04:00, Sun, Aug 4, 2024 Link copied Everything you need to know about China's affordable luxury car in one minute Hongqi is China's oldest car company, being established as a maker of high-end cars for officials as far back as 1958. Whilst they still make Maybach-esque saloons like the L5 today, the first models Brits will receive will be executive-style electric saloons and SUVs, such as the EH7. On the whole, the Hongqi EH7's styling is certainly unique, if a little overdesigned from some angles. I can imagine the carefully sculpted rear lights and U-shaped front air vent will divide many motorists, but manage to make the car feel like more than just another Tesla rival. Inside, there is a very reasonable amount of space for passengers, and more of that unique styling. A two-metre-square glass roof helps to bring light into the cabin, whilst the curved single-piece infotainment touchscreen and instrument panel is certainly distinctive. Whilst the touchscreen needed to be updated, meaning I could not assess all of the technology the Hongqi features, the EH7 is set to receive plenty of nice touches, including ambient lighting and, in some cases, a 21-speaker sound system. Buyers will get plenty of choice in terms of powertrains, with basic models featuring front-wheel drive and more expenisve alternatives getting a dual-motor setup with a range of up to 429 miles per charge. Being present in the car as it went up the Goodwood Hill, the Hongqi EH7 certainly has comfortable levels of power and roadholding, even if the soft suspension meant the body rolled around corners. There is still a lot of information yet to be confirmed surrounding the Hongqi EH7's launch in the UK, however its debut at the Festival of Speed showcases that China's talent in car making could certainly go beyond the budget car sector. China is currently causing the European motor industry a lot of grief. The Asian nation has gone from strength to strength in an alarmingly short amount of time. In 2023, China turned out more than 30 million passenger cars, more than ten times the number they made 20 years prior. This is thanks in part to their increasing dominance in export markets, where Chinese-made cars have managed to undercut locally produced competition. However, whilst the EU proposes a tariff on all electric models coming from the country in a bid to protect the lower end of the market, one Chinese brand intends on competing with the more executive rivals: Hongqi. Translating (perhaps a little concerningly) to 'Red Flag', Hongqi started in 1958 by hand-crafting Rolls-Royce-esque luxury saloons for the party elite. Whilst they still produce state limousines for Government officials, Hongqi has recently set its sights on making premium electric models in Europe. As a result, when Hongqi used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to launch themselves in the UK, I was excited to see how their entry-level product, the EH7, would fare against some stiff competition. The Hongqi range of cars use tick-shaped headlights and a prominent chrome bonnet bar (Image: Jack Mortimer)