Stelato S9T: Huawei’s Luxury Electric Wagon Garners 20,000 Orders in Just 24 Hours
The premium automotive market in China has welcomed a new player, and it comes from a surprising name in technology. Huawei, in partnership with BAIC, has launched the luxury car brand Stelato, and its latest model – the Stelato S9T – has already caused a stir. Within just 24 hours of opening pre-orders, the S9T attracted over 20,000 reservations, underlining the growing appetite for premium electric and hybrid vehicles in China.
Full-scale sales are scheduled to begin in September, but the wave of early interest suggests Huawei’s ambitious move into the automotive world is paying off.
A Premium Wagon with Striking Dimensions
The Stelato S9T represents Huawei’s attempt to redefine the luxury wagon segment. Unlike most of today’s premium EVs, which come in the form of SUVs or sedans, the S9T is a station wagon – a body style rarely explored in the Chinese market but historically appreciated in Europe for its balance between comfort, space, and practicality.
Key dimensions highlight its scale:
Length: 5,160 mm
Wheelbase: 3,050 mm
Cargo Capacity: 660 liters (expandable with rear seats folded)
This makes the S9T a direct rival to long-wheelbase luxury sedans and even full-size SUVs, while offering a more elegant and elongated profile.
Powertrain Options: Pure EV and Hybrid
The S9T will be available with multiple drivetrains to cater to different markets and preferences:
Pure Electric Version (Single Motor):
Power: 309 hp
Driving range: up to 801 km (based on CLTC cycle)
Pure Electric Version (Dual Motor):
Power: 523 hp
Acceleration: estimated 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds
Range slightly reduced compared to single-motor variant
Extended-Range Hybrid (EREV):
Combines a 160 hp 1.5L gasoline engine with a 309 hp electric motor
Total system output comparable to mid-range EV version
Range: up to 1,305 km on a full charge and tank
This diverse lineup allows customers to choose between the long-range efficiency of the hybrid or the high performance of the dual-motor EV.
Interior and Technology
Huawei’s influence is most noticeable inside the cabin. Known for its dominance in telecommunications and consumer electronics, the brand has applied its expertise in connectivity, AI, and user interface design directly into the car’s interior.
Highlights include:
Smart Cockpit powered by HarmonyOS – a unified operating system that integrates seamlessly with smartphones, wearables, and home devices.
Ultra-HD central display with advanced voice and gesture control.
Autonomous Driving Capabilities: Level 2+ driver assistance using Huawei’s proprietary ADS system.
Premium Materials: leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, customizable ambient lighting, and high-end audio.
For passengers, the S9T offers spacious legroom thanks to its long wheelbase, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
Pricing and Market Position
The Stelato S9T is priced between 328,000 and 388,000 RMB (approximately $45,000–$53,000). This puts it in competition with established European luxury wagons and high-end EVs from Tesla, NIO, and Zeekr.
Reservations required a deposit of 2,000 RMB, which is fully refundable. This means the real demand will only be tested once official sales begin in September. Still, 20,000 early orders signal strong consumer confidence in Huawei’s automotive vision.
Huawei’s Automotive Expansion
The S9T is Stelato’s second model after its sedan counterpart. Meanwhile, Huawei is preparing to launch its most affordable crossover, the Shangjie H5, in collaboration with SAIC. The H5 will target a broader audience with both EV and hybrid options, complementing the premium segment covered by Stelato.
This strategy mirrors the approach of other Chinese automakers, where one brand targets luxury buyers while another appeals to mainstream consumers.
What the Stelato S9T Means for the UAE Market
While the S9T has not yet been officially confirmed for international markets, it represents the kind of premium EV experience that could soon reach the UAE. With its extended range and luxurious cabin, the S9T is ideally suited to long-distance driving between cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or even road trips across the GCC.
For visitors, renting electric luxury cars in Dubai is becoming increasingly popular, with models from Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes already available. If Stelato enters the UAE market, we can expect local rental companies to offer the S9T as a stylish, futuristic option for tourists and residents alike.
Those who prefer to stay updated on premium EV rentals can explore:
The Stelato S9T is more than just another EV – it is Huawei’s declaration that it intends to be a long-term player in the automotive industry. With cutting-edge technology, remarkable range, and luxury design, it positions itself as a genuine competitor to Tesla, BMW, and other global brands.
If Huawei manages to deliver the same seamless connectivity in cars as it has with smartphones, the S9T could reshape consumer expectations of what a premium electric vehicle should be. For drivers in China, the wait is almost over, and for the rest of the world – including the UAE – the S9T offers a glimpse of the future of luxury mobility.
