Hongqi’s Giles Taylor Designed E-HS9 Lands in Australia as a Six-Seat Electric Flagship

Hongqi has arrived in Australia under the HQ name, and it’s chosen a large electric luxury SUV to make the first impression.

The 2027 E-HS9 brings six-seat packaging, dual-motor performance and styling led by Giles Taylor, the former Rolls-Royce design chief.

It’s a notable market entry because the E-HS9 isn’t trying to look like another anonymous electric crossover.

At a glance

• Hongqi has launched in Australia under the HQ name with the 2027 E-HS9 electric SUV.
• The E-HS9 combines a 411 kW dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a six-seat luxury cabin.
• Indicative pricing is under $150,000 before on-road costs, with deliveries scheduled to begin on January 18, 2027.

A flagship electric SUV for HQ’s Australian debut

The E-HS9 sits at the large luxury end of the electric SUV market, with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 411 kW, or 550 hp, and 606 Nm of torque.

Hongqi claims a 0-100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds and a 200 km/h top speed.

The battery is a 120 kWh ternary lithium pack, with a claimed WLTP range of 548 km.

Adaptive air suspension with Continuous Damping Control is included, along with variable ride height and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Giles Taylor’s exterior gives the E-HS9 its theatre

The design connection is one of the E-HS9’s more interesting talking points.

Its exterior was designed by Giles Taylor, whose tenure as Rolls-Royce design chief gives the SUV an immediate point of reference in the luxury world.

The front end uses a vertical-bar grille and matrix LED headlights, giving the E-HS9 a formal, upright presence rather than the softened face common to many electric SUVs.

A C-pillar battery display adds a more unusual flourish, turning a functional EV readout into part of the exterior treatment.

A six-seat cabin with executive emphasis

Inside, the E-HS9 is configured as a six-seater, with independent second-row seats as a central part of its luxury pitch.

The cabin also includes a panoramic roof, four-zone climate control and a 16-speaker Bose sound system.

Up front, two 15.6-inch 2K displays handle the digital interface, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.

That equipment list positions the SUV less as a simple family EV and more as a chauffeured or owner-driven flagship for buyers who want space, presence and technology in one package.

Details & Specifications

For Australian buyers, the E-HS9’s appeal will depend on how convincingly HQ can translate that imposing design, strong equipment list and long-range electric hardware into a polished ownership experience.

As an opening statement, though, it gives the brand a clear identity from day one.