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.