Hongqi, a luxury brand, recently launched its Guoya model in Moscow, targeting rivals such as the Mercedes S-class, BMW series 7, and Audi A8. This Chinese car measures 5,353 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, 1,511 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,260 mm.

The Guoya is slightly larger than the S-class (5,179 x 1,954 x 1,503 mm with a 3,106 mm wheelbase) and the A8 (5,320 x 1,954 x 1,471 mm with a 3,122 mm wheelbase). However, it is shorter and less tall than the series 7 (5,391 x 1,950 x 1,544 mm with a 3,215 mm wheelbase).

The Hongqi Guoya debuted in Moscow, Russia. Photo: Mobile-review

Buyers can choose between two versions. The standard Elegance V6 is priced at 27,7 million rubles (approximately 389,000 USD), while the Imperial V8 starts at 31,7 million rubles (445,000 USD). This pricing is remarkably high, especially when compared to its domestic market price in China, where the Guoya starts at 1,4 million yuan, or about 207,000 USD. This makes it the most expensive new Chinese automobile ever sold in Russia.

At these prices, the Guoya also surpasses the cost of the large luxury sedans it aims to compete with. In Russia, an imported S-class starts at around 220,000 USD for the S500 version, with the Maybach variant reaching up to 450,000 USD. An imported series 7 ranges from 167,000-319,000 USD, and an imported A8 is priced between 201,000-285,000 USD.

As its name suggests, the Elegance V6 features a 3.0 V6 turbocharged hybrid engine, producing a combined 380 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5,5 seconds.

For Russian millionaires and billionaires seeking ultimate performance, the Imperial V8 offers a 4.0 V8 turbocharged hybrid engine with 476 horsepower and 680 Nm of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4,5 seconds. Both versions come with four-wheel drive.

The Chinese car exported to Russia appears to have no significant changes compared to its domestic version. The exterior design remains consistent, featuring numerous chrome accents, including a large front grille.

The interior uses many premium materials. Photo: Mobile-review

The luxurious interior boasts two individual second-row seats with heating, ventilation, and cooling functions, as well as a recline feature. The Guoya also includes a 32-speaker sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and extensive surfaces upholstered in premium leather and Alcantara.

While most Chinese automobiles imported into Russia, and many other markets, fall into the budget segment, Hongqi operates in a completely different category. The Guoya directly competes with large luxury sedans from German brands and even approaches the ultra-luxury segment of used Rolls-Royce models.

Hongqi's decision to sell the Guoya in Russia is strategic. The Russian market possesses substantial capital, yet supply has become increasingly scarce in recent years. Most premium automobile brands have withdrawn from the country, making it difficult to purchase a new Mercedes-Maybach or Rolls-Royce Ghost. The Guoya offers a new option for affluent customers with significant purchasing power but limited choices.

According to Autoreview, the Hongqi Guoya is delivered by order only, with a standard delivery time of two months. If customers request customized paint colors, trim, or other specific details, the delivery period will be longer.

My Anh