by New Chinese Luxury Sedan Maextro S800
The Chinese automaker has introduced the new luxury sedan Maextro S800, which is already being called an alternative to the Maybach S-Class. The car, created in collaboration with Huawei, offers a similar level of comfort but at a significantly more accessible price. Demand for it turned out to be so high that 3,600 orders were received in the first week, 1,600 of which were within the first 24 hours.
The cost of the base version is 708,000 yuan, while the top trim with a range extender is priced at 1,018,000 yuan (~$141,600). This is significantly cheaper than the Maybach S-Class, which starts from 1,468,000 yuan in China.
Technical Features and Equipment
The dimensions of the S800 are practically identical to the Mercedes S-Class: length — 5480 mm, width — 2000 mm, wheelbase — 3370 mm. However, the design of the Chinese model looks more noticeable and extravagant. The interior is equipped with a digital instrument panel, a 15.6-inch multimedia screen, a 16-inch display for the passenger, and a 43-speaker audio system.
The car is offered in two configurations: a four-seater with separate second-row seats or a classic five-seater.
An electric version with a 95 kWh battery and 523 hp is available, as well as a hybrid with a range extender (a 1.5-liter engine-generator and a 65 kWh battery). The most powerful modification has three electric motors with a combined output of 852 hp.
The fast start of sales of the Maextro S800 indicates the growing demand for premium electric vehicles in China. Against the backdrop of global price increases for luxury cars, affordable alternatives like the S800 could become serious competitors for European brands.
