All about the King’s new luxurious ride, China’s Hongqi L5

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia seen next to his new ride, China's luxurious car, the Hongqi L5.

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 auto 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.

The sleek limo is gargantuan and rock solid, it weighs 3.2 tonnes and is 5.5 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall, said 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 silence machine, running on a self-developed Hongqi V-type and 12-cylinder engine.

Faw group said the engine is energy-saving, lightweight, and the car can hit a maximum speed of 210 km/h.

The price tag of course is a King-sized feat.

Known to be Rolls Royce of China, the Hongqi L5 rivals closely in price at five million Chinese yuan (about RM3.3 million).