by Maextro Introduces the New Luxury Minivan V800
Chinese newcomer Maextro created quite a stir a few years ago with the S800 model — an ultra-luxury sedan positioned as an analogue of the Mercedes-Maybach, but costing significantly less. This risk paid off. The S800 became a true sales hit, surpassing all established competitors in the over $100,000 segment in China, giving Maextro solid grounds to move further into the premium segment. Now the brand has unveiled a teaser of its second model, which promises to be even more luxurious.
For those unfamiliar, Maextro is one of five brands under Huawei’s HIMA multi-brand collaboration, alongside Aito, Luxeed, Stelato, and SAIC. The vehicles are manufactured by JAC and Huawei at a factory in Hefei, China. While one might have expected the second model to be an SUV, it is actually a minivan. But this is no ordinary school-run minivan.
Design and Features
The minivan, dubbed V800, borrows many features from the S800. Tall LED headlights dominate the front end, and a traditional radiator grille is absent — replaced instead by a large emblem in the center of the front panel. Like an increasing number of high-end Chinese cars, the V800 is shown in a two-tone finish — gold and brown — with plenty of chrome.
The S800 features intricate LED technology, and the V800 follows suit. It is equipped with small lights hidden behind the door handles that illuminate the doors, while the taillights incorporate thousands of tiny LEDs capable of displaying detailed images, such as the previously shown Phoenix.
Power for a Large MPV
The V800 is a full-size minivan measuring 216.3 inches (5495 mm) in length, 78.9 inches (2006 mm) in width, and 72.8 inches (1850 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 135 inches (3430 mm). Unfortunately, only a few interior shots have emerged so far, so a detailed review will have to wait.
For now, it is apparent that the interior features a 2+2+3 seating layout, upholstered in luxurious leather with what appears to be several crystal elements. There is also a large panoramic glass roof with a retractable sunshade that functions as a starlight ceiling, similar to that in a Rolls-Royce.
The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid. The new Maextro combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 173 hp with two electric motors delivering a combined output of 530 hp. They are powered by a 63.2 kWh battery, providing an all-electric range of up to 171 miles (275 km).
Pricing and availability are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, though the V800 will likely cost more than the S800, which starts at just over $100,000 in China.
This move by Maextro demonstrates that the Chinese luxury car market continues to evolve actively, offering alternatives to traditional European brands. The V800, despite being a minivan, aims to compete in the ultra-luxury segment, leveraging advanced lighting technology and a hybrid powertrain. The success of the S800 shows that Chinese consumers are willing to choose new brands if they offer a high level of luxury at a competitive price, and the V800 appears to follow the same strategy, albeit in a less traditional body style.
