Chinese tech conglomerate Huawei has made a bold foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market by unveiling the Maextro S800, its largest and most luxurious electric sedan to date. Developed in collaboration with JAC and Hyundai under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), the vehicle showcases the brand’s technological prowess and ambition in the automotive industry.  

The Maextro S800 stands out with its sheer size, measuring 5,480 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,536 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,370 mm, making it the largest EV sedan in China. The elegant design includes a glowing galaxy-inspired front grille, reminiscent of high-end marques like Rolls Royce and Maybach.  

Under the hood, two powerful configurations are offered. The Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) variant boasts three electric motors with a combined output of 852 horsepower. The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) pairs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with the same tri-motor setup, delivering a staggering 1,006 horsepower. Both variants feature CATL’s ternary NMC batteries, with the EREV offering a range of up to 371 kilometers in pure electric mode.  

In tandem with the Maextro S800, Huawei has unveiled an unmanned EV charging station. Featuring a robotic arm capable of autonomously connecting to vehicles, this system eliminates the need for human intervention. Compatible with Huawei’s 600 kW supercharger, it delivers 100 kWh in just 10 minutes. As demonstrated with the Maextro S800 in an unveiling video, mass production is set to begin by mid-2025.  

According to reports, pre-orders for the Maextro S800 have already surpassed 2,000 units within days of its launch in China, with prices ranging from approximately $143,000 to $213,000 USD. Deliveries are expected to commence in mid-2025, positioning the Maextro S800 as a formidable player in the luxury EV segment and solidifying Huawei’s role as a tech-driven disruptor in the automotive industry.  

With the Maextro S800, Huawei joins a list of Chinese EV giants that are releasing new models this year. Pre-order numbers seem to indicate that the launch is going on the right track. But with veteran industry peers like BYD and NIO doubling down on their EV offerings, time will tell if Huawei can successfully flourish in the cutthroat China EV industry. 

Banner image via Weibo.