Hongqi unveils a BMW i5 rival: the Tiangong 05 sedan

China superluxury brand Hongqi has unveiled the Tiangong 05, a pure electric sedan the size of a BMW i5 and the second model in its Tiangong series, which is compatible with battery swapping technology. A market launch is scheduled for later this year, but whether the model will be exported to Europe remains unconfirmed.

The Tiangong 05 joins the Tiangong 08 luxury SUV, released last year, and is the production version of the Hongqi E009 concept showcased at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.

The Tiangong 05 features a cab-rearward design with a flush, grille-free nose, and slim daytime running lights, emphasizing the aerodynamics quintessential for the range of electric vehicles.

A rival for German premium

From the side, the sedan’s fastback silhouette, 18-inch petal-shaped rims, and pop-out door handles enhance this streamlined appearance. At the rear, a ‘Y’-shaped taillight group adds a futuristic touch. No official pictures of the interior were released.

The Tiangong 05 measures 4,820 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height and has a 2,900 mm wheelbase. With curb weight options of 1,890 kg and 2,018 kg, the sedan is a premium offering to competitors like the Audi A6 e-Tron, BMW i5, or Mercedes EQ.

A rivalry that will materialize first in its home market. Even though Hongqi is present in Europe – imported by Hedin Automotive in Belgium – momentum remains weak outside China, where the company recorded record sales last year.

Hongqi sold over 410,000 vehicles in 2024, a 17.4% year-on-year increase. However, Tiangong 05 enters a competitive arena where it must contend with domestic and international players. In Belgium, Hongqi wasn’t listed in the sales charts last year.

Up to 750 km range

Powered by a 210 kW (282 hp) electric motor, the Tiangong 05 achieves a top speed of 200 km/hour. Thanks to lithium iron phosphate battery packs supplied by the CATL-FAW joint venture and CATL, the vehicle offers two CLTC, and thus optimistic, cruising ranges—550 km and 750 km. Detailed battery specifications remain under wraps, but the Tiangong 05 is expected to jump on the bandwagon of battery swapping.

This aligns with Hongqi’s recent partnership with CATL to adopt the Choco-SEB swap technology, which aims to reduce charging times to mere minutes. The move forms part of Hongqi’s broader push to integrate battery-swapping capabilities into its NEV lineup, a strategy echoed by other Chinese automakers like Changan and Nio.

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