Hongqi E-HS5 Review (2026): €39,900 EV SUV with 420 km Range
The Hongqi E-HS5 is a mid-size electric SUV offering 420 km range, fast charging, and premium interior for €39,900. A serious Tesla Model Y alternative? Full review, specs, and insights.
ODDSPITE RIDES
Matej Kortnik
4/8/20262 min read


Hongqi E-HS5 (2026): The Smart Entry Into Premium EVs
The Hongqi E-HS5 is not trying to impress you with size or dominance. It’s doing something smarter. It’s targeting the exact segment where most people actually buy.
And based on the spec sheet, this thing is positioned aggressively.
What is the Hongqi E-HS5?
The E-HS5 is a mid-size electric SUV, designed for:
daily driving
families
urban + highway mix
buyers who want premium feel without premium price
This is where cars like Model Y, ID.4, and Ioniq 5 fight.






Technical Specs
Core Specs:
Battery: 62 kWh (base)
Range (WLTP): 420 km
Drive: RWD
Power: 200 kW
0–100 km/h: 7.8 s
Top speed: 190 km/h
Charging:
Architecture: 400V
DC fast charging (10–80%): ~20 min
Max DC: 188 kW
AC charging: 6.6 kW
Size:
Length: 4750 mm
Width: 1900 mm
Height: 1640 mm
Wheelbase: 2900 mm


Battery Strategy
The EHS5 uses LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery. This is a strategic choice, not a downgrade:
More durable
Safer
Cheaper
Less degradation
However, such battery technology offers slightly lower energy density (less range vs NCM)
Design: Balanced, Not Overdone
At first glance, the Hongqi E-HS5 might seem like a clean and restrained design. But once you take a closer look, it becomes clear that there is much more intention behind it. Hongqi has managed to create a design that feels modern and premium, without becoming overly aggressive or experimental.
One of the standout elements is the brand’s signature styling:
The red vertical accent running through the hood
Slim, split LED headlights
A symmetrical and confident front fascia
These details give the E-HS5 a clear identity. It doesn’t rely on oversized grilles or exaggerated shapes but instead, it builds recognition through subtle but consistent design cues. The Hongqi E-HS5 does not try to stand out through extreme design choices. Instead, it focuses on refinement, proportion, and identity. The result is a vehicle that feels confident and modern — a design that will likely age well and appeal to a wide range of buyers.


Interior: Where It Gains Advantage
This is where Chinese EVs are winning:
large central display
clean digital cockpit
lounge-style seating
premium materials
Compared to competitors:
Tesla = minimalist
VW = functional
Hongqi = comfort + tech mix
Strengths vs Weaknesses
Strengths:
Strong value (€39,900 entry)
Fast charging (~20 min)
Good real-world range (420 km)
Durable LFP battery
Premium interior feel
Weaknesses:
Base battery smaller than some rivals
AC charging only 6.6 kW (slow for EU standards)
Brand still building trust in Europe
Software remains the biggest unknown




Is Hongqi E-HS5 Worth It?
The E-HS5 stands out for:
aggressive pricing
solid range
premium interior
But buyers should consider:
slower AC charging
new brand presence
software maturity
Verdict: The One That Could Scale
Forget halo models. This is the one that sells.
If Hongqi executes:
pricing stays aggressive
software is stable
dealership/service works
Then E-HS5 becomes a volume disruptor in Europe.
