Everything is accelerating in the electric vehicle market, including the arrival of Chinese manufacturers in Europe. As evidenced by Hall 5 of the Mondial full of Chinese brands presenting their new products to the Parisian public. Among them, China’s Rolls-Royce, Hongqi did more than show off its vehicles; prices for Europe have been announced.
A manufacturer coming from the People’s Republic of China and showing strong ambitions for the European market is not a first. BYD, Leapmotor, Seres, Xpeng, Lynk & Co, MG and Aiways: these brands have succeeded in launching the marketing of their models on the Old Continent.
But this is only a tiny part of all the manufacturers of electric cars, but also thermal or hybrid cars, that can be found in China. Not everyone necessarily shows the same desire to “conquer” Europe, but some still want to try their luck. This is particularly the case of Hongqi, which presents two models at the Paris Motor Show.
A sedan and an SUV in Europe
Hongqi came to the Paris Motor Show with two models: a sedan named EH7 measuring 4.98 meters, in which Frandroid was able to get on board, and a 4.92 meter SUV, EHS7. Clearly, Hongqi is not targeting the compact and affordable vehicle market, like its compatriots Leapmotor or MG.
Hongqi has announced two engines for each model, as well as three battery sizes: 75, 85 and 111 kWh. A version using a rear motor develops 253 kW (approximately 343 horsepower). A four-wheel drive version with two engines seems to be on the program, with around 455 kW (or more than 600 horsepower).
With such batteries, Hongqi has the luxury of announcing impressive ranges, between 600 and 820 km for the EH7 sedan, and logically a little less for the EHS7 SUV.
Prices not really accessible
Hongqi took advantage of the Paris Motor Show and the media exposure of the event to announce the prices of its two vehicles. The range just starts at less than 50,000 euros!
The EH7 sedan should start at 49,999 euros, while the EHS7 SUV is announced from 53,999 euros.
Hongqi has announced prices, but still no delivery date for its first vehicles in Europe. Hopefully the Chinese brand will have an easier time establishing itself in Europe than Nio, which had to delay the launch.
