A striking scene unfolds when dozens of Hongqi L5 luxury sedans sit idle in a junkyard at the edge of a factory complex. A video circulating online shows these high-end cars, many still wearing camouflage wraps from early testing, gathering dust after years of neglect. The vehicles appear to be test units or early pre-production samples, suggesting a timeline that stretches back roughly a decade. The sight raises questions about how such vehicles are cycled through production and testing and what eventually leads them to a salvage lot.
Historically, these cars were associated with Chinese political elites, sometimes seen as personal vehicles for officials. In the market, the L5 carried a price tag that reflected its luxury status, with estimates circulating around 5 to 6 million yuan. That price range places the model at the higher end of the spectrum for Chinese luxury sedans and underscores the prestige once attached to the Hongqi brand.
The material referenced here notes the model’s exclusivity, indicating that production and sale were tightly controlled for a long period. Market data from the era suggested that availability was extremely limited, with only a small number of new units appearing in any given year. Current rumors suggest the production run since then may have included several hundred units, signaling a shift in how the model was positioned within the company’s lineup and market strategy.
During a recent high-profile visit, the Hongqi N701 variant, an armored version, was observed in public sightlines in a context involving international diplomacy. The departure of public attention for the L5 and the armored models mirrors broader discussions about the role of luxury sedans in state affairs and official transport, as observed by observers and automotive commentators alike.
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Source: Chinese cars [citation]