Hongqi has rolled out a new premium SUV, the LS7, for the Chinese market, a move covered by Automobile News of the Day. The vehicle carries a price tag of 12.3 million rubles in the current exchange context, marking it as a flagship model designed to push the brand into a more exclusive segment. The LS7 is crafted to impress with a blend of executive comfort, modern technology, and robust on-road capability that appeals to buyers seeking both prestige and performance in a single package.
Dimensionally, the SUV stretches about 5.7 meters in length and sits roughly 2.1 meters in width. It rides on a traditional frame-based platform that emphasizes strength and durability, featuring a continuous rear axle that contributes to a stable highway stance. The front suspension employs an independent double wishbone arrangement, delivering precise handling and a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. In addition, air suspension is available, allowing ride height adjustments that improve comfort, aerodynamics, and versatility in varied driving conditions. The combination of these chassis elements aims to balance refined luxury with practical SUV usability, ensuring occupants experience both quiet comfort and confident road manners.
The interior of the LS7 is equipped with a high-tech cockpit that centers on two large display panels for the digital instrument cluster and the media system, each measuring 12.3 inches. A two-spoke steering wheel completes the control environment, offering a modern, driver-focused layout that prioritizes ease of use, quick access to vehicle settings, and a premium tactile feel. The cabin design emphasizes thoughtful space planning, premium materials, and acoustic insulation that together create a cocoon of comfort suitable for long journeys or high-profile travel. The overall experience is intended to convey a sense of luxury without sacrificing practicality, making the LS7 a compelling option for executives and enthusiasts alike.
Under the hood, the LS7 is powered by a robust 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine delivering about 360 horsepower. This powerplant is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, known for its smooth, responsive shifts and strong torque delivery across a wide rev range. The drivetrain setup is tailored to provide confident acceleration as well as refined highway cruising, with tuning that aims to balance performance with efficiency. The driving experience is further enhanced by contemporary electronic aids and chassis control systems designed to optimize traction, stability, and steering precision, delivering a confident and composed ride in a variety of conditions.
In related industry news, Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors has begun certification activities for the Tank 500 SUV within Russia. The Tank 500 is positioned to compete in the same mid-to-full-size SUV segment as vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser 200, offering a blend of rugged capability and modern features. This development indicates a broader push by Chinese brands to expand globally and challenge established models in key markets, particularly where loyal off-road performance remains highly valued. The Tank 500’s ongoing certification process suggests potential entrants into the market that could influence pricing, feature availability, and consumer choices in the region, shaping a more dynamic competitive landscape for premium and utility-oriented SUVs alike.