HiPhi: Launch in Europe

Let's get this straight right away: As the name implies, HiPhi will also start at the top of the (company car) segment, because in Germany the E-SUV HiPhi X will be priced at 109,000 Euros as a six-seater and at least 123,000 Euros as a luxurious four-seater. In the six-seater, there should be space for two adults in the third row despite the sloping roofline.

A bit "cheaper" comes the HiPhi Z sedan, which is offered as a five-seater starting at 105,000 Euros and as a four-seater starting at 107,000 Euros. HiPhi is also starting in Munich and opening its first European showroom at the local airport. Even cheaper will be the more compact SUV "Y," which was presented in April.

The HiPhi X, which was already presented in 2020, is powered by two electric motors that offer a total output of 590 horsepower and should provide 410 Nm of torque – which isn't particularly ample for the performance. The 97-kWh battery is supposed to offer up to 460 kilometers of range according to WLTP, indicating a not overly efficient drive. It should go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The doors, particularly at the rear, are elaborate, opening in two sections: to the side and at the top as a gull-wing door to facilitate entry into the rear. For sound, a Meridian audio system with 17 speakers provides entertainment, alongside a 19.9-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger. There is also a customizable fragrance system.

The Z went into production in 2022: It offers 655 horsepower and also 410 Nm. It relies on a 120-kWh battery with cell-to-pack technology. Despite the heavier battery, it should go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Human Horizons claims a WLTP range of 555 kilometers. Notable: It also has rear-hinged doors at the back and, in China, a side "communication strip" made of LEDs that can display text messages. It also features air suspension and rolls on large 22-inch wheels.

In China, the HiPhi X is said to be the "best-selling luxury electric car," as explained by CTO and co-founder Mark Stanton. Regarding further expansion, he continues:

“Its unique combination of luxury and advanced technologies offers buyers in Germany and Norway a completely new driving experience. And this launch in two markets is a perfect starting point for expanding our activities across the entire continent, with the aim of covering the most important European countries by 2027.”

The smaller E-SUV HiPhi Y is expected to be offered in its home market for between 400,000 and 500,000 Yuan (equivalent to approximately 53,000 to 66,000 Euros). In Europe, a range of around 60,000 to just under 80,000 Euros is more likely. Allegedly, the Y is a "model fully designed and developed for the European market.” Both a single-motor version with 247 kW of power and an all-wheel-drive variant with an additional 124 kW front motor are to be offered.

Deliveries of the two top models are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023. Human Horizons intends to announce additional European markets throughout the year.

What does this mean?

The models from Human Horizons are among the more striking and visually "louder" luxury vehicles. Human Horizons also aims to conquer the market from the top down. It will be interesting to see how the rather wild visual appearance of the not entirely inexpensive models will be received in Europe.