FAW Hongqi L7 and H7 – it’s the retro and modern show

If it’s good enough for the leaders, it’s definitely good enough only for them, in this case.

In Beijing, Red Flag – or better known as Hongqi – had its premier L7 limousine as its showcase display. One can’t run out and buy one of these retro-looking beasts – which wears a Hongqi-derived 402 hp 6.0 litre V12 and sits on a platform derived from the Toyota Landcruiser – because the car is set to be used only by erm, top party officials.

For the masses, the FAW-owned company has the more contemporary looking H7 luxury sedan, which also made its debut in Beijing. This one is set to go up against the likes of the 5 Series and E-Class. Three model variants are on call, or four, if you want to count the PHEV version listed in the book.

The entry-level offering has a FAW-made 2.0 litre turbo lump, with 201 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm for numbers. The next model up the line is a NA 2.5 litre V6, also offering 201 hp at 6,300 rpm, but less torque, with 242 Nm at 3,000 rpm.

As for the range-topping H7, it’s a 228 hp and 300 Nm 3.0 litre V6-equipped model; both this and the 2.5 V6 are Toyota mills. Rather impressively, Hongqi is touting a 7.1 litre per 100 km consumption for the 5.10 metre-long vehicle in both its 2.0T and 2.5 V6 forms, and 7.2 litres in the case of the 3.0 V6, over a combined cycle!

Oh, inside a dedicated presentation room at the Hongqi stand was what was tagged a L9 – guess that’s even more plush and premium than the L7. Maybe it’s the one meant for the Premier.