His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim seen next to his new ride, the Hongqi L5. - All photos from Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's Facebook account
PETALING JAYA: Curious about His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s newest ride?It is none other than China’s most expensive and luxurious ride, the Hongqi L5.
He is the first in the world to privately own the Hongqi L5, and surely it is a car fit for the King.
Reserved for top Chinese officials, it is one of the most exquisite limousines in China.
The limousine’s exterior is grand and retro-inspired; a fusion of tradition and modernity according to its manufacturer, FAW Group.
It is China’s oldest car brand and the name Hongqi translates to ‘red flag’.
At first glance, it is impossible to miss the tall chrome grille and retro-themed barrel headlights.
Aligned with the theme of ‘red flags’, there is a raised red fin at the centre of the bonnet and two red flags as its signal lights.
Sultan Ibrahim was presented with the second-generation model which was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2023 April last year.
The sleek limo is massive. It weighs 3.2 tonnes and is 5.5 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall, according to information from its website.
Matching its exterior grandeur, the website shows that the interior exudes luxury with rosewood panelling and handcrafted leather seats.
Oriental influences are evident on the door handles affixed with carved jade pieces which have a dragon and cloud pattern, it said.
Natural lacquer and silk detailing is also used to liven the interior, it added.
In terms of comfort, it added that the leather seats are made to be equal to the cabin of a private aircraft and equipped with an adjustable 5-shift heating and 3-shift ventilating system.
There is also ample leg room inside with its wheelbase of 3.4 metres.
The car is a silent machine, running on a self-developed Hongqi 6.0-litre V12 cylinder engine.
FAW group said the aluminium engine is lightweight and energy-saving, producing 402hp and 550Nm of torque, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 210kph.
The price tag of course is a King-sized feat.
Known as the "Rolls Royce of China", the Hongqi L5 rivals closely in price at five million Chinese yuan (about RM3.3 million).
