Last year, the total sales of the Hongqi brand exceeded 100,000 units, which is a big improvement from the more than 30,000 units in 2018. However, apart from being proud, we can also see when we calm down, there is still much room for improvement in the product system and sales volume of the Hongqi family. In order to continue to enhance its brand image, Hongqi recently launched a C+-class executive luxury sedan—Hongqi H9. The press conference was selected in the Ten Thousand People Auditorium of the Great Hall of the People, which can be said to be quite organized.
As a new high-end work, H9 can be regarded as one of the most luxurious models in Hongqi's existing product lineup. There are 7 options for body color alone! In addition to the solid color series such as Legendary Black and Quicksand Gold, the high-end models of the Hongqi H9 also offer two dual color combinations: Aka Gold + Gentian Violet and Champagne Gold + Amber Brown.
Hongqi H9
Usually, the two-color design can only be seen on luxury cars such as Rolls-Royce Gust, Mercedes-Benz Maybach, etc. This can be regarded as a breakthrough in Hongqi H9's luxury shaping.
Mercedes-Benz Maybach
Rolls-Royce Gust
In addition to the color scheme, the Hongqi H9 also shows a luxurious atmosphere in its exterior design. The iconic large-size waterfall-style grille on the front of the new car is embellished with beaded interiors. The red flag three-dimensional LOGO in the center extends to the hood, coexisting atmosphere and sophistication.
In terms of body size, the length, width, and height of the new car are 5137/1904/1493mm, and the wheelbase is 3060mm. Combined with the use of fast-back shape, through-type waistline and other elements, the aura is strong without being bloated.
In terms of interior, the layout of the Red Flag H9 is quite layered. The large-size LCD screen and the three-spoke steering wheel with the "wine glass" logo are quite eye-catching. At the same time, the new car uses a lot of wood grain, leather and chrome-plated decorative elements to make the interior texture more prominent. It is reported that the new car is also equipped with L2.5 level automatic driving, 12-inch wide HUD head-up display and other functional configurations. The driving experience is worth looking forward to.
In addition, the new car also uses an electronic shift handle design, followed by a side-by-side button design, which increases the practical value of the interior.
Finally, in terms of power, Hongqi H9 offers two power options, one is the same version of the Hongqi HS7 3.0T V6 supercharged engine, the maximum power is 248kW, the peak torque is 445N·m; the second is the 2.0T high-power engine +48V The version of the light mixing system has a maximum power of 185kW and a peak torque of 380N·m. The transmission system is matched with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox. It is worth mentioning that the new car uses a rear-drive chassis based on a longitudinal engine and is equipped with an air suspension system.
It can be seen that after the launch of the Hongqi H9, it will become the new "facade responsibility" of the family: C+ level positioning, dual color matching, outstanding texture, strong power... Many advantages have been put on the surface, one of the disadvantages may be It's just not "low-key" enough and not suitable for home use. However, what kind of market prospects Hongqi H9 can obtain depends on its selling price.
Currently, Hongqi H9 can be booked, but the official price has not been given a real hammer. Earlier news said that the pre-sale price of the 3.0T version of the new car is in the range of 350,000 to 500,000 yuan. Combined with the pricing of the Hongqi HS7 (34.9-459,800 yuan) that is also powered by 3.0T, this pre-sale price may also be eight. Nine is not far from ten.
As for the pricing of the 2.0T version of the new car, you can refer to the Hongqi H7 (25.28-317.8 million yuan) for prediction. The two models of the Hongqi H7 2.0T version are priced at 268,800 yuan and 288,800 yuan respectively. Since the positioning of the Hongqi H9 is higher and the power adjustment is stronger, the starting price is higher than that of the H7. However, if the 2.0T version is an entry-level model, if the starting price is set at more than 300,000 yuan, it is afraidI am afraid that it will discourage many people.
In fact, the pricing of Hongqi models has always been an awkward problem. Although from the design point of view, Hongqi is known as the "Rolls-Royce of China", its pricing cannot be in line with it; from the perspective of brand positioning, Hongqi's target should be luxury brands such as BBA, but it wants to truly be on the same stage with it. The competition is still close; from the product line, Hongqi models and Volkswagen Passat and others are the main executive style, but in the mid-size car market they have no right to speak...
Therefore, the pricing space left for Hongqi H9 is actually quite limited. In Jiang Ge's view, the final pricing of the Hongqi H9 will depend on whether the official wants to make this model "volume" or just serve as a "front". Combining the sales data of several main models in January, it can be seen that as long as the starting price of Hongqi products is higher than 200,000 yuan, there will be a significant sales gap:
. From this point of view, although the Hongqi H9 product is impressive, However, product strength and brand acceptance are currently not enough to support the price of 300,000 yuan. Although "feelings" will affect consumers' car purchase choices, it is not a decisive factor. However, with its excellent design, Jiang believes that Hongqi H9 is still expected to share the market with Cadillac CT6, Volvo S90 and other models.
In other words, the appearance of Hongqi H9 shows the continuous improvement of FAW Hongqi's design concept and car-making strength. Its brand significance may be far greater than its sales performance. Encouraged by the results of 2019, Hongqi has set its sales target for 2020 at 200,000 units, and the product lineup is constantly enriched. Do you think Hongqi is expected to achieve its vision of doubling sales again this year?
