The Hongqi L-Concept is the Definition of Luxury
Hongqi is the Bentley of China. For decades, Hongqi has been the official limousine for Chinese leaders, and it is the only car brand that China provides to foreign leaders when visiting China. Historically, the brand’s design language has been conservative and traditional. However, it appears to be becoming more adventurous. The brand recently revealed the L-Concept concept car at the 2021 Shanghai International Auto Show, giving us a glimpse of the future of luxury.
Hongqi L-Concept Exterior
The L in L-Concept possibly stands for luxury. The overall proportion is very coupe-like, and the intricate lines of the LED headlights catches your attention. The red line down the center of the hood subtly reminds you this is still a Red Flag vehicle (Hongqi means red flag in Chinese). The finned taillight and the diamond shape pattern on the rear window would not look out of place on a sci-fi movie spaceship. Powertrain figures are currently unknown; however, it is highly likely with the government’s push towards EVs that this car will be fully electric.
Hongqi L-Concept Interior
The majority of the “Wow” happens in the interior. This car is meant to ride in, not to drive.
First off, there is no front passenger seat. The three-seat layout allows the rear seat on the right side of the vehicle to fully extend to a relaxed state with ample leg room. From the pictures, it appears that the vehicle may feature full autonomous driving, because there isn’t a traditional steering wheel, however there is still a driver’s seat, so I’m assuming there will be a retractable emergency steering wheel hiding somewhere under the dash.
Chandeliers are typically installed in your home, but why not put it in the car as well?
Yes there is a chandelier hanging between the rear seats, which joins the curvature of the panoramic glass roof. The interior dash panels are seeming to be made from high-quality ash wood. The two-tone leather cabin divides the working and the “non-working” class.
This concept car has to be one of the most “in your face” designs I have seen this year. If this car makes to production, I think I would regard it the same way China sees pandas – as a national treasure.
