Hongqi E-HS9 Electric

I first got curious about the E-HS9 after reading Ju-Len's article about why S-Class owners should be considering one. It was quite a bold statement, so I decided to head down to the showroom to see the car for myself and take it for a test drive. My first impressions were actually mixed. The car certainly looks and feels expensive, but I was surprised that some of the tech I have come to expect from Chinese EVs was missing. Things like sentry mode using the surround cameras and an integrated dashcam would have been nice, especially at this price point. The test drive, however, changed my impression quite a bit. The first thing you notice is the sheer presence of the E-HS9. In just 15 minutes, we had someone taking a photo of the car and people in the car beside us at the traffic lights turning to look. It is a very imposing car on the road, but without being overly flashy. I was also genuinely surprised by how it drove. The suspension dealt with bumps very well and the whole car felt composed and effortless. With 492bhp, I was expecting the typical EV shove when I put my foot down, but strangely it didn't feel that fast. Then I looked at the speedometer. We were picking up speed much quicker than I realised. I suppose that's where the luxury part comes in. With the double-glazed windows, quiet cabin and very little noise or vibration coming through, the car isolates you so well that you don't really notice how quickly you're moving. I went into the showroom looking at the E-HS9 like I would most Chinese EVs — comparing features, technology and what you get for the money. I left looking at it quite differently. There are definitely areas where I think Hongqi can add more tech, but I also understood that the appeal of this car isn't about having the longest feature list. It's the comfort, the presence and that feeling of stature when you're sitting inside it. There aren't many cars on the road that make people take notice anymore, and the E-HS9 seems to do that rather effortlessly. The fact that it turned out to be so good to drive was probably the biggest surprise for me.... Read More

I was genuinely impressed after test driving the Hongqi E-HS9. For a car just under the $500k mark, it offers an incredible amount of presence, comfort and driving refinement. The standout for me was the drive — the power delivery is effortless and exceptionally smooth, with a sense of weight and composure that reminded me of a luxury V8 ICE car. It does not feel like a typical EV in the way it delivers its performance. The exterior design is another major highlight. It has a timeless, imposing presence, with clear Rolls-Royce-inspired design cues that make the E-HS9 look far more expensive than it is. Overall, I came away feeling that the E-HS9 offers strong value for what it is, particularly if you prioritise luxury, presence and the driving experience.... Read More