The Huawei-backed Maextro S800 is a full-size ultra-luxury electric / extended-range sedan launched in mid-2025 by the joint brand Maextro (a collaboration between Huawei and JAC under the HIMA alliance). With its striking design, high-end luxury features, advanced sensor/ADAS tech, and powerful EV/EREV powertrains, it aims to compete with Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes-Maybach models. This article digs into its specs, pricing, advantages & limitations, variants, and whether it makes sense (especially for India) in today’s luxury EV market.
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Overview & Key Features
The Maextro S800 is manufactured by JAC under the Maextro brand, in partnership with Huawei via the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA).
It comes in two main powertrain types:
1. BEV (battery electric vehicle) – fully electric motors.
2. EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) – includes a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine acting only as a generator, not mechanically linked to the wheels.
Size & class: It is a full-size ultra-luxury 4-door sedan, with dimensions around 5,480 mm length × 2,000 mm width × 1,536 mm height, and a long wheelbase of 3,370 mm.
Design cues: Closed front panel (typical of EVs), LED/million-pixel “galaxy” headlights, dual-tone colour finishes, “starry sky” ceiling/panoramic roof, triple-screen dashboard, luxury materials, high audio system, etc.
Sensor / tech / autonomous features: over 30 sensors (radars, lidar, cameras, ultrasonic), ADAS/ADS systems, rear-wheel (and front) steering including “crab walk” capability, active suspension, air suspension, connectivity features.
Technical Specifications (Specs or Features)
Below is a table summarizing the major specifications:
Specification BEV (Pure Electric) Model EREV (Extended-Range) Model
Battery capacity ~97 kWh NMC (CATL) ~65-63.25 kWh
Electric-only range (CLTC) ~650-702 km ~340-400 km
Combined / total range (EREV) — ~1,200-1,333 km (battery + generator)
Power output (dual motor/tri-motor)~390 kW (dual-motor) / 635 kW (tri-motor) depending on variant
0-100 km/h acceleration ~4.3-4.7 seconds depending on variant
Top speed ~200-210 km/h in many variants
Weight / curb mass ~2,600-2,850 kg depending on variant
Suspension / Chassis Front double-wishbone; rear multi-link five-link; dual-chamber air suspension; adaptive damping; active suspension + rear-wheel steering, “crab walk” up to ~16° rear steering angle in some cases.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Luxury & comfort: opulent interior finishes, “starry sky” roof, high-end materials, multiple screens, excellent sound system. Ideal for chauffeured rides.
High performance: Fast acceleration times, strong power in both BEV and EREV variants.
Excellent range options: Very good pure-electric range in the BEV version, and very large combined range in EREV to allay range anxiety.
Advanced tech and safety: Strong sensor suite, ADAS/ADS features, connectivity, chassis tech, ability for rear-wheel steering and “crab walk”, which helps with maneuvering a large sedan.
Prestige & brand collaboration: Huawei brings its tech reputation; competition with established luxury brands at comparatively lower price points (for China market).
Cons
Price: Although cheaper than some ultra-luxury foreign brands, still very expensive (starting ~ RMB 708,000 / more depending on trim). For many markets (including India) import/duty costs will make it significantly more expensive.
Size & weight: At ~2.6-2.8 tons and large dimensions, could be unwieldy in tight urban spaces (especially in India). Maneuverability improvements (rear-steer, crab-walk) help but physical footprint is large.
Charging infrastructure dependency: For BEV high voltage fast charging to work optimally, need supporting infrastructure. In non-China markets charging may be slower.
After-sales / service support: As a relatively new brand, potential challenges in establishing service, spares, maintenance outside China.
Regulatory / homologation delays: Emissions, safety, crash tests, safety approvals vary by country. Could delay launch or increase costs.
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India-Specific Price, Variants & Challenges
While the Maextro S800 is not yet officially launched in India, here is what we know / can project:
Reported price in China: Starting around RMB 708,000 (~US$98,360) for the base version.
Reported “top versions” with more features / higher trim can cost up to ~ RMB 1.02 million (~US$140,000) or more.
In Indian rupees base price into approx ₹1.19 crore for China-price equivalent.
What variants might India get:
Likely only the high-trim / premium variants initially (fully loaded interiors, maybe fewer motor / battery combinations) due to import cost.
BEV and possibly EREV versions, but EREV adds complexity (fuel/generator component), which may face regulatory or tax complications.
Challenges for India launch:
Import duties & taxes: Luxury imports attract high customs, GST etc., which can drastically increase retail price.
