Hongqi’s Global SUV is the brand’s first model developed exclusively for international markets. The near-production concept debuted at Auto China 2026 in Beijing before we got up close with it in Hong Kong.
The Global SUV is also the first product to emerge from the partnership between FAW-Hongqi and Leapmotor. While Leapmotor is yet to confirm, CNBC reported last year that Hongqi could sell the co-developed model in markets including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.
Here is what the upcoming vehicle feels like in real-life.
Design
The Global SUV adopts Hongqi’s signature styling elements while sharing its basic proportions with the Leapmotor B10.
At the front, the SUV features a closed grille, split headlights and Hongqi’s signature red accent running through the bonnet. The lighting units incorporate what the company describes as a shattered-diamond “starry galaxy” effect.
The side profile features unique semi-retractable door handles, and unique five-spoke alloy wheels. Everywhere else, we noticed similarities to the Leapmotor B10, including the overall silhouette, DLO, bonnet and door mirror design.
At the rear, the SUV receives a full-width taillight assembly positioned above the tailgate-mounted registration plate recess, in the same style as the B10, with unique detailing. Black exterior trim elements are used throughout the bodywork.
Interior
Hongqi has not released interior images or detailed cabin specifications for the Global SUV. That said, we could see a 14.6-inch floating touchscreen, an 8.8-inch driver display, panoramic sunroof, motorised sunshade, laminated UV-filtering glass, and ECO leather seats with heating and ventilation.
Specifications
Hongqi has confirmed that the Global SUV will be available in both battery-electric (BEV) and range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) forms. The model is built on technology supplied by Leapmotor as part of the cooperation agreement between the two companies.
The Global SUV should share much of its hardware with the Leapmotor B10. If that proves to be the case, the SUV would offer a rear-mounted 160 kW (215 hp) motor and a 67.1 kWh battery, delivering up to 270 miles of WLTP range. It will support DC rapid charging from 30-80% in 20 minutes and includes V2L capability.
In case of the EREV, the wheels would be driven solely by a rear-mounted 160 kW (218 hp) motor. An 18.8 kWh LFP battery would offer 50 miles of WLTP EV range, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine powers a 50 kW generator.
Total range would be around 559 miles, with 0-62 mph taking 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph. Charging would peak at 46 kW DC, taking 30 minutes from 30-80% SoC.
Price & Release
Mass production of the Global SUV is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026 at Leapmotor’s manufacturing facility in Hangzhou, China. The Global SUV forms part of Hongqi’s plan to launch six right-hand-drive models over the next three years.
When it eventually arrives in the British market, we expect the Global SUV to be priced at around GBP 35,000, competing with the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona EV, Ford Puma Gen-E, and the Volvo EX30.
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.
