Hongqi L5: During his two-day trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen riding in China’s Hongqi L5 limousine. The same model, which is only available to senior Chinese officials and a few chosen international guests, is also President Xi Jinping’s official vehicle. When Xi visited Mahabalipuram in 2019 to meet with PM Modi, he took the L5.

What is Hongqi?

“Hongqi” translates to “Red Flag” in Mandarin and is pronounced Hong-chi. The state-owned First Automobile Works (FAW) Group established the brand in 1958, making it China’s oldest passenger automobile brand. Hongqi designed, built, and marketed its cars as domestic products for the nation’s wealthy, promoting them as the “Made in China” dream. The company once produced automobiles exclusively for Communist Party leaders. It halted production in 1981 but revived the brand in the mid-1990s. Today, the flagship L5 stands as Hongqi’s most recognizable model.

About Hongqi L5 limousine:

The Hongqi L5 limousine packs a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces more than 400 horsepower. It reaches a top speed of around 210 kmph and accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in about 8.5 seconds. The vehicle weighs over three tons and stretches more than 5.5 metres (18 feet) in length.

Designers gave the interior roomy seating, wood trim, leather upholstery, and cultural accents like jade inlays. The back seats offer heating, ventilation, massage functions, and entertainment screens. Engineers equipped the car with 360-degree cameras, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and all-wheel drive for safety. With a price of about 5 million yuan (Rs 7 crore), the Hongqi L5 ranks as the most expensive production vehicle in China.

Also Read: AI Security Robot Launching In India Soon

First Hongqi Car:

The first Hongqi, the CA72, debuted in 1958 with its fan-shaped grille and later appeared as a parade convertible. Hongqi introduced the CA770 in 1963 and produced more than 1,600 units until 1980, including armored and stretched versions for visiting dignitaries and leaders. Mao Zedong supported the brand, although he first rode in one during Nixon’s 1972 visit.

When production slowed, Hongqi rebadged vehicles such as the Lincoln Town Car (1995–2006) and the Audi 100. After the Toyota Crown-based HQ3 flopped, Hongqi reclaimed its role as China’s state car by the mid-2000s with the H7 and the flagship L5 limousine. FAW reissued Hongqi in 2018 with a fresh design and a luxurious “Made in China” label.

Between 2018 and 2021, Hongqi’s sales surged from 33,000 to 300,000. By 2023, the company introduced the QM7 minibus, the New Energy EV line, and the Golden Sunflower series for ultra-luxury buyers. Sales crossed 411,000 in 2024, and Hongqi announced plans for 1,000 international outlets across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Reports say Xi Jinping often uses the Hongqi L5 for public events and gatherings.

Share

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•