[GnatGoSplat]

The Hongqi H7 is a Chinese luxury sedan based on the 13th gen Toyota Crown (S200) with the wheelbase extended by 12cm. The basic platform is the same as the Crown, but exterior sheetmetal is exclusive to Hongqi. It's a bit longer than a Crown at 5,095 mm (200.6 in). From what I've read about them, they're seldom seen in colors other than black. They were made from 2013 to current. The H7 has a smooth, clean, understated look that to some might look a bit plain or dated - its styling could easily pass for late 90s or early 2000s. However, I quite like it as I'm a fan of 90s-00s wedge-shaped bubble styling. In 2016, the H7 got a facelift which gave it a taller, more imposing grille and updated headlights and taillights. This model is the facelift version. I might actually prefer the sleeker look of the pre-facelift better, but I didn't realize till after I'd bought it that a model of the pre-facelift exists. I'd say the facelift changes make it stand out more and probably looks more stately.

The model itself is very nice quality, pretty much what you'd expect from Chinese dealer editions. The bottom of the box says, "Manufacturer: Shanghai Jihui International Trade Co. Ltd." (direct translation from Chinese by Google Translate). Sounds more like a distributor than a manufacturer to me. 🤷‍♂️ It's quite heavy, has a metal chassis, working suspension, fuel door opens, moonroof pops up, moonroof shade can slide open/closed, rear seat armrest can be lowered, mirrors fold, front seats slide forward/back, and trunk floor can open revealing a spare tire. Tinted rear windows gives it a more premium feel.

Has doglegs, unfortunately, but also has hood struts. Engine cover does not come off. 2.0T 4-cylinder, I assume. Not sure if made by Toyota.

Everything opens, moonroof pops open and fuel door too.

2-tone dark brown and black interior.

Looks pretty good here, except the side of the dash looks a bit rough.

Rear armrest down.

Tried to get a shot of the headliner, but it came out blurry.

Carpeted trunk lid trim.

New vs old. The H9 was originally believed to be the successor of the H7, but they now sell them both along side each other with the H9 being more upscale.

Here with something more familiar to the Western world. BMW 750Li F02.

The Kyosho BMW is a featherweight compared to this H7. The H7 feels twice as heavy.

 

[BK1]

Very nice addition. I had never heard of the model or brand until you posted. It seems to be a quality piece even with the doglegs on the hood (which I've noticed other dealer editions from other manufactures have as well and aren't terrible looking unlike those where the hinges are in the middle). It has some great detailing and nice touches.

Are you sure that's a 4? That engine cover looks to be covering a longitudinal engine which I'd imagine would be at least a 6 if not 8. I also like the overall look of the H7 as the H9 has a bit of that bulky truck look to it. Nonetheless a nice add to your growing collection.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

I'm not positive, but it's badged as a 4. The 2.0T badging on the trunk means it has the CA4GC20T engine which is 4-cyl.
This review shows the same engine cover, and the author mentions it's the 2.0T, but for some reason, the badging looks like 3.6T on the car in the photos, so I'm not sure what's going on.

The Hongqi H7 has a stable appearance, a length of 5095mm, a spacious space, and a 204-horsepower engine

www.laitimes.com

I guess it could really be anything under that engine cover.

The H9 does have a bulky truck look in the front, but a sleek fastback shape from windshield on back. Pretty odd looking car, that and the fact it's not something I'd ever see on the roads here, made it an appealing model to get. I also feel like the H7 fits my taste better.

 

[stevenmweiner]

Handsome pieces with nice details!

 

[D N'D-Land]

I really love the H9, I added it as well when it was released. As much as I love the regular and CDM Toyota Crown variants, I could not bring myself to like the H7, so I passed on it. It felt like HongQi was trying to make something like an Audi with the H7? It just never excited me. However, the model is looking really good and I'm so glad to see more models like this featured on DX!👏 Thanks for sharing!🥂

 

[GnatGoSplat]

I feel like I see a lot of early Chinese Buick influence in the design, especially of the pre-facelift.
The rounded wedge side profile and vertical grille reminds me of the earlier Chinese Buick sedans. Put a Buick badge right in the middle of the pre-facelift grille and I don't think anyone would give it a second look.

Given that it came out in 2013 and Buicks were considered desirable and upscale in China up till then, I think it might be at least one possible source of inspiration.

 

[D N'D-Land]

I feel like I see a lot of early Chinese Buick influence in the design, especially of the pre-facelift.
The rounded wedge side profile and vertical grille reminds me of the earlier Chinese Buick sedans. Put a Buick badge right in the middle of the pre-facelift grille and I don't think anyone would give it a second look.

Given that it came out in 2013 and Buicks were considered desirable and upscale in China up till then, I think it might be at least one possible source of inspiration.

You really nailed it on the head! It totally looks like it could be one of the Holden Statesmen based Chinese Buicks!!!!💯❗❗❗

 

[jazzy426]

These full size saloons look great in gloss black! To be honest H7 does look a little boring next to their current flagship H9 mainly because I find that to be somewhat similar to most other full size saloons i.e. BMW 7 series, Genesis or Lexus but in a way it is good for those who want a more discreet looking saloon. H9 definitely stands out me think. Easily one of my top wish list for full size limo/saloons.