Shangjie H5: reservations open in China for the electric SUV born from the joint effort of Huawei and SAIC

Huawei and SAIC have started pre-sales of their first jointly developed vehicle, the Shangjie H5 SUV, which is positioned as the most affordable model within Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), with an official price starting at 169,800 yuan, just over 20 thousand euros at current exchange rates. This new model, whose official market launch is scheduled for September 23, has generated great anticipation in the Chinese market, with more than 25 thousand reservations registered in just one hour after pre-sales began.

The Shangjie H5 uses SAIC’s Xingyun platform and is based on the Roewe ES39. According to the manufacturer, it is available in two configurations: a fully electric version and an extended-range electric version. The first can be specified with two battery packs to choose from, of 64.6 or 80 kWh of capacity, with CLTC ranges from 535 to 655 kilometres. The EREV variant, meanwhile, combines a 1.5-litre combustion engine with an electric system, offering up to 235 kilometres of range in pure electric mode and more than 1,300 kilometres of combined range under the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle.

Measuring 4.78 metres long, 1.91 metres wide and 1.66 metres tall, with a wheelbase of 2.84 metres, the Shangjie H5 stands out at first glance for its modern design, which includes a full-width rear light bar with the brand logo integrated. As expected given Huawei’s involvement in the project, all versions come equipped with the advanced ADS 4 driver-assistance system from the Chinese technology giant, supported by a 192-channel LiDAR sensor and 4D millimetre-wave radars, enabling assisted driving on motorways, in urban environments and on rural roads.

Huawei wants to carve out a place in the automotive sector

The collaboration between Huawei and SAIC, announced last February, focuses on the development of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, covering areas such as product design, manufacturing, supply chain management and sales services. This strategic alliance aims to create new-energy vehicles with a focus on intelligence and innovation.

With the H5, Shangjie becomes the fifth brand within Huawei’s HIMA ecosystem, alongside Aito (Seres), Luxeed (Chery), Stelato (BAIC) and Maextro (JAC). Together, these five brands currently offer a total of eight models for sale in the Chinese market.