Maextro S800, China's Largest Electric Sedan Arrives

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Huawei has unveiled the Maextro S800, a colossal electric sedan poised to redefine luxury mobility in China. At an imposing 5,480 millimeters in length, the S800 stands as the largest electric sedan currently produced in China, rivaling some of the world's most opulent sedans in terms of sheer size. This flagship model, born from the collaborative efforts of Huawei and JAC Motors, marks the debut of the Maextro premium brand.

S800

The S800 is not merely a statement of size; it's a testament to raw power. With a staggering 1,006 horsepower on tap in its most potent configuration, it directly challenges the dominance of established luxury players like the Mercedes-Benz Maybach and the Nio ET9 in the Chinese market. For context, the Nio ET9 measures 5,325 millimeters, while the Maybach S-Class extends to 5,469 millimeters, placing the S800 firmly in the territory of ultra-luxury sedans.

Anticipation for the S800 has been building since November last year when blind pre-orders commenced. Although the official price tag remains undisclosed, customers have been able to reserve their spot with a 20,000 yuan deposit. Industry analysts anticipate a price range between 1 million and 1.5 million yuan, positioning it squarely in the ultra-luxury segment.

The S800's production will take place at the state-of-the-art Maextro factory in Hefei, a city synonymous with automotive manufacturing. This facility, completed on December 16th, signifies a significant milestone for the joint venture. Notably, JAC previously served as a contract manufacturer for Nio vehicles in Hefei before the latter assumed full control of its manufacturing operations.

Maextro

A glimpse into the S800's technical prowess was provided by the recent disclosure of its sales license application in China. The S800 will be available in two distinct powertrain configurations: a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). The EREV, a type of plug-in hybrid where the internal combustion engine acts solely as a generator to extend the electric range, offers a unique blend of performance and extended driving capability.

The BEV variant harnesses the power of three electric motors – one positioned at the front and two on the rear axle. This potent combination delivers a combined peak output of a staggering 852 horsepower. The EREV version incorporates a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as a range extender, augmenting the electric motors to achieve a combined peak output of 1,006 horsepower. Both the dual-motor EREV and the tri-motor BEV versions offer exhilarating performance, with the tri-motor configuration delivering the pinnacle of power.

Energy storage for the S800 is entrusted to advanced ternary NMC batteries sourced from the esteemed Chinese battery manufacturer, CATL. While the specific battery capacity for the BEV version remains undisclosed, the EREV configuration utilizes a 63.262 kWh battery pack, enabling an all-electric range of 272 to 371 kilometers under the Chinese Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

The sheer scale of the S800 is undeniable. With an overall length of 5,480 millimeters, a width of 2,000 millimeters, and a height of 1,536 millimeters, it commands a commanding presence on the road. The substantial 3,370-millimeter wheelbase contributes to a spacious and luxurious interior. The BEV version carries a substantial curb weight of 2,731 kilograms, while the tri-motor EREV variant tips the scales at 2,859 kilograms.

Maextro S800

Recently, Huawei showcased the S800's advanced autonomous capabilities in a captivating video. The vehicle autonomously navigated to a charging station, seamlessly parked itself, and then engaged a robotic arm to automatically connect and disconnect the charging cable upon completion of the charging process.

While the official launch date for the Maextro S800 remains shrouded in secrecy, industry experts anticipate its arrival in the second quarter of the year. The S800 is poised to not only redefine the landscape of electric luxury sedans in China but also establish the Maextro brand as a formidable contender in the global automotive arena.

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