Hongqi Powers Up Luxury EVs with Plus Upgrades and a PHEV Tease

Hongqi is stepping up its presence in the Philippine luxury EV market with the launch of updated versions of two flagship models—the E-HS9 Plus and the E-QM5 Plus. The event, held at the TDG In.Hub Atrium in Taguig, also teased the brand’s upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV, the HS3 PHEV.

The most significant upgrades are found under the hood—or rather, in the batteries. The full-sized E-HS9 SUV now stretches its driving range to 515 kilometers on a single charge, an increase from the previous 440 km. The mid-sized executive sedan E-QM5 Plus goes even further, boosting its range to 560 km from 430 km.

Beyond range, both models now bring added comfort and features. The E-HS9 rolls on larger 22-inch rims, while music lovers will enjoy the BOSE premium system with 16 speakers. The E-QM5 Plus, meanwhile, comes with ventilated seats and cruise control for a more relaxed ride.

Hongqi Philippines co-CEO and EvoXTerra president Rashid Delgado said the upgrades reflect the brand’s focus on innovation and luxury: “We are dedicated to ensuring that every model Hongqi releases delivers the most advanced EV technology to date, wrapped inside pure decadence.”

The E-HS9 Plus is priced at PHP6,480,000, while the E-QM5 Plus retails at PHP1,880,000.

But the spotlight wasn’t only on the new EVs. The brand also previewed the Hongqi HS3 PHEV, a five-seat compact SUV that blends a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with a 225 hp electric motor. Together, they deliver over 1,400 kilometers of hybrid range or 115 kilometers of full-electric range. With a 0–100 km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds and the ability to fast-charge in 19 minutes, the HS3 PHEV promises both performance and practicality.

The model also offers a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, advanced driver assistance systems, and a spacious, tech-laden cabin. Hongqi says it was designed to feel like a pure EV, with instant power delivery, quiet operation, and refined ride quality.

Hongqi’s lineup, now available in showrooms in BGC, Alabang, Manila Bay, and Quezon City, positions the brand as one of the strongest challengers in the country’s growing premium EV segment.