The Maextro S800, a premium sedan from the collaboration between Huawei and JAC, maintained its position as the top-selling luxury car in China as of January 2026. It outsold the combined sales of its closest competitors, the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class. Since deliveries began in August 2025, the Maextro S800 has dominated the luxury sedan segment for vehicles priced above 700,000 yuan (~$100,000). The model’s price ranges from 708,000 to 1,018,000 yuan ($102,600 – $147,520). In a record-setting month, 4,376 units of the S800 were sold in December 2025, significantly outpacing traditional luxury brands.
In January 2026, Maextro delivered 2,625 units of the S800 sedan. Despite a 38.6% decrease in sales compared to the previous month, the vehicle secured the top spot in its segment. The BMW 7 Series (excluding the i7) came in second with 1,188 units delivered, while the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class was third with 1,040 units. This performance means the Maextro S800 sold more units than its two main rivals combined. According to data from China EV DataTracker, the cumulative sales for the Maextro S800 have reached 14,078 units, with the highest sales recorded in major cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing.
The Technology Behind the Throne
The Maextro S800’s success is largely attributed to the deep integration of Huawei’s technology. The vehicle is available in both Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) and pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) versions. EREV models feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that acts as a generator for the battery, not mechanically connected to the wheels, offering a combined range of over 1,100 km (684 miles). The powertrain options include dual-motor and tri-motor configurations, with total power outputs ranging from 390 kW to 635 kW (530 to 864 Ps). The S800 is built on an 800V high-voltage platform, enabling rapid charging-a 10-80% charge can be achieved in just 10-12 minutes. Inside, the sedan is equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered smart cockpit, the ADS 4.0 advanced driver-assistance system, and a premium HUAWEI Sound system, positioning it as a high-tech powerhouse.
A New Era of Competition
The Maextro S800’s rise signifies a major shift in China’s luxury auto market, long dominated by German brands. While the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class represent the pinnacle of traditional combustion-engine luxury, the S800 is also facing fierce competition from a new wave of domestic high-tech rivals.
- Maextro S800: 2,625 units sold (Jan 2026)
- BMW 7 Series: 1,188 units sold
- Maybach S-Class: 1,040 units sold
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 1,005 units sold
- Audi A8: 460 units sold
- Porsche Panamera: 451 units sold
- Yangwang U7: 111 units sold
- Nio ET9: 85 units sold
- Porsche Taycan: 37 units sold
- BMW i7: 34 units sold
Among these are the Yangwang U7 from BYD, which boasts a quad-motor system producing up to 960 kW (1,287 hp) and advanced DiSus-Z active suspension technology. Another key competitor is the Nio ET9, which features a 900V architecture for ultra-fast charging, steer-by-wire technology, and a focus on executive-level rear-seat comfort.
Huawei’s HIMA Strategy and Future Outlook
The S800’s triumph is a powerful validation of Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) strategy. This model involves deep collaboration with traditional automakers, where Huawei provides the intelligent systems, software, and sales network, while partners like JAC handle manufacturing. Richard Yu, head of Huawei’s automotive division, has stated that the Maextro S800 is intended to be the top-selling vehicle in its price range, a goal it is currently achieving. The HIMA ecosystem also includes brands like Aito (with Seres), Luxeed (with Chery), and Stelato (with BAIC), creating a formidable multi-brand alliance.
Richard Yu previously stated that Maextro would compete with ultra-luxury brands like Maybach and Rolls-Royce, aiming for the million-yuan price segment.
The continued dominance of the Maextro S800 could accelerate the shift towards smart electric vehicles in the luxury segment. This puts pressure on legacy automakers to innovate more rapidly in software and in-car technology. For Huawei, the success of the S800 and the HIMA alliance solidifies its position as a dominant technology supplier and a kingmaker in the world’s largest automotive market. The Maextro S800 is sold in China through Huawei’s HIMA stores, which also sell vehicles from Aito, Stelato, Luxeed, and Saic (Shangjie).
