Huawei Maextro S800: The Rolls-Royce of China Enters the Ultra-Luxury EV Era
The global luxury automotive landscape is changing rapidly, and one of the most fascinating entrants I’ve come across recently is the Huawei Maextro S800. Positioned as a full-size ultra-luxury electric and extended-range sedan, this flagship model marks Huawei’s boldest step yet into the premium mobility space.
Co-developed with JAC under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), the S800 is designed to rival the likes of Mercedes-Maybach, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce—not just in comfort and craftsmanship, but also in intelligence and technology.
A New Luxury Brand with Big Ambitions
The S800 is the first model from the Maextro brand, making it a significant milestone for Huawei’s automotive ambitions. What stands out to me is how the company isn’t simply trying to replicate traditional luxury; instead, it is redefining it around AI-driven features, immersive technology, and chauffeur-focused comfort.
Early units of the Pioneer Edition were delivered in June 2025, with mass production beginning in mid-August 2025, signaling that this is not just a concept but a serious production vehicle.
Exterior Design: Understated Yet Distinctive
At first glance, the Maextro S800 carries a calm and elegant presence rather than an aggressive or overly flamboyant look. I find this approach refreshing, especially in a segment where excess sometimes overshadows sophistication.
The front fascia avoids a traditional grille, instead featuring signature lighting elements forming the car’s visual identity. The body adopts a fastback silhouette, combining a long bonnet, spacious cabin, and gently sloping rear.
Dimensionally, the car is imposing, measuring approximately 5,480 mm in length with a 3,370 mm wheelbase, placing it firmly in the ultra-luxury limousine category. Rear-wheel steering of up to 12 degrees helps maneuverability, which is essential for a vehicle of this size.
Lighting and detailing receive special attention, including crystal-style daytime running lights, a Galaxy scroll rear lightbar, and illuminated design accents that emphasize nighttime presence.
Interior: Where Technology Meets Craftsmanship
Inside, the S800 blends traditional luxury materials with advanced digital interfaces. The cabin uses semi-aniline leather, high-grade wood trim, and crystal accents, giving it a handcrafted feel that aligns with premium expectations.
The front dashboard integrates a triple-screen layout featuring a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 15.6-inch central screen running HarmonyOS, and a 16-inch passenger display. A large augmented-reality head-up display adds another layer of digital sophistication.
Rear passengers are clearly a priority. One feature that genuinely impressed me is the 40-inch rear projection screen, which can act as both entertainment and a privacy divider. Combined with zero-gravity seats, massage functions, and ambient lighting, the rear cabin feels closer to a private lounge than a conventional car interior.
The available Starry Night rooflining, designed to replicate the night sky, adds an unmistakably premium touch that reminds me of similar concepts seen in ultra-luxury British cars.
A Sound System Like No Other
Audio is another area where the S800 pushes boundaries. Depending on the variant, the car features 35 to 43 speakers, delivering up to 2920 watts of output. Speakers embedded within seats create a surround effect that enhances movies and music in a way few production cars attempt.
Personally, I think this emphasis on immersive entertainment highlights how modern luxury vehicles are evolving into mobile living spaces rather than just transportation.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The Maextro S800 is offered in both Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) configurations.
The BEV variant uses a dual-motor setup producing around 390 kW, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in roughly 4.3 to 4.5 seconds. A 95–97 kWh battery provides up to 702 km of range (CLTC) and supports ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 12 minutes.
The EREV models combine a 1.5-litre turbocharged generator with dual or tri-motor electric systems, with top variants delivering up to 1,360 bhp. Total range can reach up to 1,333 km, making it one of the longest-range luxury electrified sedans available.
This combination of performance and range makes the S800 feel less like a compromise and more like a fully realized flagship powertrain strategy.
Autonomous Driving and Intelligent Features
Technology is arguably the S800’s strongest differentiator. The car integrates Huawei ADS 4.0, supported by four LiDAR units and over 30 sensors, enabling advanced driver assistance with Level-3 autonomous driving capability in suitable conditions.
Gesture controls, automatic privacy glass, pointing-to-open doors, and seamless phone integration further emphasize Huawei’s software-centric approach. These features may sound futuristic, but in this car they are positioned as everyday conveniences.
Comfort, Convenience, and Unique Details
Luxury in the S800 goes beyond seating and materials. The rear cabin includes features such as tray tables, removable control screens, twin 50W wireless chargers, and even a temperature-controlled wine compartment capable of both cooling and heating.
Dual-chamber air suspension with continuous damping control ensures a smooth ride, while the suspension can raise up to 45 mm for uneven roads.
To me, these details reflect a clear focus on the chauffeur-driven experience, where passengers, rather than drivers, are the primary priority.
Pricing and Market Position
The Maextro S800 is priced between approximately 708,000 and 1,018,000 RMB (about $100,000 to $150,000 USD). This places it firmly within the ultra-luxury category, yet still below many European competitors, which could make it particularly attractive in its home market.
Given its level of technology and features, the pricing strategy appears aggressive and carefully calculated.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei Maextro S800 represents something larger than just a new luxury sedan. In my view, it signals how quickly Chinese automakers — and technology companies — are redefining the top end of the automotive market.
Rather than relying solely on heritage, the S800 builds its identity around technology, intelligence, and immersive passenger experiences. Whether it can truly rival the prestige of Rolls-Royce or Maybach globally remains to be seen, but in terms of innovation and features, it is already setting a remarkably high benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What is the Huawei Maextro S800?
- The Maextro S800 is an ultra-luxury electric and extended-range sedan launched in 2025, developed by Huawei and JAC under the HIMA alliance.
Q. What is the range of the Maextro S800?
- The extended-range version offers up to 1,333 km total range, while the pure electric model provides around 702 km (CLTC).
Q. Does the Maextro S800 support autonomous driving?
- Yes, it features Huawei ADS 4.0 with Level-3 autonomous driving capability, supported by four LiDAR sensors and more than 30 additional sensors.
Q. How powerful is the Maextro S800?
- Top variants produce up to 1,360 bhp, with acceleration from 0–100 km/h in under five seconds, depending on configuration.
Q. What makes the Maextro S800 unique in the luxury segment?
- Key highlights include a 43-speaker sound system, 40-inch rear projector screen, starry rooflining, zero-gravity seats, and AI-driven gesture controls, combining traditional luxury with cutting-edge technology.
Q. What is the price of the Huawei Maextro S800?
- Pricing ranges from 708,000 to 1,018,000 RMB, positioning it among ultra-luxury flagship sedans.
