Chinese EV maker enters Australian market, with 3 new cars to rival BMW and Range RoverThe Cool DownLeslie SattlerSat, September 26, 2026 at 7:36 PM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: Getty ImagesChinese luxury automaker Hongqi is preparing to enter Australia under the shortened HQ name, with plans to launch three battery-electric models aimed at premium rivals such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Range Rover.HQ is expected to lead with the E-HS9, a three-row electric SUV. The model is set to be shown in Melbourne in October, with the first customer deliveries now scheduled for mid-January 2027.Here's what to knowIn Australia, Hongqi will use the HQ badge for the first time, and its local range is set to be electric-only even though the brand also offers hybrids in China, according to CarExpert.AdvertisementAdvertisementJim Wu, CEO and managing director of HQ Australia, said the company is targeting the highest end of the market."The brand position we hope may be the same, similar to Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi," Wu said, per CarExpert. "We will take market share from Range Rover, that kind of level. From Mercedes-Benz, we will also take some market share, but maybe not so much."HQ's Australian retail footprint is planned to span 15 dealerships, CarExpert reported, with five company-operated locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.HQ is targeting about 1,000 vehicle sales a month around June 2027, once its three confirmed models are all in showrooms.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor comparison, BMW sold 26,842 vehicles in Australia in 2025, while Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 22,850, Audi sold 16,014, and Lexus sold 14,561.More backgroundAs CarExpert reported, HQ is part of FAW Group, China's oldest carmaker, which said it produced 3.3 million vehicles in 2025. Hongqi has long been tied to state limousine production for the Chinese government.For drivers, buying an electric vehicle can mean lower fuel costs and less routine maintenance, since EVs generally have fewer moving parts and don't need oil changes.Advanced tech is also central to HQ's pitch. Wu said the brand wants its vehicles to feel "smart" and simple to use, while spotlighting features such as autonomous driving tech.AdvertisementAdvertisementCarExpert also noted Hongqi's design pedigree. Design chief Giles Taylor previously worked at Rolls-Royce on the Cullinan and latest Phantom.What's being done?Through Hongqi's technology-sharing arrangement with Leapmotor, the confirmed EHS4 SUV will use the LEAP 3.5 modular architecture, according to CarExpert.Charging costs are another factor for prospective buyers. Charging an EV at home often costs about half as much as relying on public chargers, though basic Level 1 charging tends to be slow. Qmerit provides free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home charger installations.Wu put the strategy in national terms, saying, "We hope to build [cars] that show they are Chinese. I think Chinese cars are now respected for their advanced technology."Where can I learn more?These stories help put HQ's Australian launch in context with other EV market news.AdvertisementAdvertisement• In Australia, Nio's Firefly could arrive in right-hand drive as Chinese EV exports accelerate.• XPeng plans an ambitious Europe launch with a high-tech EV priced below Tesla rivals.• BYD is breaking into a new market with a low-cost EV and fresh styling.• In Canada, BYD wants 5-minute EV charging to help Chinese cars gain traction.• BYD's Seagull shows how China's $11K EV could upend entry-level electric cars.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.