speed and temperature adjustment, but most functions are still routed through the touchscreen. I would have preferred more physical controls, and USB-C ports instead of USB-A on my demo vehicle.
The rear seat was impressive. The doors open wide, the flat floor helps space, and I could slide my feet almost completely under the front seat. Back support and under-thigh support were very good, and the rear seat recline adds comfort.
I had about 15 cm of headroom to the glass roof. Three-abreast seating is possible, but I would prefer using the fold-out centre armrest for two-passenger comfort. Rear passengers get USB ports and AC vents, but no temperature control. A boot pass-through would also have been useful.
Specifications
Measuring 4,750 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height, the EHS5 rides on a 2,900 mm wheelbase, which makes it slightly longer in wheelbase and taller than the Model Y. The SUV has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 kg.
The EHS5 is offered with single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrains. The range-topping AWD model produces 563 hp from two electric motors and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in around 4.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
The 85 kWh LFP battery pack delivers a WLTP driving range of up to 324 miles (522 km). Charging performance is impressive, with support for up to 265 kW DC fast charging and 11 kW AC charging. Hongqi claims a 10-80% charge can be completed in less than 20 minutes under ideal conditions.
Price & Availability
Hongqi has not confirmed plans for the UK yet, but the model would sit in the same section of the market as the Tesla Model Y, Xpeng G6, Deepal S07, and Peugeot E-3008. If introduced in Britain, we expect prices to fall between £45,000 and £55,000, depending on battery size and specification.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
