Agong Becomes World’s First Overseas Ruler To Take Delivery Of A Hongqi L5 - China’s “Rolls-Royce”

Remember the Hongqi L5, which we reported on back in Oct? Well, today we were greeted with the news that the very first unit produced was delivered to its very first owner - the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.

Earlier today, Sultan Ibrahim received it from His Excellency Ouyang Yujing, the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia. The goal of this audience was to address both countries' bilateral relationships as well as current challenges.

During the audience, His Majesty was presented with the Hongqi L5, a Chinese-made automobile, making him the world's first overseas owner of this kind. The Hongqi L5, manufactured by the state-owned FAW Group, has a retro style and is used by top Chinese officials at state and diplomatic engagements.

The Hongqi L5, which typically sells for RMB5,000,000 (about RM3,240,000) in its modern form, retains the classic looks of the iconic Hongqi CA770, including similar round headlamps, a large rectangular chrome grille, a red stripe with the Hongqi badge on the bonnet, and brand labels on the front fenders. The car features the "红旗" (Hongqi) lettering on the back, believed to be a duplicate of "Mao Zedong's" handwriting.

The Hongqi L5 is generally a large automobile with measurements of 5,980 MM long with a 3,730 MM wheebase, 2,090 Mm  wide, and 1710 MM tall. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class Z223 measures 411 MM shorter in length, but is 19 MM wider, and 20 MM shorter in height. The Hongqi L5, which seats four, weighs 3,150 KG.

The Hongqi L5 would be able to hit a top speed of 220KM/H thanks to its 4.0-litre CA8GV40T-03 V8 engine producing 387HP. FAW Group manufactures this powertrain, which also powers the Hongqi LS7 SUV.

Also present at the audience was Mr. Wang Lingyu, President of FAW Hongqi Global, as were Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and Datuk Lim Chee Wah.