Hongqi E-HS9

Three CATL NMC battery options are available: 84 kWh (Comfort), 99 kWh (Executive and Luxury), and 120 kWh (Long Range). All use NCM811 cell chemistry with 400-volt architecture. WLTP range spans approximately 380 km for the entry variant, 441 km for mid-range trims, and 515 km for the Long Range flagship.

UAE summer heat with continuous AC load reduces the WLTP figures by 18–25%. The 84 kWh Comfort realistically delivers 285–315 km in warmer months; the 99 kWh variants manage 330–370 km. The 120 kWh Long Range holds approximately 390–435 km in summer. Highway driving at 120–140 km/h draws range down further due to the 5.2-metre body's aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.345.

All variants charge at 11 kW via Type 2 AC on a three-phase villa wall box. Full charge times range from approximately eight hours (84 kWh) to twelve hours (120 kWh). At DEWA's residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full charge costs AED 19.32 (84 kWh), AED 22.77 (99 kWh), or AED 27.60 (120 kWh). In Abu Dhabi at AED 0.27/kWh, costs rise to AED 22.68, AED 26.73, and AED 32.40 respectively.

DC fast charging peaks at 140 kW (84/99 kWh) or 130 kW (120 kWh) via CCS2. The 10–80% window takes approximately 30 minutes on the smaller battery, 36 minutes on the 99 kWh, and 45 minutes on the 120 kWh — noticeably slower than German competitors offering 170–195 kW. Compatible UAE networks include DEWA Green Charger, E2GO, UAEV, and GreenParking. Tesla Supercharger access requires a CCS2 adapter where available. 2025 Hongqi E-HS9 — Battery & Charging

Three 16.2-inch screens span the dashboard — driver instrument cluster, centre infotainment, and front-passenger entertainment — creating a cockpit rivalling vehicles costing twice the price. The Luxury trim adds Nappa leather, second-row captain chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage, plus two 12-inch rear-seat entertainment screens. Boot space is limited at 225 litres with all three rows in use, expanding to 438 litres with the third row folded and 1,814 litres with all rear seats flat.

The elevated driving position provides strong forward visibility. Steering adjusts for rake and reach. The 16.2-inch instrument cluster and head-up display project speed, navigation, and ADAS data clearly in direct sunlight. A 9-inch lower screen manages climate controls independently, freeing the main display for navigation.

Tri-zone climate control cools the cabin from above 55°C to a comfortable temperature within six to eight minutes. Remote pre-cooling via the Hongqi app is standard. Ventilated front seats are fitted across all trims; the Luxury adds ventilated and heated second-row captain chairs. The panoramic sunroof benefits from UV-filtering glass, though aftermarket tinting is still advisable for UAE summer.

At 225 litres behind the third row, the E-HS9 trails the BMW iX (500 L) significantly. Third-row folding to 438 litres is adequate for weekly shopping, while the full-flat 1,814-litre configuration accommodates larger items. No frunk is available. The powered tailgate is standard across all trims.

The triple-screen layout runs Hongqi's proprietary software. Native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available — a notable absence for this price class. Aftermarket wireless CarPlay adapters are compatible. Arabic language support is expected on UAE-specification units. Built-in navigation includes charging station routing but lacks the real-time accuracy of Google Maps or Waze integration.

Euro NCAP awarded the E-HS9 five stars, with a 95% active safety score. Eight airbags including a front-centre unit are standard. The ADAS suite covers AEB responding to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and automatic parking. A driver monitoring system is fitted to all variants.

The E-HS9 drives like a luxury saloon lifted onto SUV running gear. Electric torque delivery is smooth and immediate. NVH insulation is among the best in class, with road and wind noise well suppressed at highway speeds. Forward visibility is excellent; the 360-degree camera compensates for the limited rear three-quarter sightlines inherent to the E-HS9's tall, wide body.

The Executive and Luxury trims reach 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds — decisive for a 2,630 kg SUV. The Comfort variant manages 6.5 seconds, still adequate for UAE highway merging. Overtaking at 120 km/h is confident across all trims. The Long Range variant shaves a further tenth off the sprint at 4.8–4.9 seconds.

Regenerative braking is adjustable through three levels. One-pedal driving mode is available and brings the vehicle to a near-complete stop. Brake pedal feel is consistent and well calibrated for the vehicle's mass, with minimal fade under repeated heavy braking.

Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go functions reliably on Sheikh Zayed Road and the E11. Lane centring performs well on clearly marked motorways. Traffic jam assist handles low-speed queues with minimal driver input. No Level 3 autonomous capability is offered.

Body roll is controlled through corners courtesy of air suspension on Executive and Luxury trims; the Comfort variant on coil springs is noticeably less composed. The 5.2-metre length and 3.1-metre wheelbase make tight urban manoeuvring demanding — the 360-degree camera and ultrasonic sensors are essential. Multi-storey car parks with standard 2.1-metre height clearance are accessible at 1,713 mm tall.

On air suspension, the E-HS9 delivers a plush, yacht-like ride across UAE motorways. Speed bumps and expansion joints are absorbed with minimal intrusion. The Comfort variant on conventional springs is firmer and less isolated but remains acceptable for the segment. Ground clearance adjusts between 170 mm and 260 mm on air-sprung variants.

Seven driving modes include All Terrain and Off-Road settings. Ground clearance at maximum height reaches 260 mm on air-sprung trims — adequate for light graded desert tracks and wadi crossings. The Comfort trim at a fixed 200 mm is less capable off-road. This is not a dedicated off-roader, but light weekend desert outings are within its scope.

Altawkilat Universal Motors covers the E-HS9 with a five-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty. The primary showroom and service centre is located in Abu Dhabi. Germantech Motors operates as an authorised sub-dealer across Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah. Independent specialist servicing is available through SwissAuto in Dubai. The dealer network remains limited compared to established German brands — a consideration for Dubai-based buyers.

Grey import E-HS9 units from China typically run software calibrated for the domestic market, lacking Arabic navigation and UAE-specific thermal management settings. Insurance loading is 15–25% above standard; some insurers decline Chinese-brand grey imports entirely. Government incentives — free Salik tag, green parking, reduced registration fees — apply to official agency vehicles only. Given Hongqi's limited UAE presence, official dealer support is essential for high-voltage battery and drivetrain servicing.

At AED 322,900 to AED 495,000+, the E-HS9 undercuts comparable German three-row electric SUVs by a significant margin. For a buyer covering 20,000 km per year on a home wall box using the 99 kWh variant, annual electricity cost is estimated at approximately AED 2,300 (DEWA rate), compared with AED 10,000–14,000 for a petrol V6 SUV of equivalent size. Annual energy savings exceed AED 8,000. Insurance estimates through official UAE channels range from AED 16,000 to AED 25,000 annually, reflecting the vehicle's value and the brand's limited local claims history. BEV servicing costs are approximately AED 1,500–2,500 per year — lower than petrol equivalents. Government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), green parking bay access with a four-hour session limit, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk is elevated. Hongqi is a first-generation entrant in the UAE luxury EV segment with minimal brand recognition. Three-year residual values are estimated at 40–50% of purchase price — below German competitors at 50–60%. NMC battery chemistry is more sensitive to sustained high temperatures than LFP alternatives, making the eight-year battery warranty a critical backstop for long-term ownership value. 2025 Hongqi E-HS9 — Standard Equipment