In the last decade, the Chinese automobile industry has made a real breakthrough - from copying budget models to creating premium cars that can compete with European brands. One of the most discussed topics was Hongqi H9 - a flagship sedan, which many call the “Chinese Rolls-Royce” due to its external resemblance to Rolls-Royce Phantom. But to what extent is this similarity justified? Is Hongqi H9 a cheap copy or an independent product with unique features?
Experts and car enthusiasts disagree: some claim that the Chinese brand simply borrowed design solutions, others see this as a strategic move to capture the premium car market. In this article we will look at technical specifications, design parallels, pricing policy and real owner reviewsto see if it's worth it Hongqi H9 attention of those who dream of Rolls-Royce, but not ready to pay millions.
We'll also answer a key question: can a Chinese car really replace a British legend, or is it just a marketing ploy to attract attention?
1. External design: where does inspiration end and plagiarism begin?
The first thing that catches your eye when comparing Hongqi H9 and Rolls-Royce Phantom - This is the front part of the body. Both cars have:
- 🔹 Massive radiator grille with vertical slats (at Hongqi it is made in the style of traditional Chinese ornament).
- 🔹 High hood with smooth lines, creating the effect of “royal posture”.
- 🔹 Round headlights, although Hongqi H9 they are more angular and modern.
- 🔹 Long body with an extended wheelbase (3110 mm for Hongqi versus 3552 mm for Phantom).
However, upon closer inspection, key differences become apparent. For example, Hongqi H9 has a more aggressive profile with sharp lines on the sidewalls, while Rolls-Royce maintains classic smoothness. The rear of the Chinese sedan is also original: there is no copying of “ship” shapes Phantom, and the LED strip stretches across the entire width of the trunk, which is more reminiscent of solutions Mercedes-Maybach.
Expert opinion: Designers Hongqi really inspired Rolls-Royce, but did not copy it in its pure form. The brand used the “language of luxury” that is associated with premium sedans: a long hood, a high silhouette, chrome elements. It's more likely positioning strategythan plagiarism - the same as Bentley or Maybach play on images of classic British luxury.
⚠️ Attention: In some countries (for example, the United States), patent laws allow the protection of unique design elements of cars. However Rolls-Royce never filed a lawsuit against Hongqi, which indirectly confirms the absence of direct plagiarism.
2. Technical characteristics: what’s under the hood of the “Chinese Rolls-Royce”?
If appearance Hongqi H9 evokes associations with Rolls-Royce, then the “filling” is radically different. Installed under the hood of a Chinese sedan 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine (model JL483QE) power 299 hp and torque 400 Nm. For comparison, basic Rolls-Royce Phantom equipped 6.75 liter V12 power 563 hp and 900 Nm torque.
However Hongqi H9 It is not positioned as a sports car. His main trump cards are:
- 🛋️ Comfortable suspension with pneumatic elements and adaptive shock absorbers (system
CAS— Continuously Controlled Air Suspension). - 🎛️ Four-wheel drive with torque distribution along the axes (system AWD from BorgWarner).
- 🔋 Hybrid version (model Hongqi H9 PHEV) with a 120 kW electric motor and an electric range of up to 50 km.
- 🛡️ Security level according to standard C-NCAP — 5 stars (test 2021).
| Parameter | Hongqi H9 (2023) | Rolls-Royce Phantom (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0 V6 Turbo (299 hp) | 6.75 V12 Twin-Turbo (563 hp) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 7.5 sec. | 5.3 sec. |
| Max. speed | 220 km/h | 250 km/h (limited) |
| Gearbox | 8-st. automatic (ZF) | 8-st. automatic (ZF) |
| Price (Russia, 2026) | from 8,500,000 ₽ | from 45,000,000 ₽ |
Key Takeaway: Hongqi H9 loses Rolls-Royce in power and dynamics, but not inferior in comfort and equipment. For example, the adaptive cruise control system (ACC) the Chinese sedan works no worse than its European competitors, and the sound insulation of the cabin is assessed by experts at the level Mercedes S-Class.
The Hongqi H9 is not a direct competitor to the Rolls-Royce Phantom - it is a premium car, not an ultra-luxury one. Its main competitors: Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 L.
3. Interior: Chinese luxury vs British classics
If the exterior Hongqi H9 is controversial, the interior definitely stands out from other Chinese cars. The interior is finished:
- 🪑 Genuine Nappa leather with perforation and contrast stitching (12 color options available).
