Maextro S800 Takes Aim at Luxury EV Market
Chinese luxury brand Maextro has unveiled its latest entry into the high-end electric vehicle market: the Maextro S800. This new EV boasts up to 852 horsepower and incorporates cutting-edge technology developed by Huawei, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Maybach EQS and Rolls-Royce Spectre. Huawei’s advanced systems are a highlight, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury EVs.
While other Chinese EV makers have disrupted the global automotive landscape, brands like Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley have maintained their allure, their value founded on more subtle qualities than just raw performance figures. The Maextro S800, first previewed as a series of renderings last year, seems to have captured the essence of these established luxury brands.
Huawei’s Touch of Luxury
The S800’s design incorporates several luxury touches that evoke the industry leaders. Notably, the vehicle features a shimmering, fiber-optic headliner, a feature pioneered by Rolls-Royce. Huawei takes this concept further, adding a similar, Swarovski-like shimmer to the door handles and headlights. As you approach the car, projections dance around it, creating a distinct visual experience. This car is all about making its owners feel special and different.
Bespoke Design and Advanced Technology
The Maextro S800 boasts a purpose-built platform that differentiates it from mass-produced vehicles. This exclusivity may appeal to the discerning buyers in the luxury market. Purchasers can choose between EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) or pure battery electric powertrains, offering between 480 and 852 all-electric horsepower.
The vehicle is equipped with 32 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) sensors, including radar and lidar, in addition to a suite of cameras. These systems analyze the road ahead and feed data to Huawei’s ADS road perception system, which constantly adjusts torque distribution, suspension settings, and front and rear steering for a tech-driven chauffeur experience.
Safety and Charging Capabilities
Huawei claims the Maextro’s sensor array can increase detection distance in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, and dust by 60% while reducing delay by 40%. In the event of a collision, the car can automatically adjust its seating position, raise the windows, and unlock the central control lock to facilitate outside assistance. The vehicle also switches to a redundant power supply and automatically calls for help after a collision.
The Maextro S800 is compatible with an 800V high-voltage system and supports 6C charging, meaning it can be charged with up to 390 kW of power. This allows the EREV version, with a 66 kWh battery, to charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes, offering a compellingly quick charging experience.
Availability and Pricing
The Maextro S800 is scheduled to launch in China in May 2025, with a price range of 1 to 1.5 million yuan (approximately $135,000 to $205,000 USD). This competitive pricing could make the S800 an attractive option for luxury EV buyers in the Chinese market.
