Huawei-backed luxury EV outsells Western rivals in China
The Maextro S800, co-developed by Huawei Technologies and state-owned JAC Group, recorded more deliveries last month than the combined sales of Porsche and BMW’s flagship cars
China's electric vehicle (EV) market has been booming for the last few years. Great cars at a fraction of the price compared to the Western equivalence have put China in the leading role. Now a new shift is underway at the top end of the market.
A new luxury electric sedan is selling better than two long-established German flagships — Porsche and BMW.
The Maextro S800, co-developed by Huawei Technologies and state-owned JAC Group, recorded 2,145 deliveries last month. That figure exceeded the combined sales of Porsche's Panamera and BMW's 7 Series in mainland China, according to ECC Intelligence. Prices start at $100,000 and rise to about $140,000.
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The S800 is now the best-selling model in that segment of the Chinese market. It has held that position for several months. In November, the Panamera sold 1,200 units. The 7 Series reached 928.
The car debuted in late May and is offered in both pure electric and extended-range versions. It entered a segment once dominated by foreign brands and petrol engines. That balance is changing fast — electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles now account for about 60% of new car sales in China.
Chinese brands already dominate the mass market. Now they are pushing upwards. Analysts say the success of the S800 could encourage more local makers to invest in premium electric models.
Huawei has positioned itself as a technology partner rather than a carmaker. Since entering the sector in 2019, it has focused on electrification, autonomous driving and digital cockpits. Earlier this year, it formed a new partnership with SAIC Motor to develop smart electric vehicles.
