May 30, 2025, will be remembered in the history of China's automotive industry as the day the Zunjie S800, priced between $98,620 and $141,820, officially launched. Within the first hour, over 1,000 orders were placed, reaching 1,600 in 24 hours and an impressive 2,600 within 72 hours—a sales milestone for a domestic luxury car. Co-developed by Huawei and JAC Motors, this flagship new energy sedan boldly challenges the dominance of European brands in the million-dollar luxury vehicle segment.
As part of Huawei's Intelligent Selection car model, Zunjie S800 has garnered significant attention since its inception. Richard Yu, Huawei’s executive, openly stated that the brand aims to surpass traditional luxury icons like Maybach and Rolls-Royce. Now officially on sale, does the Zunjie S800 possess what it takes to redefine the premium market?
Exterior Design: Inspired by the Maybach S-Class
The Zunjie S800 is a D-segment large luxury sedan directly competing with the Maybach S-Class. The exterior incorporates design cues reminiscent of the Maybach S-Class, such as the two-tone paint scheme, oversized wheels, and floating hubcap logos, all contributing to its unmistakable luxury presence.
The car features Huawei's "Horizontal and Vertical Starlight" design language, characterized by a large grille, functional crystal headlights, and elegant silhouette. With a length of 5,480mm and a wheelbase of 3,370mm, the S800 slightly edges out the Maybach S-Class dimensions (5,470mm length, 3,396mm wheelbase).
Its full-width tail lights, dubbed "Nebula Scroll," create a shimmering galaxy effect when illuminated, offering striking nighttime visibility. The range extender variant adopts a hidden exhaust layout for added sophistication. Buyers can choose from six color options, including solid and two-tone finishes, enhancing personalization and luxury appeal.
Interior: Luxury Meets Technology
The Zunjie S800 boasts a tech-forward, opulent cabin. Featuring a wraparound cockpit, the interior is adorned with high-quality leather, wood trim, and metallic accents. Highlights include a panoramic cockpit view, dual-tone leather steering wheel, HUAWEI X-HUD, a seamless triple-screen setup, and intelligent mirrors. These features elevate both the aesthetic and driving experience.
The handcrafted diamond-stitched seats, starlit ceiling, and multi-screen entertainment system further amplify luxury. The proprietary "Five-Sense Balance System" integrates cross-sensory features, such as aroma diffusion, synchronized with massage modes and curated soundscapes. Additional features include zero-gravity rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, a 21.6-inch retractable rear smart screen, a built-in refrigerator, and the advanced HUAWEI SOUND 2.0 system.
In "Business Mode," the system detects passengers asleep and adjusts air conditioning while activating ion purification—a local innovation unmatched by traditional German luxury brands.
Advanced Driving Features: Huawei ADS 4.0 System
The Zunjie S800 is equipped with Huawei ADS 4.0 advanced autonomous driving technology, featuring cutting-edge hardware: 1 192-line LiDAR, 3 solid-state high-power LiDARs, 3 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and a total of 36 sensors. These enable effective 200-meter detection even in adverse weather conditions, setting a new benchmark for safety.
Performance: Pure Electric and Range-Extended Versions
The Zunjie S800 offers two powertrain options: pure electric and range-extended. The pure electric model utilizes an 800V high-voltage platform with dual motors delivering 530 horsepower and 673 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Its 97 kWh battery supports 5C ultra-fast charging and a CLTC range of 702 km.
The range-extended variant, based on the 800V Snow Owl platform, includes dual and triple motor setups. The 1.5T engine provides 170 horsepower, while triple motors offer up to 864 horsepower and 718 Nm of torque. With a 65 kWh battery, it supports 6C rapid charging and boasts a CLTC range exceeding 1,155 km.
Target Audience: Redefining Luxury for the New Elite
70% of customers opt for the $141,820 top-tier configuration, with tech executives accounting for 38%, next-gen entrepreneurs 29%, and women comprising a surprising 21%. Unlike traditional luxury buyers, this demographic values Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem and satellite communication over the nostalgic allure of V12 engines.
Women drivers particularly benefit from thoughtful features like automatic lighting in low-visibility environments, gesture-controlled doors, and a refrigerator with milk-warming functionality—designs tailored for working mothers. In contrast, the Maybach S-Class's chauffeur-centric layout feels outdated.
Zunjie S800 vs. Maybach S-Class
The S800’s "Tulon Dragon-Walk" chassis platform boasts millisecond-level active suspension response, significantly outperforming the Maybach S-Class hydraulic system's 20-millisecond reaction time on uneven surfaces. This technological leap mirrors the difference between smartphones and legacy feature phones.
While Maybach relies on meticulous craftsmanship (e.g., 0.45mm semi-aniline leather stitching), Zunjie integrates high-gloss woodwork and ultra-fine needlework, blending luxury aesthetics with functional innovations like intelligent ambient lighting systems.
Market Implications: Redefining Luxury Standards
The Zunjie S800 disrupts the luxury car segment by showcasing three major advancements in China's auto industry: nano-level precision in local supply chains, smart technology enhancing mechanical performance, and the emergence of Chinese brands as leaders in luxury innovation.
While the Maybach S-Class retains strong brand equity with unmatched legacy services like private concierge and helicopter rescue, Zunjie must focus on brand building and marketing to gain a foothold in the global luxury market.
With the rapid growth of the EV market, consumer acceptance of electric luxury vehicles is on the rise. The Zunjie S800, backed by Huawei’s tech pedigree, is poised to carve out its niche. By combining technological sophistication with cultural confidence, it proves that Chinese brands can compete at the pinnacle of the luxury automotive sector.