Hongqi: China's Iconic Luxury Brand Is Coming to Nepal
Nepal's premium electric vehicle segment is about to welcome one of China's most prestigious automotive brands.
Hongqi, the luxury marque best known for serving Chinese state leaders, including President Xi Jinping, will officially enter the Nepali market at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026, taking place from August 11 to 16 at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu.
Often regarded as China's equivalent of traditional European luxury brands, Hongqi — meaning "Red Flag" in Chinese — is the premium division of FAW Group, one of China's oldest and largest automobile manufacturers.
While the brand has long been associated with official government limousines and state ceremonies, it has rapidly transformed itself into a modern luxury EV manufacturer with a growing international presence.
The brand will be represented in Nepal by Advanced Automobile Pvt. Ltd., the company previously responsible for Renault vehicles. Following the signing of its official dealership agreement, the distributor has already begun importing the first batch of Hongqi vehicles ahead of their public debut.
Hongqi is expected to introduce two electric SUVs during its initial launch: the E-HS4 and the flagship E-HS9. Although final specifications for Nepal have yet to be announced, industry sources indicate pricing is likely to fall between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 65 lakh, positioning the models firmly in Nepal's premium electric SUV segment.
Leading the lineup is the Hongqi E-HS9, a full-size luxury electric SUV designed to compete with established premium offerings. Measuring 5,209 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,731 mm in height, with a generous 3,110 mm wheelbase, the E-HS9 offers the proportions expected from a flagship luxury SUV.
Depending on the global variant, the E-HS9 is offered with battery options ranging from an 84 kWh pack to a larger 120 kWh long-range battery, delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 515 km. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup provides confident performance while maintaining the comfort and refinement expected from a flagship luxury electric SUV.
The cabin reflects Hongqi's premium ambitions with Nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara trim, multiple digital displays, quad-zone climate control, premium audio setup with upto 16 speakers, ventilated and massage seats, and an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Air suspension and intelligent driving technologies further reinforce its flagship credentials.
Hongqi's arrival also signals the continued evolution of Nepal's EV market. What began with affordable electric crossovers has steadily expanded into the premium segment, with buyers now gaining access to increasingly sophisticated electric SUVs from Chinese manufacturers.
The addition of Hongqi introduces a brand built around heritage and luxury rather than value alone, offering a distinctly different proposition for customers seeking exclusivity alongside electrification.
With its official unveiling only weeks away, Hongqi is set to become one of the headline attractions at this year's NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo, marking another milestone in Nepal's rapidly diversifying electric vehicle landscape.