Charging infrastructure: Need fast-charging stations (800 V, high current DC) to use full capability. In many Indian cities infrastructure is developing but patchy.
Service network: Huawei as a tech brand is known, but building authorised service centres for cars, maintaining high-voltage battery tech, etc., will take time.
Regulatory approvals & safety / crash test certifications: Required for India; delays possible.
Comparisons with Competitors
Let’s compare Maextro S800 with similar ultra-luxury EVs / luxury sedans.
Model Maextro S800 (Top BEV) Mercedes-Maybach / Maybach S-Class / Rolls-Royce Spectre etc.
Pure electric range approx 650-700 km (CLTC) Varies: Spectre etc., lower or comparable depending on battery size & WLTP/EPA vs CLTC differences
0-100 km/h acceleration ~4.3 seconds Maybach variants are often slower, more tuned to ride comfort; some performance versions are competitive
Luxury features star-sky roof, triple screens, advanced ADAS, crab-walk, etc. Usually excellent; more mature brand prestige, more established after-sales, heritage
Price (China) starting RMB ~708,000; higher trims ~1.02 million yuan Maybachs etc. often cost significantly more – both base premium and options push price high
Brand perception New, high tech (Huawei), strong Chinese luxury tech brand; less heritage outside China Decades (or more) of luxury history; stronger global brand recognition
In many respects, Maextro S800 offers value in luxury + performance + tech, compared to higher-cost legacy luxury sedans. But the trade-offs are in brand cachet, dealer/service networks, and in markets where import/other costs are high.
User / Expert Opinions & Market Reception
It has already secured over 2,600 orders in China within 72 hours of launch.
In early pre-orders, 70% of customers opted for top-trim versions.
Many media reviews praise its design inspired by Maybach/Rolls-Royce (e.g. starry sky ceiling, large glass/dash screens).
Some experts caution that the CLTC protocol for range is more optimistic than WLTP/EPA norms; real world may deliver lower range especially in hot/hilly/traffic-heavy conditions.
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Conclusion
The Maextro S800 is a compelling entry in the ultra-luxury EV / EREV sedan segment. It combines striking design, cutting-edge tech, impressive range and performance, and the prestige of Huawei’s backing—all at prices that undercut many established luxury brands in its home market. However, for buyers outside China, especially in India, there will be significant cost, regulatory, and infrastructure hurdles. If those are addressed, it could become a strong aspirant in the luxury EV field globally.
FAQs About Huawei Maextro S800
Q1: What is the Maextro S800?
A premium EV sedan/SUV backed by Huawei with AI and long-range battery.
Q2: Is the Huawei S800 fully electric?
Yes, it’s a 100% electric vehicle with dual-motor powertrain.
Q3: What is the range of the Maextro S800?
Between 650–700 km on a single charge.
Q4: What operating system does it use?
It uses Huawei HarmonyOS for infotainment and smart features.
Q5: What is the top speed of the Maextro S800?
Up to 220 km/h.
Q6: How fast can it accelerate from 0–100 km/h?
In just 3.5 seconds.
Q7: Does it support fast charging?
Yes, 20–80% in 20 minutes with Huawei superchargers.
Q8: Will it be available in India?
Yes, but expected by late 2025 or early 2026.
Q9: What will be the price in India?
Expected ₹35–55 lakh, depending on variant.
Q10: How does it compare to Tesla?
It offers better AI integration but Tesla has a wider service network.
Q11: Is it safe?
Expected 5-star NCAP rating with multiple airbags, ADAS, and safety features.
Q12: What are its interior features?
Panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, voice commands, AI cockpit.
Q13: Does it support autonomous driving?
Yes, Level 3+ autonomous driving.
Q14: Which segment does it compete in?
Competes with Tesla Model Y, BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Q15: Is it suitable for Indian roads?
Yes, designed with ground clearance and adaptive suspension.
Q16: What colors will it come in?
Black, White, Silver, Blue, and limited editions.
Q17: Can I connect my phone with the S800?
Yes, HarmonyOS syncs Huawei and Android devices seamlessly.
Q18: What warranty will Huawei offer?
Likely 8 years on battery and 5 years vehicle warranty.
Q19: Who manufactures the Maextro S800?
Produced by Huawei-backed EV partner, with Huawei tech integration.
Q20: Why is it called “Huawei-backed”?
Because Huawei provides tech, AI, and smart ecosystem, not full manufacturing.
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