FAW Hongqi has officially launched its G919, a large hardcore off-road SUV, in China with a starting price of 349,800 yuan (about $49,300). The model is available in three trims: the quad-motor Tuojing (349,800 yuan), the quad-motor Yujing (389,800 yuan), and a limited edition (429,800 yuan). According to NetEase Auto, the launch also introduced a lifetime guardian program covering rescue, fleet support, and extreme recovery services.
Off-road hardware and powertrain
The G919 is built on Hongqi's Honghu off-road platform, inheriting the company's military-vehicle expertise. It features a body-on-frame construction with a high-strength ladder frame, where high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel account for over 90% of the structure, delivering a torsional rigidity of 9,500 N·m per degree. The SUV comes with three locking differentials (front, center, and rear), closed dual-chamber air suspension, and CDC dampers, offering five adjustable height levels. It can wade up to 900 mm, with approach and departure angles of 30 and 32 degrees, respectively, and includes 10 terrain modes for sand, mud, and mountain driving.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged range-extender paired with four electric motors, producing a combined 620 kW (about 831 hp) and 1,320 N·m of torque, with wheel-end torque reaching 18,500 N·m. The G919 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The battery is a 62.9 kWh cylindrical ternary lithium unit from EVE Energy, providing a CLTC electric-only range of 280 km (an estimated WLTP range of about 224-238 km, as CLTC figures are typically 15-20% more optimistic). With an 80-liter fuel tank, the combined range reaches 1,350 km, and the vehicle runs on regular 92-octane gasoline. The 800V silicon-carbide platform allows fast charging from 30% to 80% in 12 minutes.
Design and technology
The G919's design blends Chinese ceremonial aesthetics with a boxy silhouette, featuring a "mountain waterfall" grille, a vertical hood emblem, and round headlights that echo traditional "heaven and earth" motifs. The vehicle measures 5,135 mm long, 2,050 mm wide, and 1,950 mm tall, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. It rides on wide fenders and all-terrain tires, with a side-hinged tailgate and an optional external storage pack.
Inside, the G919 is equipped with a triple-screen layout: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 17.3-inch central touchscreen, and a 17.3-inch rear ceiling screen. The cabin features an 18-speaker Dynaudio sound system with 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos. The vehicle runs on the Lingxi cockpit 5.0 system with a 5nm automotive-grade chip, supporting voice control for over 700 functions. For driver assistance, the G919 uses the Sinan 5.0 Max system, which includes long-range lidar, infrared night vision, and a 540-degree transparent chassis, enabling full-scenario advanced navigation assistance.
The G919's quad-motor system allows millisecond-level independent torque control at each wheel, enabling "stepless" steering with a minimum turning radius of just 2.5 meters, which aids in tight maneuvers and obstacle crossing. This positions the G919 as a competitor in the premium hardcore off-road EV segment, challenging established models with its combination of luxury and capability. The pricing, set at 349,800-429,800 yuan (approximately $49,300-$60,500), is a Chinese guide price before taxes and incentives, and the model is expected to expand Hongqi's high-end product lineup.