Hongqi has introduced a host of intriguing new luxury vehicles in recent years including the Rolls Royce-challenging, $680,000 L5, but of them all, its new Guoyue bus may be the most outlandish. While it likely won’t sell in high numbers to private customers, it could prove popular among government agencies, the hospitality sector, and be used by large companies.
The Guoyue will come in three configurations: a business version with 20 or 23 seats, a luxury version with 17 or 19 seats, and a flagship version with 17 seats. Its dimensions are comparable to typical small buses you see regularly, measuring 7,295 mm (287 inches) in length, 2,090 mm (82.2 inches) in width, 2,785 mm (109.6 inches) in height, and featuring a 3,990 mm (157-inch) wheelbase. What sets the Guoyue apart from most other buses of its size in China, at least, is its strong emphasis on luxury.
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The front end of Hongqi’s latest model has a similarly-large grille to its passenger cars with chrome-trimmed vertical slats. It then features thin LED daytime running lights and large headlamps located further down the fascia. The sides of the Guoyue are also quite intriguing as they feature the large ‘Red Flag’ emblem that is traditionally found running over the hoods of Hongqi’s other models. A set of wheels with a chrome finish are also visible.
Plenty of luxurious features are found in the cabin of the bus too. For example, there is a large infotainment display as well as a wireless charging pad in the center console. The bus also rocks an electronic shifter and positioned directly behind the driver’s seat is a large table with cupholders. A refrigerator has then been positioned behind the front passenger seat. All of the seats are clad in beige-colored leather and there is even a small sunroof in the center of the cabin.
Driving the bus is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 pumping out 292 hp and 308 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. The bus can hit 130 km/h (80.7 mph) and reportedly consumes around 16 l/100 km (14.7 U.S. mpg) over the combined cycle.
According to Autohome, the Guoyue will go on sale in China in February.
