The Shanghai Auto Show witnessed the grand debut of the latest generation of Hongqi’s flagship sedan and China’s most priciest domestic offering, the L5, with simultaneous reservations opening. The new car’s state limo-like appearance stays true to its predecessor’s classic shape and lines, blending retro cues with a modern twist – or as some might say, a touch of Rolls-Royce flair.

While the second-generation Hongqi L5 may be hard to distinguish from its predecessor that was originally introduced in 2014, a series of updates have been implemented. These changes include a taller chrome grille and revamped front bumper with new running lights and a black lower grille section that boasts a central chrome element. The retro-themed headlights, similar to the previous model, are neatly incorporated at the front. In addition, the L5 presented in Shanghai boasts a stunning two-tone white and blue paint scheme that captures immediate attention.

Read: Hongqi E702 Previews Futuristic EV With Advanced Self-Driving Tech

New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car
New Hongqi L5 Debuts With Familiar Retro Looks As China’s Poshest And Most Expensive Car

When the L5 is viewed from the side, it becomes immediately apparent that some design inspiration has been taken from Rolls-Royce. The upright front fascia is particularly obvious as are the elongated rear side windows, the chrome trimmings around the side windows, and additional chrome accents on the door handles and wheels.  

The interior of the L5 is an intriguing combination of old meets new. For example, there is a simple two-spoke steering wheel while the dashboard is dominated by three massive displays. Despite the prevalence of screens, Hongqi has avoided the trap of moving all controls to these screens and instead, the cabin still has plenty of physical buttons across the dashboard and along the center console.

It’s China’s Most Expensive Car

While many technical details about the Hongqi L5 remain undisclosed, local media reports suggest that it will come with a standard turbocharged V8 engine. The previous generation model offered both a 381 hp 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 and a 6.0-liter V12. Chinese pricing details are not yet known, but the original L5, which was offered in strictly limited numbers, started at close to 6 million yuan or around $830,000 at current exchange rates, making it by far the most expensive car money could buy in China.