With a 3-Meter Wheelbase and Standard L2+ Intelligent Driving: Will Hongqi Tiangong 08 Become the New Favorite Family SUV?

[XNmotors News] 

FAW Hongqi’s Tiangong 08 has officially launched, offering five versions with prices ranging from 239,800 to 339,800 yuan.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

In addition, the car comes with a one-month limited-time purchasing offer, including a discount of 17,000 yuan with a 2,000 yuan deposit, up to 20,000 yuan trade-in subsidy, a two-year zero-interest financing option starting with a down payment of 89,800 yuan, lifetime free advanced intelligent driving features, free charging piles or combination vouchers, lifetime free warranty, lifetime free maintenance, and lifetime free rescue and car pick-up/drop-off services. (Only in China)

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

When discussing brands that best represent “traditional Chinese style” in the current market, two names stand out: BYD and FAW Hongqi.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

BYD adopts bold historical dynasty names for its models, drawing design inspiration from traditional Chinese culture.

Meanwhile, FAW Hongqi integrates traditional Chinese culture more comprehensively. Rather than focusing on a specific prosperous dynasty, it names its vehicle series “Tiangong” (Heavenly Work).

Additionally, its car manufacturing platform is called “Tiangong,” its intelligent computing platform “Jiuzhang,” its intelligent driving system “Sinan,” and its cockpit system “Lingxi.”

These are all terms from classic Chinese works, inventions, and idioms familiar to most Chinese people.

While BYD’s “Dynasty” naming approach leaves room for interpretation, Hongqi’s terminology is straightforward and meaningful.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

Highlights of Tiangong 08

Dimensions

Although commonly regarded as a mid-to-large SUV, the Tiangong 08 does not exceed 5 meters in length, measuring only 4,925 mm.

This places it at the boundary of the mid-to-large segment.

However, this isn’t unusual, as many vehicles like the Zhijie R7, Ziji LS6, Avita 11, Star Era ET, and Leapmotor C16 also fall short of 5 meters. Despite this, the Tiangong 08 boasts a wheelbase of 3 meters, making the interior remarkably spacious. Among competitors, only the Star Era ET matches its space, though the latter’s body length surpasses the Tiangong 08 by 30 mm.

Thus, the Tiangong 08 offers a well-balanced driving experience, particularly in spatial handling, and ranks as the most spacious in its segment.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

Performance

The Tiangong 08 is available with two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive version and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version.

The single-motor version delivers a maximum power output of 253 kW and a peak torque of 450 Nm while the dual-motor version offers a combined maximum output of 455 kW and a peak torque of 756 Nm.

The single-motor version stands out as one of the most powerful in its segment.

In comparisons, models like the Zhijie R7, Ziji LS6, Avita 11, Star Era ET, Leapmotor C16, and Xpeng G9 fall short of the Tiangong 08 in terms of single-motor specifications. The closest competitor is the Ziji LS6, which matches its torque but has slightly lower power.

The dual-motor version’s performance is slightly below the Ziji LS6 but significantly outperforms other competitors.

Crucially, the Tiangong 08 excels in both endurance and burst power, regardless of the drivetrain type.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

Safety

The Tiangong 08 has undergone extensive safety testing, including vehicle body safety, battery safety, and cabin environmental safety, all of which achieved high scores. This reflects FAW Hongqi’s commitment to quality as its brand foundation. Before focusing on advanced design, functionality, or interior materials, Hongqi ensures the car’s fundamental safety is robust.

While these safety features may not be immediately noticeable to consumers, they prove their worth in dangerous situations. The abundance of active and passive safety technologies in the Tiangong 08 underscores its reliability.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

Features and Configuration

The entry-level model priced at 239,800 yuan is equipped with features such as matrix LED headlights, intelligent high/low beam switching, a welcome light carpet, a panoramic sunroof, height-memory electric tailgate, power-adjustable/heated/ventilated front seats, driver seat memory/massage functions, a 15.5-inch central control screen, AI voice interaction, 40W wireless phone charging, smartphone connectivity, BLE digital key, panoramic view camera, and advanced L2+ driving assistance features such as highway navigation assistance (HNOA), urban navigation assistance (CNOA), automatic lane change, remote parking, memory parking, and reverse tracking.

These configurations make the Tiangong 08 an exceptional starting point, differing from other entry-level electric SUVs that focus primarily on range with minimal comfort and smart features.

Image Source: Hongqi Offcial

Verdict

As a mid-to-large electric SUV, the Tiangong 08 embodies FAW Hongqi’s enduring commitment to quality.

Whether in hardware, software, or customer service, it stands out as a leader in its segment. Despite entering a fiercely competitive market, the Tiangong 08’s product competitiveness is formidable. Its pricing, between 239,800 and 339,800 yuan, is within the most popular range and meets high consumer demand.

From a brand perspective, FAW Hongqi has historically carried a somewhat “official” image, often associated with formal vehicles. However, the Tiangong 08 introduces a fresh, youthful vibe, with a more relaxed yet high-standard design.

Its positioning as a “family car with the quality of a state vehicle” maximizes the brand’s appeal while making it more accessible to the general public. This balance has been executed masterfully by Hongqi.

[News Article/ XNmotors Sarah ]