The Stelato S9T station wagon from Huawei and BAIC got 20,000 orders within 24 hours in China. Priced between 328,000 – 388,000 yuan (46,570 – 54,020 USD), this vehicle packs Huawei’s ADS 4 driver’s assistance system with four LiDAR sensors, air suspension, and up to 385 kW (516 hp) of power.
Stelato is a joint project between Huawei and BAIC. It made the market entry last year in China with the S9 sedan as the launch model. This vehicle sold 15,068 units from October 2024 to July 2025 domestically, according to China EV DataTracker. The Stelato S9T station wagon started presales on August 18 this year, becoming the brand’s second model.
Stelato S9T orders
On August 19, Huawei’s automobile sales network HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) shared that the Stelato S9T received 20,000 reservations 24 hours after the presales kicked off in China. Previously, Stelato officials highlighted that their first wagon got 10,000 orders in one hour. Clients who want to book the vehicle need to place a 2,000 yuan (280 USD) deposit
It might look like the S9T station wagon outsold its counterpart in a day. However, these orders aren’t locked. It means customers who booked the car can still get a refund for their payment. The Stelato S9T wagon will start sales in China in September this year. We will be able to estimate the actual demand for this model only after the launch. Previously, Stelato didn’t share the same statistics for the S9 sedan.
More about the Stelato S9T
Dimensions of the Stelato S9T are 5160/2005/1492 mm with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. It is 210 mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain Wagon. The S9T comes standard with air suspension and 32 driver’s assistance sensors, including four LiDARs. It is available with optional cameras instead of conventional side-view mirrors.
The car’s interior adopts the floating main screen with a diameter of 16.1 inches. A 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster sits behind an oval-shaped three-spoke steering wheel. The third screen for 12.3 inches is positioned in front of the front passenger. The trunk volume of the S9T reaches 660 liters. Other highlights of the S9T’s cabin include 25 Huawei Sound speakers and a built-in refrigerator.
The entry-level Stelato S9T BEV offers a single electric motor in the rear axle for 227 kW (304 hp). The more powerful variant of this station wagon has a dual-motor AWD for 385 kW (516 hp). These modifications adopt a 100 kWh CATL-made ternary NMC battery. The RWD variant can run up to 801 km on a full charge under CLTC conditions.
The EREV variant of the Stelato S9T offers two battery options: a 37 kW LFP and a 53.4 kWh. They send power to a 227 kW electric motor in the rear axle. The bigger battery allows the S9T to run up to 354 km in EV mode. A 1.5-liter range extender for 118 kW (158 hp) under the hood powers the battery. In hybrid mode, the S9T EREV can run up to 1,305 km.
The Stelato S9T is available for orders with four trim levels:
- Stelato S9T EREV Max RWD – 328,000 yuan (46,570 USD)
- Stelato S9T BEV Max RWD – 348,000 yuan (48,450 USD)
- Stelato S9T EREV Ultra RWD – 368,000 yuan (45,670 USD)
- Stelato S9T BEV Ultra AWD – 388,000 yuan (54,020 USD)
Key Features of the Stelato S9T
Before we get to the comparisons, here are some of the S9T’s standout features:
- Design: It has a streamlined, wagon-like profile with hidden door handles, a closed front fascia, and distinct “Galaxy” headlights.
- Dimensions: It’s a large, executive-class vehicle, measuring around 5,160 mm long with a 3,050 mm wheelbase.
- Powertrain: It’s available in both pure EV and range-extended EV (REEV) versions.
- The pure EV model has a 100 kWh battery and a reported CLTC range of up to 801 km. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version produces a combined 516 hp.
- The REEV model uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine as a generator, offering a combined CLTC range of over 1,300 km.
- Technology: A major selling point is its integration with Huawei’s technology, including ADS 4 advanced driver-assistance system with multiple LiDAR sensors, and an interior with a large central touchscreen, a passenger display, and a compressor-based fridge.
huawei has veen doing gangbusters recently, hope this sells well, wagons are rare now days says pyr0test
there are some controversial stories too, Ok-Carpenter-8455 says Damn I remember when they were just a cell phone manufacturing company that got their phones banned in the U.S for spying – allegedly lol
They have come a long way it seems.
