Hongqi HS6 PHEV Launch: Powering China's EV Surge

On December 16, 2024, FAW Hongqi unveiled the all-new HS6 PHEV in China, a flagship 'big five-seater' SUV priced from 17.88 to 22.88万元 ($2.5-3.2 million USD). This launch coincides with Horizon Robotics' ecosystem push for affordable intelligent driving and global shifts like the EU softening its 2035 combustion engine ban, underscoring China's dominance in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and smart tech amid intensifying EV market competition.

Hongqi HS6 PHEV: Redefining Affordable Luxury PHEVs

Positioned as Hongqi's first model in a new product cycle, the HS6 PHEV emphasizes 'six major improvements' in design, safety, space, hybrid tech, smart cockpit, and driving aids. Launched via live stream showcasing Hongqi's R&D centers and smart factories, it highlights China's manufacturing prowess.

Key Specs and Standout Features

• Pricing & Variants: 145智混版 (17.88万元), 240智混版, 220四驱智混版 (22.88万元).
• Dimensions: 4925mm long, 2925mm wheelbase for class-leading space.
• Honghu Hybrid System: 1.5T engine (45.21% thermal efficiency, 92# gasoline), WLTC fuel consumption 5.1L/100km, 0-100km/h in 4.8s, 4C fast charging (20-80% in 15 mins), -40°C cold start capability.
• Safety: 9H4M high-strength body, 2000MPa steel, central airbag, 'Diamond Fortress' battery, zero-formaldehyde interior.
• Space & Comfort: 1.38㎡ panoramic sunroof, zero-gravity passenger seat, Dynaudio audio, 'Breathable Space System'.
• Intelligence: Lingxi Cockpit with Qualcomm 8295P chip, 30-inch AR-HUD, dual 15.6-inch 2.5K screens, continuous AI dialogue.
• ADAS: Sinan combo with 98%+ success rate in 7 parking scenarios, highway/city NOA.

Hongqi's rigorous quality control—digital twins, ±0.2mm chassis precision, 454 inspections—ensures reliability, backed by launch incentives like finance deals.

Horizon Robotics Fuels Smart EV Boom

At its December 8-9, 2025 Tech Ecosystem Conference (noted for forward-looking 2025 data), Horizon unveiled scalable AI for vehicles and robots. Cumulative shipments hit 10 million Journey series chips, with Journey 6 series reaching 1 million in 12 months across 100+ models.

• HSD City NOA: End-to-end system under ¥150,000 ($21,000), activations hit 12,000 units in two weeks on Deepal L06 and Exeed ET5; next: ¥100,000 level.
• 'HSD Together': Open platform for partners, slashing high-tier ADAS costs.
• Robot Expansion: Dugua Robotics' Sunrise S600 (560 TOPS), HoloMotion/HoloBrain models; 180% shipment growth in 2025.

This tech synergy positions Chinese EVs like Hongqi for 'experience-like-human' autonomy, democratizing features once premium.

Global Context: EU Pivot and Beyond

Why This Matters

The EU's December 16 proposal scraps the strict 2035 ICE ban, targeting 90% CO2 cuts with e-fuels/biotech filling the gap—easing pressure on Chinese PHEV exports amid tariffs. Japan's 2028 weight-based EV/PHEV tax and Tesla's 2027 German gigafactory (8GWh/year for 130,000 EVs) highlight hybrid resilience. Horizon's push mirrors Waymo's $100B+ valuation chase, but China's scale (32.4% mid/high-tier ADAS penetration by H1 2025) leads.

Hongqi HS6 PHEV embodies 'for family, by China' ethos, blending cultural design with tech, challenging BYD, NIO in the ¥20万 segment.

Forward Outlook

Expect Hongqi HS6 PHEV sales surge with incentives, leveraging Horizon-like ADAS for mass appeal. As PHEVs bridge pure EVs, China's ecosystem—10M+ smart chips, robot synergies—will export 'tech平权' globally, pressuring incumbents. Watch 2025 for ¥10万 NOA models and EU trade dynamics reshaping the EV market.