Hongqi has introduced a host of intriguing new luxury vehicles in recent years including the Rolls Royce-challenging, US$ 680,000 L5, but of them all, its new Guoyue bus may be the most outlandish. While it likely won’t sell in high numbers to private customers, it could prove popular among government agencies, the hospitality sector, and be used by large companies. The Guoyue will come in three configurations: a business version with 20 or 23 seats, a luxury version with 17 or 19 seats, and a flagship version with 17 seats. Its dimensions are comparable to typical small buses you see regularly, measuring 7,295 mm in length, 2,090 mm in width, 2,785 mm in height, and featuring a 3,990 mm wheelbase. What sets the Guoyue apart from most other buses of its size in China, at least, is its strong emphasis on luxury.
The front end of Hongqi’s latest model has
a similarly-large grille to its passenger cars with chrome-trimmed vertical
slats. It then features thin LED daytime running lights and large headlamps
located further down the fascia. The sides of the Guoyue are also quite
intriguing as they feature the large ‘Red Flag’ emblem that is traditionally
found running over the hoods of Hongqi’s other models. A set of wheels with a
chrome finish are also visible.
Plenty of luxurious features are found in
the cabin of the bus too. For example, there is a large infotainment display as
well as a wireless charging pad in the center console. The bus also rocks an
electronic shifter and positioned directly behind the driver’s seat is a large
table with cupholders. A refrigerator has then been positioned behind the front
passenger seat. All of the seats are clad in beige-colored leather and there is
even a small sunroof in the center of the cabin.
Driving the bus is a 3.0-liter
turbocharged V6 pumping out 292 hp and 420 Nm of torque. The bus
can hit 130 km/h and reportedly consumes around 16 l/100 km (14.7
U.S. mpg) over the combined cycle.
