⚡ Battery Electric11 commands11 apps6 Gulf tips4 quick tasks6 hacks1 quiz questionsSome estimatesModel 2026 · first launched 2020Reviewed 22 May 2026📖 12 min read
This is a model-family guide; the selected trim's figures come from its car record above. Technical content is temporarily inherited from Hongqi E-HS9; verify the model year and software build before using commands.
Overview
Buyers wanting a statement SUV different from German/American luxury.
Traditional Chinese imperial + modern design
Massage seats + mini fridge + foot rest
Dual Motor AWD 550 hp
5.2m chassis — Chinese Escalade
Watch the car
A quick EV Gulf promo built from verified car photography, plus any available official footage—all playable on-site and ready to share.
EV Gulf Video HubA dedicated video for every guide car
Watch the Hongqi E-HS9 84 kWh Comfort
an EV Gulf spec film
A car worth knowing
Hongqi E-HS9 84 kWh Comfort 2026
Range460 kmBattery84 kWhPower435 HP0–1006.5 s
EV Gulf
Charging
Home · AC
11 kW
~10h full charge
11 kW AC.
Connector: Type 2
Fast · DC
135 kW
10–80% in 36 min
135 kW on 400V — average for size.
400V · Connector: CCS2
Cost per charge
0.2 KWD
home, 0–100%
Gulf charging notes
Huge weight (~3 tons) = higher consumption. Plan charging.
📍 See Kuwait charging stations on the mapOpen map →
Real-world range calculator
See your real range under heat, AC, and speed.
20°50°
80160
Estimated range
303 km
87% of nominal
Estimate — actual range varies with driving style, AC, and weather.
Charging cost calculator
Compare your EV charging cost with petrol fuel.
Electricity rate: 0.002 KWD/kWh
10300
Your yearly cost
10.429 KWD
monthly: 0.857 KWD · daily: 0.029 KWD
If petrol instead
139.613 KWD
Savings
129.184 KWD/yr
−93%
645.92 KWD saved over 5 years — that's more than half a car in some cases.
Estimate — rates vary by tier and time. Public DC fast charging usually 2-3× home cost.
Voice Commands
Choose where your car came from
The same model can understand a completely different language depending on market and software build.
ARArabic· UnsupportedENEnglish· Documented
Wake word
“Hi Hongqi”
11 commands
English is the safe default on global cars. Arabic is not shown as speakable unless it is clearly documented for the model or software build.
❄️ Climate
Activate max cooling
EN
Hi Hongqi, cool the car
🪟 Windows
Open all windows
EN
Hi Hongqi, open windows
🪟 Windows
Close all windows
EN
Hi Hongqi, close windows
🎵 Media
Start music
EN
Hi Hongqi, play music
🧭 Navigation
Navigate home
EN
Hi Hongqi, take me home
🧭 Navigation
Find nearest DC charger
EN
Hi Hongqi, nearest charger
⚡ Charging
Show SoC + range
EN
Hi Hongqi, battery level?
🅿️ Parking
Activate auto-park
EN
Hi Hongqi, park the car
🔓 Activation
Lock car
EN
Hi Hongqi, lock the car
✨ Other
Activate mini-fridge between seats.
EN
Hi Hongqi, mini fridge on
✨ Other
2nd row massage on.
EN
Hi Hongqi, rear seat massage
Voice command library — verified members only
Join free and verify your email + phone to unlock every command in Arabic, English and Chinese — with audio playback and saved shortcuts.
Verify once — it unlocks member perks across the whole platform.
Apps & Software
Official companions, cockpit software, and tools every owner needs — with Gulf availability notes.
🚩
HONGQI App (International)
Verified
✅ Official
FAW's international owner app — remote control for official Hongqi EVs
•Status query (battery, doors, location)
•Remote unlock and temperature control
•Works with E-HS9 and official MENA models
🌍 A real international build exists on the stores. China grey imports fall back to the Chinese app with +86 registration.
iOS🤖 AndroidFree
🧰
Import Screen Toolkit
Verified
🧩 Third-party
The community-proven kit to get YouTube, Google Maps and an Arabic keyboard onto your imported car's screen
•GBox (free): runs Google services — YouTube, Google Maps, Netflix — in a sandbox on GMS-less screens
•Aurora Store (free, open source): download Play Store apps with no Google account, straight from the screen
•Gboard: Arabic/English typing replacing the Chinese-only factory keyboard on imports
•Google Maps or Waze on the factory screen — full Gulf coverage unlike the Chinese factory nav
•Install: ADB from a laptop (adb install -g) — the same path i99dash uses. On BYD install AppManager first to unlock installs
🌍 Proven by thousands of owners (XDA + Russian and Gulf communities). Verified caveats: BYD removed ADB in v1.7+ (newer units need a downgrade or an AI Box), OTA updates can wipe apps, and video on the driver screen while moving is illegal and unsafe. APKs must be arm64-v8a.
Adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to any Android car screen
•Full CarPlay + Android Auto, wired and wireless
•No wiring changes — plugs into USB, fully reversible
•Online firmware upgrades via the AutoKit app
🌍 Thousands of Amazon owner reviews — the standard in the head-unit scene. On newer locked BYD DiLink units owners use the AI Box hardware variant instead of the APK — warranty-safe and non-invasive.
🖥️ Car Screen🤖 AndroidAPK free · dongle ~$60-90Website
🎬
Fermata Auto
Verified
🧩 Third-party
Unlocks YouTube, IPTV, video and web browsing inside Android Auto — free and open source
•Local video, IPTV (m3u) and YouTube on the car screen via Android Auto
•Built-in web browser and screen mirroring
•Works without root on Android 14/15/16
🌍 Installs on your phone (not the head unit) and needs developer mode + Unknown sources in Android Auto settings. For cars with Android Auto. Video while driving is unsafe and illegal — passengers and parked use only.
•Works with any ELM327 Bluetooth adapter (~$10-30)
•Reads/clears fault codes on most brands
🌍 Used-buyer alert: true battery health (SOH) is NOT exposed via standard OBD on BYD — you get SoC and voltages only. For an authoritative report before buying a used BYD: dealer diagnostic (VDS) or a pro tool like the Foxwell NT710.
Switch climate to Recirculation. Clean cabin filter bi-weekly during storm season.
👑
Royal Gulf presence
E-HS9 is a statement car. Stands out in Riyadh/Abu Dhabi. Rivals Escalade IQ.
🔧
Limited Hongqi service
Service network still expanding. KSA: 1 dealer. UAE: 1 dealer. Parts may take 1-2 weeks.
Summer Survival Mode
0/10 · 0%
Checklist to prep your EV for 50°C summers. Each item extends battery life and improves your daily drive.
Keys & Access
Hongqi App
Recommended
Bluetooth.
Key fob
Gold-tone remote.
Driving Assist
Hongqi Pilot
L2
ACC + Lane keep.
360° Surround
Full cameras.
Safety
⭐
C-NCAP 5 stars
Top safety.
🎈
10 airbags
Comprehensive.
Quick Tasks
How do I X — quick tasks every owner should know.
❄️
Pre-cool before driving
Open the car app
Climate → Pre-cool
Set timer (5-15 min)
Get in cooled
🌙
Schedule night charging
Plug in
Charge → Schedule
Set 23:00 - 06:00
Save — car charges automatically
🏕️
Camp Mode for sleeping
Park in P
Activate Camp Mode from menu
AC stays on without key
Uses ~1 kWh/hour
🔄
Software update
Connect to WiFi
Settings → Software → Check Update
Accept if available
Updates while parked (30-90 min)
Hacks & Secrets
Hidden features, easter eggs, and tricks you won't find in the manual — from real owners.
🌴Gulf-Specific
Pre-cool from the app at home
Open the car app 10 min before leaving. Cabin cools, battery pre-conditions for charging. Saves time, max comfort in 50° summers.
💰Money Saver
Schedule charging at off-peak rates
In countries with time-of-use rates (UAE Slab 1), schedule 23:00-06:00 to save 20-40% on your electricity bill.
🛋️Comfort
Camp Mode for sleeping or waiting
Park in P, enable Camp Mode from menu or voice command. AC stays on, screens dim. Uses only ~1 kWh/hour.
🚀Performance
Max regen for less brake wear
Set regen to highest (One-Pedal or High). Cuts brake wear 60%+ and adds 5-10% range in city traffic.
💰Money Saver
Bump tire pressure +0.2 bar in summer
A small bump (~0.2 bar above recommended) reduces rolling resistance and adds 3-5% range. Also a heat-safety win.
🌴Gulf-Specific
Get the master account transferred BEFORE the car ships
Official regional Hongqis work with the international app; China grey imports bind to the Chinese app with a +86 number — have the exporter set up the account and authorize your number before shipping.
🤝 Share a new hack in the community to get it added to this guide.
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1 / 1Score: 0
E-HS9 length?
FAQ
Check the dealer list or import directly. Official presence varies per model.
Spotted outdated info?
We refresh guides regularly. Share your experience in the community.