Comparison with Other Luxury EVs
Here’s how the Stelato S9T stacks up against some comparable vehicles:
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a luxury electric SUV that offers a spacious, tech-heavy interior with the optional Hyperscreen dashboard. While the EQS is an SUV and the S9T is a wagon, they both target the same premium, tech-savvy buyer. The S9T is slightly longer and wider than the EQS, and its pure EV range is comparable to or even exceeds that of the EQS SUV’s EPA-estimated range. However, the S9T’s key differentiator is the availability of a range-extended version, which the EQS does not offer, providing a solution for buyers with range anxiety.
BMW i7
The BMW i7 is an all-electric luxury sedan that, like the S9T, is a large, high-tech flagship model. Both cars emphasize a comfortable and technologically advanced cabin. The i7 offers a powerful and refined driving experience, but it is typically more expensive than the Stelato S9T, especially in the Chinese market. The S9T’s unique wagon body style provides more practicality and cargo space compared to the i7 sedan. The S9T also stands out with its direct-to-consumer technology integration with Huawei, which is a key part of its appeal.
Nio ET9
The Nio ET9 is a formidable competitor from another prominent Chinese brand. It’s an ultra-luxury, high-tech EV with cutting-edge features like a 600 kW charger, advanced chassis systems, and a futuristic design. While the Nio ET9 is often considered a “land jet” due to its focus on luxury and performance, the Stelato S9T offers a different proposition with its wagon body style and the flexibility of a range-extended variant. The S9T’s lower price point may make it a more accessible choice for buyers seeking a high-tech luxury vehicle without the top-tier flagship price.
Voyah Zhuiguang
The Voyah Zhuiguang is another high-end electric sedan from a Chinese state-owned automaker. Like the S9T, it offers a luxurious interior and interesting technology. However, the Stelato S9T’s distinct wagon form factor and the added benefit of Huawei’s extensive technology and sales network give it a unique position in the market. The S9T’s REEV powertrain option also provides a practical alternative to the Zhuiguang’s pure electric setup.
The Stelato brand, a joint venture between Chinese tech giant Huawei and state-owned automaker BAIC Group, is in its very early stages of a global presence, and its acceptance is currently focused almost entirely on the domestic Chinese market. It’s not yet a globally recognized brand in the same way as traditional automakers like Mercedes-Benz or BMW, or even newer ones like Tesla or Nio.
Here’s a breakdown of the general acceptance of the Stelato brand, with a focus on its domestic performance and international outlook:
1. Domestic Market Acceptance (China):
- Early Sales Figures: The brand’s first model, the S9 sedan, launched in August 2024. While it was a high-end, luxury-focused vehicle, its initial sales did not meet the ambitious targets set by the company. For instance, the company had planned for an annual sales target of 120,000 units, but early sales were much lower. This is not unusual for a new luxury brand entering a highly competitive market. In response, Huawei and BAIC introduced a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) version of the S9, a common strategy in China to address consumer range anxiety. The EREV version has performed better, with some reports indicating thousands of units sold monthly.
- Pre-sales Success of the S9T: The Stelato S9T, a new wagon model, is showing much more promising initial signs. Reports from August 2025 indicate that the S9T received over 20,000 pre-orders within the first 24 hours of its launch. This suggests a strong level of interest and acceptance, particularly for the wagon body style, which has been gaining popularity in China.
- The Huawei Factor: A significant part of Stelato’s brand acceptance in China comes from its association with Huawei. Huawei is a highly respected and trusted tech brand in China, and its involvement in the vehicle’s design, technology (HarmonyOS, advanced driver-assistance systems like ADS 4), and sales network provides a powerful endorsement. For many consumers, they aren’t just buying a Stelato; they are buying a “Huawei car,” which is a major draw.
2. International Market Acceptance:
- Currently Non-Existent: There is little to no information available about Stelato’s official launch or sales in international markets. The brand is focused on solidifying its position and increasing sales volume in China before contemplating a global expansion. This is a common strategy for new Chinese EV brands.
- Potential for the Future: While not a current focus, the brand’s unique selling points—the combination of luxury, advanced Huawei technology, and the increasingly popular EREV powertrain—could make it an interesting contender in some international markets in the future. However, breaking into established markets like Europe and North America will be a significant challenge, requiring extensive brand-building, dealing with different regulatory standards, and overcoming consumer skepticism towards new Chinese brands.
The Stelato brand is a new, emerging player in the Chinese luxury EV market. Its acceptance is entirely a domestic phenomenon at this point, heavily driven by its partnership with Huawei. While its first model had a slow start, the impressive initial pre-order numbers for the S9T suggest the brand is gaining traction and finding its footing in a highly competitive landscape. Worldwide, however, the brand is essentially unknown.