Chinese language automakers are quickly shifting past reasonably priced electrical automobiles and into the ultra-luxury section, and the Huawei-backed Maextro S800 could also be one of many clearest indicators but of that ambition.
Developed in partnership between Chinese language tech big Huawei and JAC Motors, the Maextro S800 is a big, luxurious extended-range electrical sedan designed to compete with high-end European manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Maybach, and BMW.
At almost 18 ft lengthy, the sedan instantly attracts comparisons to conventional chauffeur-driven luxurious automobiles with its two-tone paint end, reclining rear seats, tender leather-based interiors, and starry ceiling design. However not like many European luxurious automobiles that emphasise craftsmanship and heritage, the Maextro focuses closely on superior expertise and automation.
The automotive contains self-parking capabilities, gesture-controlled doorways and home windows, therapeutic massage seating, autonomous driving options, and an enormous 40-inch rear leisure show paired with roughly 40 audio system.
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Huawei’s software program ecosystem powers a lot of the expertise, together with the automobile’s infotainment system and assisted driving applied sciences. The corporate seems to be making use of a smartphone-inspired method to luxurious automobiles by tightly integrating software program, shows, and consumer interactions into the driving expertise.
The Maextro is manufactured in Hefei, China, utilizing greater than 1,000 robots. Whereas JAC Motors handles manufacturing, Huawei’s branding and software program stay central to the automobile’s identification.
The pricing technique can be aggressive in comparison with established luxurious rivals. A totally loaded Maextro S800 prices round $173,000, whereas lower-end fashions reportedly begin at round $104,000. That positions it properly beneath the value of many flagship European luxurious sedans.
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Huawei says greater than 17,000 Maextros have already been delivered for the reason that mannequin launched in 2025. Consumers reportedly embrace entrepreneurs, executives, and corporations utilizing the sedan as a chauffeur-driven limousine.
The automobile additionally highlights China’s rising dominance within the international EV trade. Chinese language automakers exported greater than seven million automobiles final yr, cementing the nation’s place because the world’s largest automotive exporter.
Huawei government Richard Yu has additionally hinted at an much more costly ultra-premium mannequin arriving later this yr with a possible price ticket approaching $300,000.
For now, the Maextro stays unique to China, although Huawei reportedly hopes to broaden abroad ultimately. Nonetheless, ongoing US sanctions in opposition to Huawei make an American launch extremely unlikely quickly, and the outlook for launches throughout different continents stays unsure.