China’s New Million-Dollar Car Shocks the Industry: Is It Worth More Than a Rolls-Royce?

Mainland China’s Rolls-Royce Hongqi
The most expensive model ever launched
More expensive than the Rolls-Royce Phantom

Hongqi, often called the “Rolls-Royce of China,” is a renowned automobile brand with a significant history. Founded in 1958, Hongqi has long been a symbol of luxury in China. Despite facing criticism in the past for a design that closely resembled the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the brand has since developed its design philosophy and continues to forge its path as a leading Chinese luxury sedan manufacturer.

However, Hongqi has recently found itself at the center of a new controversy. The brand has just unveiled its latest vehicle, the most expensive new car ever produced in China.

Golden Sunflower Guoli with retractable emblem

Hongqi launched the flagship sedan Guoli under the Golden Sunflower brand on June 12. Golden Sunflower, which means golden sunflower, is Hongqi’s top-of-the-line product. Guoli, which belongs to this product line, is a derivative model produced based on the L5, which underwent a full change last year. The retro-style protruding headlamps and vertical pattern grille are maintained, but the unique features of this model attract attention.

The bonnet, roof, and trunk were custom-painted by hand. The protruding emblem can be stored inside like the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy. Uniquely, the emblem is tilted forward at 23.5 degrees, a detail said to represent the tilt angle of the Earth’s rotation axis.

Nearly 20 feet long
What are the interior differentiating factors?

Guoli is the brand’s top model and is massive, with a length of 5,980 mm (235.4 inches), a width of 2,090 mm (82.3 inches), a height of 1,710 mm (67.3 inches), and a wheelbase of 3,730 mm (146.9 inches). The curb weighs 3,150 kg (6944.6 lbs), and 21-inch wheels are installed as standard.

Golden Sunflower’s unique differentiation elements were incorporated into the interior while maintaining the classic design tone. A golden sunflower logo was added to the steering wheel, shift lever, and armrest. The digital cluster and large center display have been connected, adding to the sophisticated image of the latest model. Surprisingly, various center fascia and console functions are operated with physical buttons instead of a touchpad.

Price almost $1 million
More expensive than the Phantom

The independent second-row seats are full of convenience features befitting a flagship sedan, including electric adjustment for leg rests, ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The armrest includes a display that provides integrated control of the corresponding functions. In the case of the powertrain, unlike the existing model, which had the option of a high-displacement V12, it was unified with a downsized V8 engine.

The 4.0L V8 gasoline turbo engine produces a maximum output of 388 horsepower and a maximum torque of 54 kgf.m, and an 8-speed automatic transmission transmits power to four wheels. Top speed is limited to 220 km/h (136.7 mph). However, the price tag stands out most: an astounding $990,000. This is particularly surprising considering that the Rolls-Royce Phantom Standard Wheelbase is priced at $493,000 in South Korea, and the extended Wheelbase version costs $573,000.