Hongqi E-HS9: The Affordable Rolls-Royce Cullinan Lookalike
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, renowned as one of the most opulent and expensive vehicles globally, is a symbol of luxury and aspiration. Its impeccable design and luxury have made it an object of desire for many. However, in the world of automotive inspiration, Chinese car brands often take their admiration to a new level by closely emulating the designs of renowned global cars. Hongqi, a Chinese car brand, has now unveiled the all-new Hongqi E-HS9, an electric vehicle that bears a striking resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
A Luxury Lookalike: Hongqi E-HS9
A recent video from the YouTube channel of Rajni Chaudhary offers a comprehensive look at the Hongqi E-HS9, which is heavily inspired by the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This electric luxury vehicle is an electrified version of the Hongqi HS9, already available in the Chinese car market as the brand’s flagship product.
Design Inspirations
The design of the Hongqi E-HS9 draws significant inspiration from the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. It features a dual-tone paint scheme, reminiscent of the Cullinan, with contrasting shades on the bonnet, pillars, and roof. The front grille proudly displays vertical slats, a nod to the iconic Rolls-Royce styling. Additionally, the E-HS9 incorporates a split design theme for its headlamps, with upper LED DRLs that serve as turn indicators and lower trapezoidal-shaped all-LED headlamps.
Design Elements
Several design elements of the Hongqi E-HS9 echo those of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. These include multi-spoke alloy wheels, door-mounted rearview mirrors, and angular D-pillars. The vehicle also features cues from models of other car manufacturers, with an angular C-pillar design inspired by the Cadillac Escalade and a massive LED tail lamp assembly reminiscent of the Kia Telluride.
Luxurious Interior
The cabin of the Hongqi E-HS9 exudes luxury and a futuristic ambiance. It boasts a full-TFT screen layout that spans the width of the dashboard. The interior is adorned with high-quality beige leather, faux wood and aluminum trims, and an array of advanced features. This three-row vehicle offers two battery pack options: an 83 kWh battery with a 496 km range and a 120 kWh battery providing a range of 690 km.
Affordable Luxury
Despite its opulent features, inspired design elements, and a strong resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which commands a price tag of Rs 6.95 crore (ex-showroom, India), the Hongqi E-HS9 is an affordable alternative. Priced at $80,000 (approximately Rs 66.50 lakh), it costs merely ten percent of the Cullinan’s price. While it may not match the aspirational status of the Cullinan, which remains the best-selling Rolls-Royce model despite its sky-high price, the Hongqi E-HS9 offers an enticing luxury proposition at a considerably lower cost.
