- The flagship model will be able to travel up to 466 miles (750 km) on a single charge.
- Power is provided by a single electric motor at the rear axle with 281 hp (210 kW).
- The 05’s cabin is dominated by a large infotainment screen and a head-up display.
This is the latest EV from brand Hongqi, and unlike many of its other offerings, it’s not a big luxury sedan designed to ferry around the country’s elite. Instead, it belongs in the compact segment, sporting similar dimensions to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and being slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3.
The car is known as the Tiangong 05 and forms part of Hongqi’s new Tiangong series of models, which also includes the 08 SUV. It was first previewed by a compelling concept car last year, and the production model looks surprisingly sleek. It’s unlikely it’ll ever be sold outside of Asia, but given that China is the largest car market in the world, Hongqi definitely has a sizeable group of potential buyers it can market the 05 to.
Read: New Hongqi Guoya Flagship Luxury Sedan Looks Like A Bentley After A Wild Night Out
Up front, there’s a pair of sharp LED headlights, not dissimilar to those of the popular MG 4. Running along the center of the hood is Hongqi’s customary ‘Red Flag’ symbol. Other key features include door handles that sit flush with the bodywork and curvaceous LED taillights.
Underpinning the 05 is Hongqi’s Tiangong platform, which uses batteries sourced from CATL with at least two different options. While the company hasn’t announced their capacities, the base model is reportedly good for 342 miles (550 km) of range on the (rather generous) CLTC cycle, while the flagship version can travel up to 466 miles (750 km) on a charge. Driving the car is a single electric motor at the rear wheels with 281 hp (210 kW).
Hongqi, which is owned by FAW Group, has yet to release official photos of the 05’s interior. However, a recent spy shot revealed it sports a big central infotainment screen and a two-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel. Much like a Tesla, the EV eschews a traditional gauge cluster, but does include a massive 65-inch head-up display. There is also a 50-watt wireless charging pad and a pair of cupholders.
Local pricing details haven’t been announced, but the 05 will no doubt be far cheaper in China than an equivalent EV would be here in the US.
