Electric model, named E-HS7 internationally, will spawn a battery-swap capable version.
Hongqi’s New Energy division has pulled the covers off its latest fully-electric SUV, the 08, ahead of a public debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 15th.
The five-seat SUV, which will be badged as an E-HS7 in international markets, sits on Hongqi’s Tiangong modular platform and also uses the Jiuzhang intelligent platform for smart driving and infotainment purposes.
Most details are still under wraps but we do know that the 08 will feature a Hongqi battery developed to retain as much as 98% charge even in temperatures as low as -10℃.
Reports also suggest the battery will be able to charge to 80% in just five minutes, and while it’s not clear from what percentage it can achieve that charging timeline, it’s also stated that it will be battery swappable after Hongqi joined Nio’s battery swap alliance in May of this year.
It’s expected to come with a choice of RWD and AWD options, with 253kW on the rear axle for single motor versions, and an additional 202kW on the front for dual motor versions.
Batteries come in a choice of chemistries, with the larger 111kWh NMC battery offering as much as 730km of range on single motor versions and 680km on dual-motor editions. Details of the LFP battery have not been confirmed.
There’s also rear-wheel steering and air suspension that can be adjusted by 95mm to suit the conditions, suggesting the Tiangong 08 will be quite a versatile vehicle.
Inside, the 08 offers an alternative to the popular ‘rectangular screen stuck on the dash’ look, instead opting for an embedded screen in a wave-shaped unit that includes the digital instrument display.
There’s also an AR-HUD behind the steering wheel that supposedly can work at dual focal levels, displaying information roughly 4- and 7.5-metres away from the driver.
As you’d expect in a modern Chinese EV, there are electric door release buttons, wireless charging slots on the centre console, and intelligent cockpit technology that’s powered by the so-called “Hongqi No.1” automotive-grade chip.
Within the car, this supports things like AI intelligent voice interaction and Dolby Atmos compatibility, while on the move it unlocks the Sinan Intelligent Driving system, which offers some autonomous driving abilities and intelligent parking assist.
Pre-sales have already begun in Europe with cars starting from just under €54,000, while Chinese pre-sales will begin on November 15th ahead of an official launch in mid-December.
