Move over, Maybach. There’s a new contender in the ultra-luxury EV ring, and it’s a bold one: the Maextro S800. Unveiled during Huawei’s Mate brand ceremony on November 26, this D+ class electric sedan is making waves with its high-end ambitions, massive footprint, and a price tag that nudges the upper echelons of the automotive market.
But does it have what it takes to dethrone the European stalwarts? Let’s dive into the details.
A Huawei-JAC Collaboration: Technology Meets Legacy
Maextro is the latest creation of Huawei and JAC, and it sits atop Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) lineup, which already includes brands like Stelato, Luxeed, and AITO. Unlike its siblings, the S800 sets its sights high—targeting not just luxury but ultra-luxury. Think Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley territory.
With a pre-sale price of 1 to 1.5 million yuan ($137,950–$206,950 USD), it’s one of the most expensive Chinese-made vehicles to date. Buyers need to put down a 20,000 yuan ($2,750 USD) deposit to secure a spot on the list.
Bigger, Bolder, and (Maybe) Better
If size is a measure of luxury, the S800 delivers. Measuring a staggering 5480 mm (215.7 inches) in length, 2000 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and 1536 mm (60.5 inches) in height, it’s officially larger than 99.99% of vehicles on Chinese roads, according to Huawei’s Richard Yu. For context, that’s longer than the Maybach S-Class but slightly shorter than the Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The exterior design is where Maextro sets itself apart—or tries to. The car features two-tone color schemes (a purple-silver combination and an all-black option), oversized “flat bread” wheel rims, and a fastback silhouette. The lighting takes center stage, with “Milky Way” LED arrays both front and rear, evoking a celestial aesthetic that carries into the interior’s starry sky roof.
An Electric Powerhouse—or Is It?
Details about the powertrain remain scarce, but the S800 is built on Huawei’s second-generation Tuling Intelligent Chassis, engineered for Level 3 autonomous driving. Its smart suite includes Huawei’s ADS (Advanced Driving System), featuring a 192-line LiDAR unit for superior environmental awareness.
Buzzwords like “Super Cruise,” “Super Maneuverability,” and “Super Privacy” dominate the marketing materials, but concrete performance specs are notably absent. For now, we know it’ll incorporate intelligent driving, cockpit, and domain control technologies, all hallmarks of Huawei’s mobility innovations.
Luxury Inside and Out
Inside, the Maextro S800 aims to rival the Rolls-Royce Spectre with opulent features like a starry sky roof and high-end materials. The cabin is said to prioritize individuality, offering distinct sensory experiences for each passenger.
Spy shots hint at a three-screen setup in the cockpit, but we’ll have to wait for the full interior reveal to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Maextro’s ambitious pricing positions it directly against European giants like the Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, and the aforementioned Maybach. However, the S800’s lack of a proven luxury legacy could be a hurdle. While its cutting-edge tech and competitive size give it an edge, buyers in this segment value heritage and brand prestige—a domain long dominated by Europe.
That said, the S800’s significance goes beyond its market position. As one of the most expensive and technologically advanced Chinese-made cars, it signals a broader shift in the global automotive landscape. Chinese automakers are no longer content with playing catch-up; they’re setting their sights on the pinnacle of luxury.
Charge Complete
The Maextro S800 is an audacious entry into the ultra-luxury EV space, blending Huawei’s technological prowess with JAC’s automotive know-how. While it faces steep competition from established brands, its sheer size, innovative features, and futuristic design make it a contender worth watching.
With pre-orders now open and deliveries slated for 2025, the question remains: Can Maextro orchestrate a symphony of success, or will it hit a sour note in the face of European dominance? Only time will tell.
