The Maextro S800 extreme luxury saloon arrives in the Chinese market to compete with Mercedes-Maybach

The Chinese companies Huawei and JAC have joined forces to launch the Maextro S800, an extreme luxury saloon that aims to compete in China with giants such as Mercedes-Maybach, but at notably more accessible prices. This model, officially unveiled last January, is available in two versions: a fully electric one and another with a range extender (EREV), both designed to deliver a premium experience with special emphasis on the level of comfort and technology offered.

With a length of 5.48 metres and a wheelbase of 3.37 metres, the Maextro S800 stands out for its spaciousness, especially in the rear seats, designed for those who want a chauffeur-driven saloon. Its elegant design includes two-tone paint options, quite common in other luxury vehicles in this same segment such as Rolls-Royce or Maybach.

As for pricing, although prices between 1 and 1.5 million yuan were initially speculated, at its market launch the base price is set at 708,000 yuan -just under 87,000 euros- for the five-seat electric version. The four-seat version, with more luxurious rear seats, starts at 818,000 yuan -around 100,000 euros-.

Technical specifications to consider

The electric version of the S800 has two motors -160 kW on the front axle, alongside another of 230 kW on the rear axle- delivering a combined output of 390 kW and allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. These come paired with a 97 kWh NMC battery pack offering a range of up to 702 km under the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle. When recharging, the manufacturer promises that the charge level can be increased from 10 to 80 percent in just 12 minutes.

On the other hand, the EREV variant, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine acting as a generator with electric motors, has a base price similar to its pure electric sibling for the five-seat configuration. The four-seat version with three motors and a combined output of 635 kW is, however, somewhat more expensive with a base price of 1,018,000 yuan -about 125,000 euros-. This version features a 65 kWh battery pack, which allows an electric range of 200 km, with a total range of 1,333 km. Charging the battery pack is, moreover, somewhat faster due to its smaller capacity, with the charge level increasing from 10 to 80 percent in just over 10 minutes.

Beyond its propulsion technology, the Maextro S800 shines for its luxurious interior and its focus on safety. It is a saloon that seeks to stand out not only for its performance but also for offering a sophisticated and safe environment for its occupants. That is why it incorporates Huawei’s ADS4 intelligent driving system, which provides a superior autonomous driving experience.

For decades brands such as Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach have dominated the luxury segment; the Maextro S800 now represents an attractive alternative in the Chinese market to that reality, at a lower price. With its combination of advanced technology, sophisticated design and competitive pricing, the Maextro S800 positions itself as a solid option for those seeking accessible luxury in China.