Hongqi L5 Exceeds Rolls-Royce in Price

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Chinese carmaker, Hongqi, is making waves in the luxury car market with its ultra-luxury sedan, the Hongqi L5. This 20-foot limousine is designed to rival popular models like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Maybach S-Class, targeting the country's wealthy elite.

The Hongqi L5 is China's response to the growing demand for high-end cars in the country. It is a luxurious car that boasts a higher price tag than its competitors. In fact, it is priced at around $696,506, making it one of the most expensive sedans in the world.

The sedan's name, Hongqi, translates to "Red flag" in English, which is fitting considering its bold and imposing design. The car is a production version of the CA770 state limousine and has recently undergone a redesign. The refreshed variant, unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, features a larger size, more chrome accents, and a two-tone paint job reminiscent of Rolls-Royces and Maybachs.

The Hongqi L5 maintains its retro-looking front fascia but receives upgrades such as new 21-inch wheels and a red stripe on the hood. The rear bumper has also been restyled, now sporting LED taillights and an inscription of the model's name. The company claims that these characters are in Mao Zedong's handwriting, adding a unique touch to the car's design.

Compared to its competitors, the Hongqi L5 is longer, wider, and taller. It measures 5,980 millimeters long, 2,090 millimeters wide, and 1,710 millimeters tall, with a wheelbase of 3,730 millimeters. In contrast, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is 5,982 millimeters long, 2,018 millimeters wide, and 1,648 millimeters tall, with a wheelbase of 3,772 millimeters. The Hongqi L5 also weighs significantly more than its rivals, tipping the scales at 3,150 kilograms.

Inside the Hongqi L5, the opulence continues. The sedan features a four-seat layout with real armchairs in the rear, perfect for those who prefer to be chauffeured. The cabin is adorned with real jade and offers daring color combinations. While these combinations may not be considered daring for Chinese customers, they certainly add to the car's luxurious ambiance.

Under the hood, the Hongqi L5 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 382 horsepower. This power is delivered to all four wheels, allowing the sedan to reach a top speed of 220 kph. While not much information is available about the specs, it is worth noting that a previous generation of the L5 was offered with a 6.0-liter V12 engine.

Despite the carmaker's claim that the Hongqi L5 is a car "for everyone," the steep price tag suggests otherwise. Starting at $696,506, this sedan is clearly aimed at the ultra-wealthy. However, this hasn't deterred buyers, as the Hongqi L5 has already entered production, with the first deliveries expected before the end of the year.

FutureCar Staff