The largest car market in the world, China, continues to surprise with its brands and models that resemble some of the most well-known cars from Western manufacturers,
This time it was Hongqi, a brand belonging to the FAW Group, known for its luxury models, that revealed a compact electric sedan, which boasts dimensions similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and is slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3, a model it aims to compete with.
The 100% electric model is known as the Tiangong 05 and is part of Hongqi’s new range, which also includes the SUV 08. First revealed in 2024 as a concept, this 05 now appears as a production model with an attractive image and design, featuring sleek headlights, the Hongqi emblem at the center of the hood, retractable door handles, and curvilinear LED taillights.
Based on Hongqi’s Tiangong platform, the 05 is equipped with a 281 hp electric motor, installed on the rear axle, powered by batteries supplied by CATL.
Although the company has not announced the battery capacity, the base model promises a range of up to 550 km in the Chinese CLTC cycle, while the more equipped version promises to achieve 750 km on a single charge.
The FAW group brand has not revealed official images of the interior of the 05; however, recent photos of test vehicles have shown that the model is equipped with an infotainment system featuring a large screen, a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, and a massive 65’’ head-up display.
It is unlikely that this Hongqi 05 will be sold outside of Asia; however, the model demonstrates the level of competition that Western brands must face in what is the largest automotive market in the world.
