The automotive industry is an ever-changing industry. Since the emergence of new energy models, the entire automobile market has become a "fast lane", many new energy vehicle brands continue to appear and leave, and many traditional automobile brands continue to hesitate, but also gradually join the new track. So far, BYD, a traditional car brand in the mainland, has given up fuel models and become one of the leaders in the new energy vehicle market, but other car brands in the mainland are not far behind, such as China's FAW Hongqi, which has been trying to enter the new energy vehicle market. Nowadays, China FAW Hongqi has gradually created a variety of new energy models, such as Hongqi EH7, which is a pure electric vehicle model positioned as a medium and large car.
Design & Architecture: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
The exterior design of Hongqi EH7 inherits the traditional elements of the Hongqi brand while incorporating a modern design language, showing the brand's innovation and transformation in the field of new energy. The front of the vehicle features a closed grille design, a common design technique for electric vehicles, to reduce wind resistance and improve range efficiency. The figure-7 headlamps on both sides and the longitudinal multi-segment grille surrounded by the front create a stylish and sporty design concept, making the EH7 visually impactful and recognizable.
The side of the body is painted with two-tone stitching, combined with the layout of the large slippery back, giving the vehicle a smooth line and a dynamic stance. The rear design is also eye-catching, with a wide structure and "tear-stained" taillights that echo the front design, simulating the heavy rear surround of bilateral exhausts, further enhancing the car's sporty atmosphere.
However, despite the overall positive reviews for the exterior design of the Hongqi EH7, from my personal point of view, the design of the Hongqi EH7 also leaves something to be desired. Compared with other previous models of the Hongqi brand, the new design language attempts to make the Hongqi EH7 more youthful and modern, but this change may make some traditional Hongqi fans feel uncomfortable, believing that the new car lacks the traditional sense of calm and solemnity of the Hongqi brand. In addition, although the "smile" design on the front face of the Hongqi EH7 is intended to convey optimism and upward emotional orientation, the acceptance of this design among consumers may be somewhat different.
Interior & Technology: A Combination of Luxury and Smart
The interior design of Hongqi EH7 is more in line with my personal preferences on the whole. In my opinion, it shows the Hongqi brand's pursuit of modern luxury and technology. The interior of the car adopts a bold interior color scheme, which is distinctly personalized, which contrasts with the design style of Hongqi's traditional models, and shows the brand's determination to transform into a younger market. The steering wheel has a distinctive design that resembles a gamepad and is designed to provide a sportier and more interactive driving experience.
However, the interior color scheme and steering wheel design of the Hongqi EH7 also made me feel uncomfortable, to be honest, such an avant-garde design may make many consumers feel unaccustomed. In addition, although the large-size screen design of Hongqi EH7 enhances the sense of science and technology in the car, it is in actual operation. I found that the central control interface of this model looks complicated, and the response speed is not fast enough, which affects my experience.
Power performance: strong power and endurance
In terms of power, Hongqi EH7 provides consumers with both dual-motor and single-motor versions, and consumers can choose a more suitable power version according to their own car needs. In addition, Hongqi EH7 also provides consumers with a variety of endurance versions, according to official information, its shortest endurance version can give consumers CLTC working conditions, 600 kilometers of pure electric range, its longest range of the version, can give consumers CLTC working conditions, 820 kilometers of pure electric range.
Summary:
The Hongqi EH7 is not the first pure electric model built by China's FAW Hongqi brand, but it is the first model of the Hongqi brand under the new pure electric architecture. Relatively speaking, the product power of Hongqi EH7 is still good, enough to meet the daily car use scenarios of consumers, but its official guide price from 229,800 yuan is obviously high. In other words, although the strength of Hongqi EH7 is not bad, its cost performance is not particularly high.