FAW’s Hongqi brand just proved that plug-in hybrid SUVs can go the distance. The Hongqi HS6 PHEV set a Guinness World Record by traveling 2,327.343 kilometers on a single full charge and fuel tank without refueling, departing from Shangri-La on October 30 and arriving in Guangzhou on November 3. The achievement surpassed previous record holders including Chery’s Fulwin T10, establishing new benchmarks for plug-in hybrid range capability. But beyond the impressive range figures, this 5-seater SUV makes its strongest statement through two areas where Chinese automakers are increasingly competing with global luxury brands: exterior design presence and interior craftsmanship.
Designer: Hongqi
A Grille Designed by Rolls-Royce Royalty
The Hongqi HS6 PHEV’s front fascia bears the unmistakable signature of Giles Taylor, the former Rolls-Royce chief designer who now leads Hongqi’s design direction. The closed grille reinterprets traditional Chinese design language through the lens of British ultraluxury aesthetics, featuring a waterfall design with 12 vertical chrome strips that create a sculptured, three-dimensional effect rather than the flat appearance common in many electric and hybrid vehicles. Each strip catches light differently as you move around the vehicle, creating visual depth that changes with viewing angle and ambient lighting conditions.
The vertical chrome elements flow from top to bottom in a cascading pattern, clearly echoing the iconic Rolls-Royce grille treatment, with Hongqi’s signature red brand logo anchoring the composition. This approach solves a design challenge facing many plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles: how to maintain brand identity and visual presence when traditional grilles are no longer needed for cooling. Rather than simply blanking off the grille area or adding fake vents, Taylor and the Hongqi design team have created a distinctive design element that serves as both brand signature and sculptural statement.
The HS6 PHEV measures 4,995mm in length, 1,960mm in width, and 1,760mm in height, with a 2,920mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it firmly in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus RX Hybrid in terms of physical presence and market positioning.
Interior: Where Functionality Meets Premium Comfort
Step inside the HS6 PHEV and you encounter a layered dashboard design that prioritizes both technology integration and visual sophistication. The design team created distinct horizontal layers that separate different functional zones while maintaining cohesive aesthetics. An integrated dual-screen setup spans the upper dashboard section, consisting of a central control screen and a dedicated co-pilot entertainment screen. This is complemented by a digital instrument cluster behind the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.
Physical buttons have been nearly eliminated in favor of digital controls, a hallmark of modern Chinese luxury design that maximizes clean surfaces and reduces visual clutter. The transmission selector is mounted on the steering column, freeing up valuable center console real estate for practical features like 50W wireless charging for mobile phones, dual cupholders, and access to an onboard refrigerator. A 12-speaker audio system is distributed throughout the cabin for balanced sound delivery across all seating positions.
The Zero-Gravity Front Passenger Experience
The standout interior feature is the zero-gravity co-pilot seat, which goes beyond the typical power adjustment and heating functions found in this segment. While all seats in the HS6 PHEV support electric adjustment, ventilation, and heating functions, the front passenger seat adds an integrated legrest and a 10-point massage system. This level of front passenger pampering is more commonly found in luxury sedans than SUVs, positioning the HS6 PHEV as a vehicle designed for both drivers and passengers who value comfort on longer journeys.
The rear seats also feature electric adjustment, ventilation, and heating capabilities, ensuring premium comfort extends throughout the cabin. The standard trunk offers 503 liters of capacity, with an additional 49 liters of hidden storage space. Folding the rear seats expands total cargo volume to 1,977 liters.
Performance and Range: The Record-Breaking Formula
Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 110 kW (148 hp) and 225 Nm of peak torque, with a thermal efficiency of 45.21%. Consumers can choose between two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, both with a top speed of 205 km/h. Combined system power outputs are 168 kW (225 hp) for the two-wheel drive version and 369 kW (495 hp) for the four-wheel drive variant.
Battery options include 23.9 kWh and 39.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate packs, offering CLTC pure electric ranges of 152 km, 250 km, and 235 km depending on configuration. The hybrid design combines electric efficiency for daily commuting with fuel flexibility for longer journeys, particularly valuable in markets like China where charging infrastructure varies significantly by region. Comprehensive ranges reach 1,580 km, 1,650 km, and 1,460 km according to Chinese news outlet Sohu. Curb weight varies from 2,040 kg to 2,285 kg depending on battery and drivetrain configuration.
Global Ambitions
Pre-sale is scheduled to begin November 15 in China, but Hongqi’s ambitions extend well beyond the domestic market. The brand is planning international expansion into Europe and the Middle East, positioning the HS6 PHEV as evidence that Chinese automakers can compete in premium segments where design execution, luxury features, and engineering credibility matter as much as specifications.
The HS6 PHEV represents Hongqi’s strategy of combining record-breaking engineering capability with design leadership from one of the luxury automotive world’s most respected figures. Giles Taylor’s influence is evident throughout the vehicle, from the Rolls-Royce-inspired grille to the sophisticated interior execution. The sculptured grille and premium interior features position the vehicle as a credible alternative to established luxury SUVs, with the added benefit of plug-in hybrid efficiency and impressive total range.
For buyers seeking a luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on either electric driving capability or long-distance flexibility, the HS6 PHEV’s Guinness World Record provides tangible proof of its engineering credentials, while the design details demonstrate that Chinese automakers are increasingly competitive in the premium segments where aesthetic execution matters as much as performance numbers.
The post Hongqi HS6 PHEV: Where Art Meets Engineering in China’s Record-Breaking Luxury SUV first appeared on Yanko Design.