Does the Hongqi E-HS3 have four-wheel drive?

[DiCarlos]

The Hongqi E-HS3 has four-wheel drive, specifically the 2019 Zhilian Qiling 4WD version. Here is some related information about Hongqi: 1. Brand Philosophy: Hongqi is a premium automotive brand directly operated by FAW. On January 8, 2018, FAW announced the new Hongqi brand strategy, with 'Chinese New Noble Refinement' as its brand philosophy. 2. Strategic Goals: The new Hongqi strategy aims to establish Hongqi as a 'New Noble Brand' that is 'Number One in China and World Famous,' meeting consumers' aspirations for a 'beautiful life and wonderful travel' in the new era, and shouldering the historical mission of strengthening China's automotive industry.

[JoshuaLee]

The currently available versions of the Hongqi E-HS3 are all front-wheel drive, without a four-wheel drive system. This all-electric SUV comes in two configurations: the base model and the flagship model, both equipped with a front-mounted single motor. Although it carries the prestigious Hongqi badge, none of the variants offer four-wheel drive. If you're looking for more stable handling in rain or snow, you might want to consider other models. That said, the car's chassis is well-tuned and more than adequate for city driving. Many domestic brands' all-electric SUVs also primarily offer two-wheel drive versions, as it helps save on energy consumption.

[LaJaxon]

I've researched this car for a friend and can confirm that the Hongqi E-HS3 doesn't offer all-wheel drive across its entire lineup. Both front and rear axles feature conventional suspension structures, and there's no visible space for a driveshaft under the trunk. The motor comes in two power variants: 114kW for the base model and only 120kW for the higher trim - which would indeed be underwhelming for an AWD system. That said, it's perfectly adequate for daily commuting, with an NEDC-rated range of 407 km. The charging port cleverly hidden behind the Hongqi logo on the front is a neat touch, though drivers in northern winters should note the potential for rear-wheel drive slip.

[OEden]

After checking the parameters on the Hongqi official website, the E-HS3 indeed does not offer a four-wheel drive configuration. Currently, there are only two models available for the 2021 version: the Zhilian Qiyue Edition and the Zhilian Qiling Edition, both equipped with front-mounted permanent magnet motors. The vehicle has an unladen ground clearance of around 140mm, offering slightly better off-road capability than sedans, but it's still advisable to be cautious on rough roads. Its battery pack is flat-mounted on the chassis, resulting in a low center of gravity, which provides good stability during cornering. One notable drawback is the lack of a snow mode, and owners from my hometown in Northeast China generally report needing to switch to snow tires during winter.

[DelCora]

After test driving this car, I can responsibly say that the Hongqi E-HS3 is exclusively front-wheel drive across all variants. It features a 52.5kWh battery capacity with only one drivetrain configuration. Although the Chinese characters 'Electric AWD' on the rear (actually indicating the drivetrain position) might cause confusion, the AWD version was never mass-produced. In daily driving, the front-wheel drive is actually sufficient, with a turning radius of just 5.1 meters, making it particularly agile for U-turns in alleys. On the highway, pushing the accelerator to the limit can reach 160km/h, though the range drops relatively quickly. The built-in battery pre-heating function in the infotainment system is quite practical.

[Katie]

Recently, I did some research to help my cousin choose a car. The Hongqi E-HS3 indeed never had a four-wheel-drive version. It only has a single drive motor with a maximum torque of just 340N·m, making it impossible to fit a four-wheel-drive structure. The fast charging feature, which can reach 80% in 30 minutes, is quite good. However, the actual range can drop to just over 300 kilometers when using the heater in winter. The car weighs over 1.8 tons, and the front-wheel drive occasionally causes wheel spin during acceleration. If you really want a four-wheel-drive electric car, you might want to wait for the upcoming new energy version of the Hongqi HS5.