- 🌲 Wooden inserts made of walnut or bamboo (hand polished).
- 💎 Chrome elements and aluminum trim on the steering wheel and panel.
- 🎶 Audio system Bose with 18 speakers and format support
Dolby Atmos.
However, there are also characteristic “Chinese” features that not everyone will like:
- 📱 Two touch screens (12.3-inch for the media system and 10.25-inch for climate control), which some owners call “overloaded”.
- 🎭 Interior lighting with 64 colors (including “Chinese red” - the brand’s signature shade).
- 🛋️ Massage chairs with 18 modes (including acupressure of the lower back and cervical region).
Comparison with Rolls-Royce: B Phantom The interior is designed in a “handmade” style - every element is assembled by hand, and the choice of materials is almost limitless (including exotic woods and custom leather trims). Hongqi H9 offers a high level of customization, but without the same depth of personalization. But the Chinese sedan wins in technology: for example, there is face recognition system to set up a driver profile and head-up display with augmented reality (AR-HUD).
⚠️ Attention: In some trim levels Hongqi H9 artificial leather is used instead of natural leather. When purchasing, check with the dealer what material is used in the selected version - this can significantly affect the tactile sensations.
What is "Chinese Red" in Hongqi H9?
This is the signature shade of the Hongqi brand, which symbolizes prosperity and good luck in Chinese culture. It is used not only in interior lighting, but also in the logo, as well as in exterior finishing elements. Interestingly, this color was personally approved by Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of national branding.
4. Price and Ownership: Why is Hongqi H9 5 times cheaper than Rolls-Royce?
Main advantage Hongqi H9 before Rolls-Royce Phantom - this is the price. In 2026, the cost of a new Hongqi H9 in Russia starts from 8.5 million rubles, whereas Phantom will cost at least 45 million rubles. The difference is more than 5 times! But what justifies such a difference?
Firstly, production cost:
- Rolls-Royce It is assembled by hand at a factory in Goodwood (England), where up to 400 hours of labor are required per car.
- Hongqi H9 Produced in a highly automated factory in Changchun, China, using robots and assembly line assembly.
Secondly, brand and prestige:
- Rolls-Royce is a status symbol, history since 1906 and limited edition (about 6,000 cars per year).
- Hongqi - a brand since 1958, but until recently it was known only in China as a “government” car (Mao Zedong and other PRC leaders drove it).
Thirdly, cost of ownership:
- Service Rolls-Royce costs 1.5–2 million rubles per year (including insurance, maintenance and depreciation).
- Hongqi H9 requires approximately 300–500 thousand rubles per year (spare parts are cheaper, and the warranty covers 5 years or 150 thousand km).
Interesting fact: In China Hongqi H9 costs even less - from 350,000 yuan (~3.5 million rubles), but export versions undergo additional modifications to European standards, which increases the price.
If you're considering the Hongqi H9 as an alternative to a used Rolls-Royce, note that the Chinese sedan will be cheaper to maintain, but its resale value after 3-5 years will fall more than the British brand.
5. Owner reviews: pros and cons of Hongqi H9
Real reviews about Hongqi H9 are divided into two camps: those who are delighted with the price/quality ratio, and those who are disappointed by the “crudeness” of some solutions. Here's what the owners say:
Pros:
- ✅ Comfortable suspension - “drives like a cloud, better than the Mercedes S-Class 2018” (review from Drive2).
- ✅ Rich equipment - “for this money you get everything: ventilated seats, massage, premium audio system.”
- ✅ Appearance - “in the parking lot next to the Bentley, no one can tell the difference; many people think it’s a European car.”
- ✅ Warranty — “5 years without mileage limitation is a serious plus.”
Cons:
- ❌ Build quality — “the plastic on the dashboard creaks after six months, the steering play is noticeable after 20 thousand km” (review from Auto.ru).
- ❌ Electronics - “sometimes the multimedia glitches, especially when connecting CarPlay.”
- ❌ Dynamics - “300 hp.” It’s not enough for a 2.5-ton car; you have to overtake with a margin.”
- ❌ Noise insulation - “at speeds above 120 km/h you can hear noise from the wheels, like a business sedan, not a premium one.”
Expert summary: Hongqi H9 - this is a good option for those who want a premium car with an original design and rich equipment, but are not ready to overpay for the brand. However, if you expect a level Rolls-Royce or Bentley, disappointment is inevitable - the Chinese sedan is still inferior to its European competitors in detail.
