What are the purchase requirements for the Hongqi L5?
4 Answers
To purchase a Hongqi L5, you need to meet the following conditions: possession of 5 million yuan in cash, high social recognition, and passing a political review. Here are some details about the Hongqi L5: 1. Body dimensions: The new Hongqi L5 measures 5555/2018/1578mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3435mm. These dimensions place it in the same class as the Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended, Phantom Standard, and Bentley Mulsanne. However, it falls slightly short when compared to the 6-meter-long Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended. 2. Interior: The Hongqi L5's interior features Fujian Shen's "Da Qi" blue-and-white porcelain panels, meticulously crafted by renowned artisans, replacing traditional wood trim. The cabin is upholstered with Scottish full-grain calfskin, hand-stitched for a luxurious feel, and offers an optional starlight headliner for an ultimate sense of opulence. 3. Powertrain: The new car is powered by a 6.0L V12 engine, delivering a maximum power of 300kW (408PS) and a peak torque of 550N•m. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and features a four-wheel-drive system. In terms of specifications alone, the Hongqi L5's powertrain does not match the performance of Bentley's or Rolls-Royce's large-displacement turbocharged engines, and there is also a gap in transmission specifications.
The Hongqi L5 isn't a car you can buy just by having money. I've been following it for a long time. First, you must pass a political background check - your identity must be clean with no criminal record, and you need to be a socially influential figure, such as an entrepreneur or celebrity. The screening is extremely strict; I know someone who applied but didn't pass. The price is another barrier - the base model costs over 5 million yuan, with custom versions being even more expensive. Moreover, you need to place an order a year in advance with a million-yuan deposit, and the handcrafted customization process takes an exceptionally long time. Simply put, this is China's ultimate status symbol car - there are probably only a few hundred people nationwide who can drive one, making it even harder to obtain than a Rolls-Royce.
Last time I visited the Hongqi Experience Center, the salesperson mentioned that purchasing a Hongqi L5 requires a special procedure. First, you need to fill out an application form and wait for a background check on your identity, which requires submitting proof of assets and materials demonstrating social contributions. Only after passing the review can you place an order, with a customization period of 12-18 months and a deposit of 1.5 million yuan. Most crucially, the owner must have a positive public image, such as being an entrepreneur or cultural figure recognized by the government—ordinary wealthy individuals need not apply. This car has an annual production limit of 100 units and is equipped with a fully handcrafted V12 engine.
When it comes to the purchasing conditions for the Hongqi L5, there are essentially three key hurdles: identity verification, financial capability, and waiting time. The identity check involves political vetting and background investigations, typically requiring recipients of provincial-level honors or above. Financially, one must prepare at least 6 million RMB (including customization taxes and fees). The most challenging aspect is the waiting period—averaging 18 months from order placement to vehicle delivery, during which multiple customization confirmations are required. An owner I know mentioned it's more tedious than buying a private jet, but driving it on the road is truly majestic, and the solid gold sunflower emblem alone makes it worth the price.
