Gasgoo Munich-Hongqi began presales for the G919 on Sept. 22. It offers three variants: the four-motor Tujing at 359,800 yuan, the four-motor Yujing at 399,800 yuan, and a limited edition at 439,800 yuan.
Image credit: Hongqi
An industry insider at the launch noted that pricing above 300,000 yuan would create strong impact. The final price aligned with this view. The 350,000-yuan hardcore off-road SUV segment now has a new competitor.
Hongqi Expands Into New Territory
The G919 is Hongqi's first hardcore off-road SUV. Previously, the brand's lineup included sedans, SUVs, and MPVs, but lacked a dedicated off-roader.
Hongqi defines a true off-roader by specific standards. An engineer at the launch stated that styling is merely expression. The ladder frame is the baseline. He noted that a boxy shape alone does not define an off-road vehicle. This contrasts with recent market trends of styling-focused vehicles.
The G919 uses a body-on-frame chassis. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel comprise over 90% of the ladder frame. Torsional rigidity reaches 9,500 Nm per degree. Hongqi includes an exclusive high-performance mechanical differential lock. It engages in 200 milliseconds and handles a maximum load of 12,600 Nm. These specifications define Hongqi's vision for a hardcore off-roader.
Hongqi prioritizes full-domain redundancy for the powertrain. The G919 combines a high-output 2.0T engine with a distributed vector four-motor setup on an 800V architecture. Total output reaches 620 kW and 1,320 Nm of torque. Underbody impact resistance is 1,500 joules, ten times the national standard.
The rationale is simple. Off-roaders face extreme conditions, requiring no compromises in power, structural integrity, or safety.
Hongqi also aims to standardize luxury and technology. An engineer stated that technology should not be limited to top trims. The G919 comes equipped with the Sinan Intelligent Driving 5.0 Max system. It features a variable-focus high-performance LiDAR with a 400-meter range. The perception suite integrates visible light, laser, and infrared night vision. The infrared range also reaches 400 meters.
The Lingxi Cockpit 5.0+ runs on a Snapdragon 8295 chip. It powers 17.1-inch 3K displays in the front and rear. The system includes an 18-speaker Dynaudio audio system and a 7.3-liter fridge. These features are standard across all trims, unlike in rival models.
The G919 addresses the balance between off-road capability and urban use. Hardcore off-roaders have often lacked urban comfort and efficiency. The G919 has a 62.9 kWh battery. It delivers 280 km of pure-electric range and charges to 80% in 12 minutes.
Hongqi uses a proprietary noise-masking algorithm with ENC active noise cancellation. Cabin noise increases remain under 1 decibel when the engine activates. This ensures EV-level silence. The Qixuan Max system is an industry-first four-motor continuously variable steering setup. It allows the G919 to perform a two-lane U-turn in one maneuver. With these specifications, the vehicle functions as a daily commuter. Buyers do not need to choose between city and trail use.
The 350,000 Yuan Market Is Highly Competitive
The 350,000-yuan hardcore off-road segment is already highly competitive.
Great Wall Motor pioneered this trend. The Tank 300 achieved rapid success after launch by leveraging rugged styling and off-road credibility. Great Wall subsequently launched the Tank 400, 500, and 700. This established a comprehensive product matrix in the hardcore off-road segment.
Chery followed suit. The JETOUR Traveler positioned itself as a "travel off-roader." The iCAR 03 targets younger buyers.
Image credit: Chery
Fangchengbao, BYD's lifestyle brand, launched the Bao 5 on its DMO hybrid off-road platform. Monthly sales have remained in the thousands since launch. The Bao 8 later joined the lineup. BYD also offers the YANGWANG U8, priced above 1 million yuan. This demonstrates that Chinese brands can compete in the high-end off-road segment.
BAIC's BJ series, a long-time off-road brand, has shifted toward urban SUVs. Other manufacturers are entering the market. Dongfeng launched the MENGSHI brand. SAIC Maxus offers the Territory. Deepal offers the G318, and JMC launched the Da Dao. Currently, a domestic automaker almost requires an off-road model to be considered a full-line player.
The reason for this rapid entry is the evolution of hardcore off-roaders. They have moved beyond basic utility. Electrification has improved quietness, intelligence, and comfort. The product focus is now on both city and trail use.
Buyers can drive on trails during the weekend and commute comfortably during the week. The target audience has expanded significantly. Market volume has increased accordingly.
Data from Baidu Baike estimates 2025 domestic hardcore off-road sales at 894,000 units. The market value is 223.5 billion yuan. This is more than double the size of five years ago. Domestic brands hold a 70% share. A CAAM affiliate forecasts that by 2030, off-roaders could account for 13% of the market. Annual sales could exceed 1 million units.
The 300,000 to 400,000 yuan price range is the core segment for premium hardcore off-roaders. Current competitors include the Tank 500, Tank 700, Fangchengbao Bao 8, and Beijing BJ60e.
With presales starting at 359,800 yuan, the G919 enters this competitive segment. Compared to rivals, Hongqi offers several distinct advantages:
Regarding brand positioning, Hongqi's status as China's flagship brand supports pricing above 350,000 yuan. Few domestic peers can match this. Regarding power, the standard four-motor drive provides a class-leading 620 kW. Regarding features, presale benefits are generous. City NOA and bespoke interiors are included. First owners receive a lifetime warranty on the vehicle and powertrain. Regarding luxury, features like the 18-speaker Dynaudio system and queen seat reflect Hongqi's specific luxury style.
The G919 faces distinct challenges. As a latecomer, Hongqi lacks deep roots in the off-road community. Tank has spent years building a robust ecosystem and a loyal owner base. To establish itself, Hongqi requires more than strong specifications. It needs sustained investment in off-road culture, community building, and the modification ecosystem.
