5 reasons to buy the Hongqi H5

Not so long ago, it seemed that the Hongqi H5 was unlikely to become very popular: business-class cars in our country have always favored German models. However, this sedan is now a familiar sight on the roads of major cities. The H5 has managed to achieve something almost incredible: firmly establishing itself in a niche that is very difficult to even enter. How did it succeed? Most likely, certain advantages and features, best known to the owners of this car, played a decisive role. So today, let’s read their reviews and find out what makes the Hongqi H5 so good.

Briefly about the technology

Let’s start by recalling what kind of car the Hongqi H5 is. The name “Hongqi” translates from Chinese as “Red Flag.” This premium brand was founded in China in 1958, with the mission of providing representative vehicles for the country’s top leadership and political figures. Naturally, ordinary citizens could not become owners of these cars: all vehicles went to the garages of state organizations. However, in 2018, a decision was made to create a model range for free sale. The first-generation H5 was one of the first cars in this lineup, but today we will talk about the current generation, the second, which appeared in 2022.

The H5 is based on a proprietary platform developed by FAW (Hongqi is FAW’s premium brand). Drive is only front-wheel, and there is only one engine – a two-liter turbocharged unit with direct injection and 218 hp. Maximum torque is 340 Nm. This engine is paired exclusively with an 8-speed classic automatic transmission. This technology allows the large sedan (4987×1873×1476 mm with a wheelbase of 2920 mm, larger than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213) to accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 km/h.

In Russia, the Hongqi H5 is offered in three trim levels, and even the base one looks very well-equipped. Overall, the sedan can offer the driver and passengers all the attributes of true luxury: a panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control, an air quality sensor and purification system, power-adjustable front seats (driver’s seat with 12-way adjustment), ventilation and heating, a parking assistant with surround-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, and much more. We’ll discuss the features in more detail below – they are frequently mentioned in the reviews. As is the exterior of this sedan, so let’s give the floor to Hongqi H5 owners.

Reason #5: Cozy, Quiet, and Spacious

Probably, there is nothing strange in the fact that almost all owners of the sedan highly praise its interior. They like it not only for its appearance, although that is also often mentioned: “The interior is conservative, not flashy, looks strict and solid.” More importantly, it has plenty of space and delights with its comfort level. Therefore, many write something like this: “The spacious interior meets all needs: even my dog can move around inside freely, and adult passengers in the back seat can stretch their legs comfortably, which is especially important for family trips,” “With my height of 180 cm, I have enough space, and even the passenger sitting behind me doesn’t complain about being cramped.”

Furthermore, it should be noted that the build quality and interior materials are also often praised. This is a very important point, as a beautiful but squeaky interior would hardly be able to please the car owner. In the case of the H5, many say: “Well-assembled, spacious interior, and by the way, it warms up quickly even in severe cold,” “The interior is assembled well, nothing squeaks while driving.” And of course, many note the good sound insulation, characteristic only of high-level cars. Well, as for why the interior “warms up quickly even in severe cold,” we’ll explain in a bit more detail below.

Reason #4: “No Worse than a Mercedes”

Let’s not make a secret of the obvious: the choice of the Hongqi H5 was often driven by the fact that it is one of the few premium-class cars currently available for official purchase. That is, with a warranty, proper service, and other advantages that only an official dealer can provide. Therefore, it was often bought as a replacement for Mercedes-Benz, Audi, or BMW sedans. Many reviews contain notes like “I know what I’m talking about, comparing it to my previous Mercedes.” And in many of these comparisons, it is the Hongqi that comes out on top. Or at least, it stands alongside German cars of the same class in many aspects. And many draw conclusions like this: “I definitely recommend buying it, you won’t regret it, I switched from an E-Class, I know what I’m talking about”; “It probably doesn’t quite reach the S-Class level (that’s what the H9 is for), but it’s definitely no worse than the ‘E-Class’.”

Additionally, the Hongqi H5 has another advantage over the “Germans” – its price.

Reason #3: “Affordable Luxury”

There are no cheap cars at all right now, and premium ones are virtually non-existent. Nevertheless, the cost of the H5 is not as high as that of its “gray market” European classmates. It starts from 4.2 million rubles, and this, combined with the warranty obligations of official supplies, often became almost a decisive factor when choosing a car. Subsequently, the not-so-expensive maintenance of the H5 was added to this: “Pros – very competitive price and maintenance cost.” Interestingly, some owners of cars in this class handle maintenance themselves, and in this case, they are pleased with the availability and affordability of consumables for servicing: “It’s possible to find spare parts yourself, and the price is reasonable.”

It’s logical that H5 owners often draw conclusions like this: “The price-quality ratio is truly pleasing: for less money, you get more than with the analogs.”

Reason #2: “Made for Russia”

Now let’s return to the promised quick cabin heating. It’s no secret that cars entering our market often differ in their preparation for operation in our climate. The Hongqi H5 is no exception, but with one caveat: if it is purchased from an official dealer. Those who imported the car themselves sometimes complain: “From the UAE market, there is no adaptation for the Russian winter in terms of seat heating.” More often, though, the lack of Russian language interface causes irritation, but that’s a detail. The main thing is that owners of sedans bought from normal dealers do not experience such inconveniences and write: “The seats are warm, the climate in the cabin is more comfortable than in the Mazda 6”; “There are heaters for the wiper zone, rear window, nozzles, and mirrors”; “The cabin is very warm even in frost.”

Frost is not only a matter of comfort but also a matter of reliability. Especially – stable engine starting. And here too, there are no issues: “Started without problems at -28°C in winter, never let me down”; “Starts below -30°C without any problems”; “The engine started in any weather without complaint.”

Let’s note two more facts. First – all H5 owners note the very effective operation of the air conditioner (although in automatic mode, the climate control can sometimes make mistakes). Second – the technology doesn’t let you down even in regions where winter frosts are harsher than in Moscow: “The heater and air conditioner work perfectly in Siberian winter conditions.” In a word, comfort in the Hongqi H5 cabin is guaranteed in any climate and any weather.

Reason #1: “High Turnover Rate”

One of the strongest sides of the H5 is its exterior. There is nothing strange about this: the sedan’s appearance was worked on by former Rolls-Royce and Jaguar designer Giles Taylor, and he won’t draw anything bad. One Hongqi H5 owner even used a new term in his review – “turnover rate.” He formulated his thought as follows: “The car’s appearance attracts a lot of attention: excellent recognition and a high turnover rate. The front part with the cascade design is especially impressive.”

Many quotes could be given here, but they are all quite similar: “The car looks solid, without excessive kitsch, as the Chinese often like, both inside and out”; “Panel gaps are set perfectly. The car stands out in traffic unlike the mass of identical crossovers”; “The exterior – beyond words, everyone looks at it”; “The car’s appearance is impressive”; “The car’s exterior is strict and presentable.” We won’t argue: the Hongqi H5 is always noticeable in traffic and really looks good.

By the way, you can see it in person not only at the official Hongqi dealer, Major Auto, but also at the exhibition at the “Hercules” yacht club in St. Petersburg (Vasileostrovsky district, 18 Krusenstern Ave., building 9). Until June 22, you can not only evaluate the sedan with your own eyes and touch it with your hands, but also leave a request at the dealer center, while receiving a pleasant bonus from the event partner.

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