Only three years ago, Chinese Hongqi began its journey in Israel as a luxury brand with the EHS9 at NIS 0.5 millions, a large crossover with a design that reminded many of Rolls-Royce. Hongqi arrived with a relatively long history for a Chinese manufacturer, having started producing cars for top Communist Party officials back in 1958.
After the EHS9, the EHS7 also arrived at a significantly lower price. So far, about 1,100 vehicles from the manufacturer have been registered with the licensing office since the launch at the end of 2022.
Now, the importer is launching a cheaper model, the EHS5, which is sold in China in both sedan and crossover versions, but will be marketed here only in the latter version, priced from NIS 180,000, just NIS 2,000 more than the MG S6, which was recently launched in Israel. Both are relatively large crossovers for the price, with the EHS5 measuring 4.75 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, 1.64 meters in height, and a 2.9-meter wheelbase. Despite its size, the EHS5 has only five seats. The rear trunk volume is 468 liters and the front compartment 48 liters.
Available versions include:
CORE (from NIS 180,000): Rear-wheel drive, 285 hp, 0–100 km/h in 7 seconds, 62 kWh battery, combined range of 426 km. Fast charging is possible at 200 kW.
Equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic roof, electric tailgate, 15.6-inch central screen for controls and multimedia, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, synthetic leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, heating for all seats, and a smart key.
LONG RANGE (from NIS 200,000): Also rear-wheel drive with 285 hp, but with an 85 kWh battery offering an official combined range of 550 km. Fast charging is possible at 265 kW.
Additional equipment includes a head-up display for the driver, ventilated front seats, and a DYNAUDIO sound system with 14 speakers.
PERFORMANCE (from NIS 230,000): Front motor enabling all-wheel drive with a combined 560 hp. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h drops to 4 seconds, and the range reaches 515 km.
Equipment includes 20-inch wheels, front seats with massage function, and a passenger seat that can recline flat.
Safety: The EHS5 received 5 out of 5 stars in the European crash test. Specifications include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking for forward driving, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane deviation correction, door opening warning for unsafe lanes, automatic high beam, child-in-car alert, and driver distraction warning.
Warranty: 8-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty.