China’s Hongqi Is Making Its First Luxury Minivan, The HQ9

China’s Hongqi is venturing into the world of MPVs and a prototype of its upcoming HQ9 has been spotted without any camouflage.

The Hongqi HQ9 has a similar design aesthetic to the brand’s other models. As such, the front end is dominated by a massive grille with pronounced vertical slates and the automaker’s famed ‘Red flag’ motif. Adding to the sleek look of the MPV (we can’t believe we just called an MPV ‘sleek’…) are LED headlights and daytime running lights that flow neatly into the edges of the grille.

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These images published by Autohome also show the HQ9 from the side where we can see that it sports a very upright roof and has chrome trimmings around the side window frames. The chunky D-pillars also catch the eye. Spin around to the rear of the HQ9 and you will find a pronounced spoiler stretching off from the roof and incorporating a third brake light. Curvaceous taillights also catch the eye, as does the LED light bar.

Various images of the vehicle’s interior have also surfaced. They show that the HQ9 has a digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment screen taking pride of place on the dashboard. Elsewhere, we can see a small gear shifter on the center console and what appears to be a wireless phone charging pad.

Like other Hongqi models, the HS9 will be very luxurious. This is especially evident in the second row where there are seats clad in dark red leather and complete with various electronic adjustments, including deployable footrests.

Local media reports that the Hongqi HQ9 will leave the factory with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumping out 252 hp. A plug-in hybrid variant is also possible, although specifications about this powertrain are not yet available.