Chinese brand Hongqi is launching a large electric SUV in three Southeast Asian nations, potentially opening the door for Australia down the track.
Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are all reportedly set to become markets for the 2026 Hongqi E-HS9, with Malaysia yet to receive the model.
Hongqi is best-known as the favoured brand for high-ranking Chinese government officials and leaders, and as such positions itself as a luxury brand.
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Malaysian automotive outlet PaulTan reports the Thai version of the model launched is dubbed the "E-HS9 Overseas RHD Equipment Definition (Long-endurance Southeast Asian version)".
The top-line specs are a 760km electric driving range under China's lenient CLTC testing, a large 120kWh battery, a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with 368kW and 606Nm and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.
The 5.2-metre-long SUV has a 3110mm wheelbase for plenty of interior space, but its list of features doesn't read too differently from a mid-spec EV available in Australia.
Aside from what appears to be decent legroom in the second row according to the Thai brochure, the E-HS9 features a large sunroof, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, acoustic protection, along with captain's chairs for passengers in a six-seat layout.
The Hongqi E-HS9 has also been available in Northern Europe for some years, but the model has come under fire for falling far short of expectations and promises in Scandinavia.
Swedish and Norwegian motoring outlets have slammed the brand for severe depreciation, problems with reliability and cost of maintenance, and its disappointing real-world range and charging speeds.
Australia is yet to be even mentioned when it comes to Hongqi's plans, but the Singapore and Thailand launches certainly open the possibility for our (also right-hand-drive) market in the future.