Chinese brand Hongqi, known for its luxury limousines used by state officials, has just launched the LS7, an ICE-powered premium SUV with a huge footprint and luxurious cabin. The model was supposed to be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, but since the event was postponed, Hongqi revealed it online. We can appreciate that it is a car that is at the height of the most demanding, so it is expected to attract the attention of the top executives of the most important companies in the world.
The measurements of the vehicle
Starting with the size of this novel car, the Hongqi LS7 measures 5695 mm (224 inches) long, 2095 mm (82.5 inches) wide and 1985 mm (78.1 inches) high, with a wheelbase of 3309 mm (130.3 inches). Those figures make the 5,252 mm (206.8-inch) long Range Rover look small by comparison. In fact, the Hongqi LS7 is longer than the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and only long-wheelbase variants of full-size American SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade ESV surpass its footprint.
What we appreciate from the outside
The design strives to look imposing with a giant grille surrounded by chrome, full LED split headlights following the latest trend and red details as a nod to the name (red flag) and the origin of Hongqi. Other features include retractable side steps, full-width LED taillights, and the traditional proportions of a full-size SUV with a high hood and long rear overhang. Despite the effort, we must admit that overall, the LS7 looks less modern than the all-electric Hongqi E-HS9 that debuted in 2020.
Among the most outstanding aspects of its aesthetics we have the large grille, chrome to highlight its elegance, the air intakes on the sides of the bumper and the central lower air intake. In the same way, on the sides we have those silver alloy wheels or wheels with the manufacturer’s slogan right in the center. The door locks are chrome, as are the window frames.
Behind us we have a decorative spoiler with a third stop in LED, brake lights and stops in LED that cover up to the trunk door, auxiliary lights embedded in the bumper and details in silver color.
Inside your cabin
Inside, the steering wheel is clearly inspired by Rolls-Royce, but the highlight is the mahogany wood throughout the dashboard, center console and doors. It is combined with gold details and leather upholstery to create a luxurious atmosphere. As for technology, the SUV comes with automatic climate control, dual screens on the dashboard and another set of screens for rear passengers. The latter can enjoy heated and ventilated captain’s seats with massage functions, while accessing infotainment and comfort functions from the buttons in the central tunnel.
Mechanical capabilities
The Chinese SUV may have the same name as the popular GM engine, but it has nothing to do with it, apart from the number of cylinders. Under the hood is a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that produces 360 horsepower that comes with 550 Nm of torque. This doesn’t seem enough for a huge vehicle like the Hongqi LS7, which could explain the limited top speed of 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph).
Final details and price
The market launch of the Hongqi LS7 is scheduled for the third quarter of 2022. The price will start from 1.5 million yen, which translates to more than 235,000 US dollars.
