Is the Hongqi HS5 a Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive?

[HaleyAnn]

The top-tier model of the Hongqi HS5 offers a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Here are the relevant details: 1. Exterior: The overall design of the Hongqi HS5 features a stylish and sporty appearance. The front fascia boasts a large-sized family-style grille with vertical slats, and the central grille trim is treated in red, which will become a signature feature for future Hongqi models. The traditional vertical emblem will no longer be used. The design is complemented by sharp-looking LED headlights and a front bumper with large air intakes, creating a bold and distinctive look. 2. The side profile of the new car moves away from the traditional hard-line design of Hongqi, adopting a more rounded and sporty shape. The rich waistline enhances the three-dimensional effect of the side view. At the rear, the taillight design incorporates new elements, with LED lighting for a more modern look. The chrome trim connecting the taillights not only elevates the sense of luxury but also visually widens the rear of the car.

[MacMax]

I've been driving the Hongqi HS5 for almost two years now, and this car definitely isn't full-time four-wheel drive. I specifically chose the four-wheel-drive version, which the manufacturer calls an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, but it's actually an on-demand four-wheel-drive system. When driving in the city, it's mostly front-wheel drive, which is fuel-efficient and quiet. Only when encountering rainy or snowy weather or rough roads do the rear wheels kick in. Last week, I went camping in the suburbs, and when going through muddy patches, I could clearly feel the rear wheels suddenly engage, like someone gave me a push from behind. I've driven a friend's Audi Q5 with full-time four-wheel drive, and the feeling of all four wheels always being engaged is different, plus the fuel consumption is at least two to three liters higher. Hongqi's system is quite cleverly designed, ensuring both safety and savings.

[MacPeter]

Having worked in car sales for five or six years, I can say the Hongqi HS5 series doesn't come with full-time four-wheel drive. Its intelligent on-demand four-wheel drive system is quite reliable, distributing power in real-time through the torque manager under the chassis. I often demonstrate a scenario to customers: when the front wheels are on ice and the rear wheels have grip, the system can transfer 80% of the power to the rear wheels in just 0.2 seconds. Compared to full-time four-wheel drive that constantly burns fuel for all four wheels, this design is more practical for family cars. Just the other day, I delivered a car to a customer from Northeast China who specifically tested starting on snow. When the four-wheel drive engages, a small icon lights up on the dashboard, right next to the tire pressure monitoring.

[AliceMarie]

Having researched domestic cars for many years, I have a clear understanding of the drive system of the Hongqi HS5. It is equipped with BorgWarner's NexTrac on-demand four-wheel drive system, with a central multi-plate clutch controlling power distribution. On regular paved roads, it primarily operates in front-wheel drive mode, but can transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle when front wheels slip. Last year during my test drive in Changbai Mountain, the four-wheel drive automatically engaged when climbing a 30-degree snowy slope. Compared to full-time four-wheel drive systems in hardcore off-road vehicles, this system prioritizes fuel efficiency, and the vehicle is over 100kg lighter than full-time four-wheel drive models. If you truly want full-time four-wheel drive at this price point, you might consider looking at used Audi vehicles.

[MadelynDella]

Last time during maintenance, I specifically asked the technician about the working logic of my Hongqi HS5 AWD version: the four-wheel drive engages during starts and rapid acceleration, and it switches to two-wheel drive when cruising above 60km/h under normal conditions. Last week during heavy rain on an elevated turn, I could feel the outer rear wheel working hard. I've also driven full-time AWD cars like the Subaru Forester, which consistently consumes over 10 liters per 100km. The Hongqi's on-demand AWD system averages around 8.5 liters per 100km, with lower maintenance costs—changing the differential oil is half the price compared to full-time AWD. It's recommended that northern owners check the AWD sensors before winter.

[DeMiguel]

Recently lurking in automotive forums, there's a definitive conclusion about the Hongqi HS5's four-wheel drive: it's an all-series on-demand 4WD system. The core lies in the ECU calculating power distribution 200 times per second based on over 20 parameters including wheel speed, throttle, and steering. Some car owners have tested that when a single front wheel is lifted, the system can allocate 90% of the power to the grounded rear wheel. Compared to full-time 4WD models that require a central differential lock, Hongqi's structure is simpler and more reliable. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads, it's recommended to install underbody protection plates, as the 4WD module is located in the middle underside of the vehicle.