Maextro Launches S800 Luxury Sedan, Challenges Mercedes-Maybach
The Maextro S800 has joined the Nio ET9 and Yangwang U7 as the latest challenger to Mercedes-Maybach in the Chinese luxury car market. Maextro, a brand jointly developed by Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), officially launched its first model, the S800 luxury sedan, at an event. The starting price is RMB 708,000 ($98,330), significantly lower than the previously marketed price range of RMB 1 million to RMB 1.5 million.
The Maextro S800 offers two battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants and four extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The BEV versions are dual-motor models with a 97-kWh ternary lithium battery pack, offering CLTC ranges of 702 km and 650 km, respectively. They can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 and 4.5 seconds. The EREV variants come with a 1.5T engine as a range extender and offer dual-motor and tri-motor options, with a combined range of up to 1,333 kilometers.
The Maextro S800 is equipped with Huawei’s ADS 4 smart driving system, which provides driving capabilities similar to those of a human driver. The interior focuses on luxury, privacy, and safety. A limited-edition pioneer version of the model is available, with only 599 units, and deliveries will begin on June 26. The standard version will start volume deliveries in mid-August.
The launch of the Maextro S800 marks a significant move in China’s luxury car market, where German automakers have traditionally dominated. Other domestic brands like Nio and BYD’s Yangwang have also entered this segment with models like the ET9 and U7, respectively. The Maextro S800 measures 5,480 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,370 mm, positioning it as a serious competitor in the luxury sedan market.
