The Maextro S800, branded as the “Rolls-Royce of China”, has officially been introduced to the Chinese market following a secretive unveiling at the Guangzhou Auto Show. It represents Huawei’s fourth marque under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) and is jointly developed with Chinese manufacturer JAC, known previously for building NIO models before that company obtained its own licence.
Huawei and Maextro are positioning the S800 not only as a rival to Hongqi, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley, but as what they claim is the most intelligent and technologically advanced luxury car ever produced. The ambition is matched by a steep asking price, beginning at approximately R1.85 million and climbing to R2.65 million for the flagship Extended Range Star Executive Edition.
Maextro S800 Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Maextro S800 departs from traditional grille-heavy designs and instead carries a restrained profile. Its ‘face’ is defined by four horizontal and two vertical elements, creating a modern identity distinct from classical luxury saloons.
Its fastback silhouette lends a sleek shape, pairing a long bonnet with a broad cabin and a sloped rear that finishes in a short notchback. At 5,480 mm in length, 2,000 mm wide, 1,536 mm tall, and a wheelbase stretching 3,370 mm, it nearly mirrors the scale of the original Maybach 55.
Six exterior colour schemes are offered, four of which are two-tone combinations, such as gold over black or silver over purple, while single-tone finishes include dawn gold and a full black option. Wheel choices span 20- and 21-inch designs in multi-spoke or holed variants.
Suspension engineering includes dual-chamber air suspension with continuous damping control, adjustable by up to 45 mm. Navigating city streets is aided by 12-degree rear-wheel steering. Distinctive touches, such as crystal-inspired daytime running lights and a “Galaxy scroll” tail light effect that mimics the Milky Way at night, add to its visual presence.
S800 Interior Craftsmanship and Technology
The S800 interior blends traditional opulence with Huawei’s hallmark in high technology. Buyers can select from five interior palettes, including chocolate brown, purple, tan, white with tan, or a full white scheme. The cabin is trimmed with semi-aniline leather, precision-matched woodgrain panelling, and crystal accents, most prominently seen in the centre-console gear selector.
At the front, a trio of digital displays set the tone: a 12.3-inch driver’s screen, a 15.6-inch central infotainment system powered by Harmony OS, and a 16-inch passenger screen. An advanced augmented reality head-up display projects navigation and driver assistance features, while ambient lighting and twin wireless charging pads elevate usability.
Comfort is uncompromising. All seats are heated, ventilated, and equipped with massaging functions. The driver benefits from 18-way adjustability, active side bolsters, and a heated steering wheel.
S800 Rear Passenger Experience
The rear seating area distinguishes the S800 as a chauffeur-driven luxury car. In four-seat configurations, outer seats offer zero-gravity functions and massaging bolsters. Rear passengers also have detachable control screens integrated into the doors.
An optional 40-inch fold-down projection screen transforms the cabin into a private theatre. Paired with tinted windows and optional “Starry Night” roof lighting complete with shooting star effects, the space borders on cinematic.
Amenities include tray tables, flower holders, dual wireless phone chargers, and even a wine cooler capable of both chilling and heating bottles. Boot space measures up to 445 litres, while electric models feature an additional 62-litre trunk.
Audio and Entertainment
Few vehicles on the road match the Maextro S800’s audio ambition. Lower trims feature 35 speakers with 7.5.4 surround sound delivering 2,460W of output. Higher trims expand this to 43 speakers and 7.5.10 surround sound, producing 2,920W, which positions it among the most speaker-dense cars in production.
Huawei Sound Ultimate, part of the Yuechang Audio Extraordinary Series, embeds speakers even within the seats to replicate cinematic effects, enhancing film playback on the rear projection system.
S800 Powertrains and Performance
The S800 offers pure electric and extended range options.
| Variant | Motor Setup | Output | Battery | Range (CLTC) | 0-100 km/h | Charging (10–80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEV | Dual-motor (390 kW) | 160 kW front, 230 kW rear | 97 kWh | 702 km | 4.3–4.5 sec | 12 min |
| EREV Dual-Motor | 1.5L Turbo + Dual Motors | Slightly reduced front torque | 65 kWh | 400 km EV-only, 965 km WLTC | 4.6–4.9 sec | 10.5 min |
| EREV Triple-Motor | 1.5L Turbo + Triple Motors | 475 kW rear | 65 kWh | 400 km EV-only, 1,102 km WLTC | 4.6–4.9 sec | 10.5 min |
Huawei’s ADS 4 system underpins the vehicle’s autonomous driving features, supported by four lidar units and 32 sensors for highway and urban driving assistance.
S800 Safety and Innovation
Safety technology includes nine airbags, structural engineering to minimise underbody impact risks, and advanced matrix headlights with laser projection capability. Additional touches, like puddle-light “carpets” and gesture controls that tint windows or activate privacy features, highlight Huawei’s software integration.
A particularly futuristic element allows users to point at a specific door when approaching, prompting it to open automatically. Passengers can also mirror their mobile devices onto the rear screen with a tap, though this feature may be exclusive to Huawei smartphones.
S800 Market Availability
For now, the Maextro S800 remains exclusive to China, with the first 599 Pioneer Edition models set for delivery on 26 June and broader production beginning in August.
Although the vehicle has drawn global attention, there are currently no plans for export. Industry observers point to Huawei’s deliberate international strategy, which is focused on semiconductors and mobile technology rather than expanding its automotive footprint.
Given this strategy, as well as the vehicle’s positioning in a saturated domestic luxury market, the S800 is unlikely to make its way to South African roads in the foreseeable future.
