Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Tianjin on August 31 to attend the SCO Summit, marking his first visit to China in more than seven years. For his official travel within the country, he was driven in the Hongqi L5, the flagship state car that also serves as President Xi Jinping’s ride of choice. Xi himself rode in the L5 during his 2019 visit to Mahabalipuram for informal talks with Modi.
The Hongqi, translated as “Red Flag” in Mandarin, is regarded as a national emblem in China. Traditionally reserved for senior leadership and select foreign dignitaries, the car carries a legacy that goes beyond luxury and design, embodying a sense of national pride. Providing the Hongqi for Modi’s visit was seen as a deliberate diplomatic gesture, signalling respect from Beijing and hinting at a possible reset in relations between New Delhi and Beijing.
Hongqi L5The Hongqi L5 draws power from a massive 6.0-litre V12, delivering more than 400 hp. Despite its size, the car manages a 0–100 km/h sprint in around 8.5 seconds and tops out at nearly 210 km/h.NAt over 5.5 metres long and weighing upward of three tonnes, the L5 commands instant attention on the road. Inside, it’s designed as a rolling palace, with plush leather seats, rich wood accents, and intricate cultural touches like jade inlays. Rear occupants are treated to ventilated and heated massage seats, paired with personal entertainment screens.
On the technology side, the limousine comes with an advanced safety suite that includes all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, and parking assistance. With a price tag of nearly 5 million yuan (around Rs 7 crore at current exchange rates) it stands as the most expensive production car in China.
History of HongqiThe brand’s story began in 1958 with the launch of the CA72, identifiable by its distinctive fan-shaped grille. A convertible version was later created for parade use. The CA770 followed in 1963 and remained in service until 1980, with approximately 1,600 units built. This model was offered in stretched and armoured versions and became the official choice for Chinese leadership and visiting dignitaries. While Chairman Mao Zedong initially resisted riding in one, he eventually did so after U.S. President Richard Nixon’s landmark visit in 1972.
With production slowing in the 1980s, Hongqi entered a period of rebadging, offering modified versions of cars such as the Audi 100 and Lincoln Town Car between 1995 and 2006. The HQ3, based on the Toyota Crown, was introduced but failed to gain traction. By the mid-2010s, however, Hongqi had reclaimed its position as China’s state-car brand with models like the H7 and the revived flagship L5 limousine.
In 2018, parent company FAW repositioned Hongqi as a premium “Made in China” luxury marque with a new design identity. The move sparked a surge in demand: sales jumped from 33,000 units in 2018 to 300,000 in 2021. The portfolio expanded further in 2023 with the introduction of the Golden Sunflower line for ultra-luxury customers, the New Energy series for electric mobility, and the QM7 minibus. By 2024, annual sales exceeded 411,000 units, with the brand outlining plans to establish 1,000 outlets across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
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