China’s flag-bearing brand attempts to rapidly close gap on rivals with flurry of new electric models under Hongqi New Energy brand.
Hongqi has pulled the covers off their upcoming Tiangong 05 fully electric saloon ahead of an expected launch around the Lunar New Year.
The second instalment in the brand’s Tiangong series, which made its official debut just before the Guangzhou Auto Show last year with the launch of the Tiangong 08 SUV, the Tiangong 05 is based on the E009 concept car that debuted at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.
It retains the concept’s svelte, cab-rearward appearance with a flush, grille-free nose, slim daytime running lights, and triple-layer belt line, while adopting the original Hongqi logo as opposed to the Hongqi New Energy logo.
Based on the timing of the release, it’s possible that the 05 will feature prominently in China’s famous Chunwan TV show that builds up to the start of the new year. Last year it was the GAC E8 that took a non-too-discreet starring role in one of the show’s performances.
Measuring in at 4,820mm long, 1,915mm wide, 1,480mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,900mm, the 05 is somewhat smaller than the e-QM5 saloon that’s popular with upmarket ride-hailing drivers, but with a maximum output of 210kW it’s up to 50 percent more powerful than its sister car.
Certified CLTC ranges of 550km and 750km courtesy of CATL LFP batteries should ensure the 05 can go further on a single charge as well, though battery sizes haven’t been revealed as of yet.
Images suggest the 05 will opt for a saloon-style boot, which might limit practicality, while 18-inch rims seem a tad small in this segment but nevertheless seem proportionate to the car itself.
A large panoramic roof can be seen on the images, standard fare for electric vehicles these days, and sleek Y-shaped taillights and pop-out door handles complete the look.
Official images of the interior haven’t yet been released but we can clearly see a large HUD behind the steering wheel, claimed to be 65-inches in size and offering augmented reality functionality, as well as a large floating central screen, likely 15.6-inches as is the norm.
In a spy shot published by AutoHome, we can see that this differs from the Tianggong 08 which features a ribbon-style screen the combines the driver’s information display and central screen. In the 05, there’s no screen behind the steering wheel.
A relatively simple cabin design, the 05 features a single wireless charging pad and transversely stacked cupholders, as well as a centre console that doesn’t connect to the dashboard, an oddly contrarian choice compared to most EVs.
There is at least brightly coloured upholstery in the two-tone cabin, as well as seats that look to be heated and ventilated, possibly massaging as well.