Hongqi introduces E-HS9, an electric SUV rated up to 551 PS (405 kW)

FAW Hongqi (Chinese for “Red Banner”) is a company that used to deal exclusively with the top brass of the China Communist Party, supplying them with high-end luxury limos. The production vehicle it unveiled this weekend – the E-HS9 – will be available to everyone, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford it.

The car follows in the footsteps of the E115 Concept shown on the video here, which debuted at the last year’s IAA Frankfurt show. It utilizes the same chassis as the H9 saloon marketed as the alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Rolls-Royce ex-Design Director Jiles Taylor, who was hired by Hongqi two years ago, designed both models. This may help explain the visual similarities, including two-tier headlights, an enormous front grille, and slide-out door handles.

The front panel houses as many as three displays: dashboard, infotainment, and climate control.

However, while the H9 was strictly gas-powered, the E-HS9 is an electric car that comes out in two versions. The base spec packs dual electric motors rated at 218 PS (160 kW) each mounted one per axle. The top spec retains the front motor while gaining a much stronger 333-PS (245-kW) unit at the rear end for 551 PS (405 kW) total output. The only traction battery available is rated at 92.4 kilowatt-hours and translates into 500 km (310 miles) of driving range, according to the manufacturer.

Hongqi has only revealed its E-HS9 flagship to a select group of journalists at its design HQ, but an official reveal event remains scheduled for later this year (specific date unknown). After the battery SUV hits the market, its gasoline-powered counterpart called HS9 will follow soon.