Specify what kind of leather is used in the cabin (natural or artificial)
Check multimedia operation (especially CarPlay/Android Auto)
Pay attention to play in the steering
Drive at speeds above 100 km/h to evaluate the sound insulation
Check the service history (even new cars can have hidden defects) -->
6. Alternatives to Hongqi H9: what else to consider in the premium segment?
If Hongqi H9 If you are interested, but have doubts, here are several alternatives in the same price range (8–12 million rubles):
| Model | Price (2026) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Maybach S-Class | from 11,000,000 ₽ | Legendary comfort, brand prestige, best sound insulation in the class | High maintenance cost, conservative design |
| BMW 7 Series (G70) | from 9,500,000 ₽ | Sports dynamics, modern electronics, hybrid versions | Controversial design, stiff suspension in sport mode |
| Audi A8 L | from 10,000,000 ₽ | Discreet luxury, reliability, all-wheel drive Quattro | Less status image than Maybach or Rolls-Royce |
| Lexus LS 500h | from 8,800,000 ₽ | Legendary reliability, hybrid powertrain, impeccable service | Boring design, weak dynamics |
What to choose?
- If it is important to you status — Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
- If needed sporty character — BMW 7 Series.
- If in first place reliability — Lexus LS.
- If you want unusual design and rich equipment — Hongqi H9.
7. The future of Hongqi: what awaits the brand in the global market?
Brand Hongqi (translated as “Red Banner”) is actively expanding its presence outside of China. In 2026, the company announced entry into the markets of Europe and the Middle East, and also plans to launch an all-electric model Hongqi E-HS9 - competitor Tesla Model X and Mercedes EQS.
Plans for the next 3–5 years:
- 🚀 Entering the US market by 2026 (for now only in the form of test deliveries).
- 🔋 Development of hybrid and electric technologies (a range of up to 700 km is declared for the new platform).
- 🤖 Implementation of level autopilot L3 (already being tested in China).
- 🏆 Participation in races 24 Hours of Nürburgring to promote the brand's sporting image.
Expert forecast: Hongqi unlikely to become a direct competitor Rolls-Royce or Bentley, but can occupy the niche of “affordable luxury”, similar to how Genesis (Korean premium brand) competes with Mercedes and BMW. The main obstacle is brand perception: Many buyers find it difficult to accept a Chinese car as a status symbol.
Critical detail: In 2023 Hongqi became the official supplier of cars for the BRICS summit in China, which significantly strengthened its image in the international arena.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Hongqi H9
❓ Is it true that Hongqi H9 copies Rolls-Royce?
Hongqi H9 really has external similarities with Rolls-Royce Phantom, especially in the front end design. However, this is not direct plagiarism, but the use of common elements of the “language of luxury”: a long hood, a vertical radiator grille, massive shapes. The cars are very different inside and technically.
❓ How reliable is Hongqi H9? Are there any problems with electronics?
According to reviews from owners, the main complaints are made to multimedia system (sometimes it freezes when connecting smartphones) and suspension (creaks appear after 30–50 thousand km). However, there are fewer serious breakdowns characteristic of the first batches (2019–2020) in the new models. The 5 year warranty covers most potential problems.
❓ Is it possible to buy a used Hongqi H9? What should you pay attention to?
On the secondary market Hongqi H9 appeared relatively recently (the first batches are from 2020). When purchasing, check:
- 🔧 Service history (especially oil and filter changes - Chinese engines are sensitive to low-quality consumables).
- 🎛️ Electronics operation (test all multimedia and climate control functions).
- 🚗 Condition of the suspension (pneumatic elements may require replacement after 80–100 thousand km).
Used prices Hongqi H9 (2020–2022) start from 5–6 million rubles.
❓ What kind of fuel should I put in Hongqi H9?
Manufacturer recommends gasoline AI-95 or AI-98. Usage AI-92 may lead to detonation and increased engine wear. In the hybrid version (Hongqi H9 PHEV) fuel does not affect the operation of the electric motor, but must also meet the standard Euro 6.
❓ Where to service Hongqi H9 in Russia?
Official dealers Hongqi there are in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. In other cities, service can be obtained from brand partners (for example, in services that work with FAW - parent company Hongqi). Parts take 2-4 weeks to ship from China, but critical parts (such as turbos or suspension components) are usually in stock.