Stelato, the premium automotive brand co-developed by Huawei and automotive part

Stelato, the premium automotive brand co-developed by Huawei and automotive partners, has expanded its flagship lineup with new variants of the S9 sedan and S9T SUV. The updated models introduce fresh exterior colors, enhanced hardware including 896-line LiDAR technology, and luxurious new interior configurations while maintaining competitive starting prices of 319,800 RMB (approximately $44,110 USD) in the Chinese market.

These enhancements represent Stelato’s commitment to refining its premium offerings in China’s increasingly competitive luxury electric vehicle segment. The brand continues leveraging Huawei’s advanced automotive technologies, particularly in intelligent driving systems and powertrain innovations. For deeper insights into how intelligent EV technologies are reshaping the automotive landscape, visit AI Tools & API Access for the latest EV insights and comprehensive market analysis.

Key Features & Specs

The Stelato S9 sedan introduces a new exterior color called Moonlight Velvet White, inspired by the warm white halo surrounding a supermoon. This elegant finish pairs with redesigned 20-inch dual ten-spoke Star Gleam wheels. Buyers can also opt for the Obsidian package, which includes blacked-out badges, darkened window frames, red brake calipers, black trim accents, and blackened wheels for a more aggressive aesthetic. Inside, a new Nebula Red interior configuration debuts, featuring red as the primary color scheme complemented by grey suede headliner material.

The S9T SUV variant receives its own exclusive color called Star Rose Pink, drawing inspiration from starlit skies and spring roses. This distinctive finish comes with new 20-inch dual five-spoke Star Ring wheels, with an optional matching Star Rose Pink wheel finish for buyers seeking ultimate color coordination. Like the sedan, the S9T also offers the Obsidian blackout package and the new Nebula Red interior treatment.

On the powertrain front, the S9 sedan offers both pure electric and range-extended configurations. The pure electric version, already filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, utilizes an 800V high-voltage platform with a 227kW electric motor delivering over 800 kilometers of range. The range-extended variant employs Huawei’s Xiaoying (Snow Owl) intelligent range extension system, achieving over 1,300 kilometers of total CLTC-rated range. The S9T SUV’s range-extended powertrain combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 118kW with a 227kW electric motor. Battery options include 37kWh and 53.4kWh capacities, delivering 251km and 354km pure electric range respectively, with total ranges of 1,225km and 1,305km under CLTC testing. The pure electric S9T features the 800V architecture across all trims, with two-wheel-drive models using a single 227kW motor and all-wheel-drive versions deploying 158kW front and 277kW rear motors for a combined 385kW output. All pure electric variants pack a 100kWh Whale battery, providing 801km range for rear-drive models and 701km for AWD configurations, with the performance variant sprinting 0-100km/h in just 3.95 seconds.

Market Position & Competition

The Stelato S9 and S9T occupy a strategic position in China’s burgeoning premium electric vehicle market, competing directly against established luxury players and emerging domestic challengers. At the starting price of 319,800 RMB ($44,110 USD), these models undercut traditional German luxury sedans and SUVs while offering comparable or superior technology packages, particularly in autonomous driving capabilities and infotainment systems powered by Huawei’s ecosystem.

The addition of 896-line LiDAR represents a significant hardware upgrade that positions Stelato competitively against rivals like NIO’s ET7 and Li Auto’s L-series vehicles. Higher-resolution LiDAR enables more precise environmental mapping for advanced driver assistance systems, a crucial differentiator as Chinese consumers increasingly prioritize intelligent driving features. The diverse powertrain options—pure electric with 800V fast-charging architecture and range-extended variants offering over 1,300km total range—address different consumer anxieties around charging infrastructure and long-distance travel capabilities.

Stelato’s styling choices, particularly the new colorways like Moonlight Velvet White and Star Rose Pink, target affluent Chinese buyers seeking personalization and distinctiveness in the premium segment. The Obsidian blackout package and Nebula Red interior further cater to younger luxury consumers who value visual customization. This approach mirrors successful strategies employed by European luxury brands while incorporating aesthetic preferences specific to Chinese market tastes. The brand’s Huawei connection also provides substantial competitive advantages in software updates, connected services, and integration with China’s dominant smartphone ecosystem.

Should You Buy One?

The Stelato S9 and S9T new variants present compelling propositions for Chinese buyers prioritizing cutting-edge technology and distinctive styling within the premium electric vehicle segment. The range-extended versions particularly merit consideration for buyers without reliable home charging or those frequently undertaking long-distance journeys, as the 1,300+ kilometer total range effectively eliminates range anxiety while maintaining electric driving for daily commutes.

For pure electric advocates, the 800V architecture and 100kWh battery combination delivers both rapid charging capabilities and competitive range figures. The four-wheel-drive variant’s 3.95-second 0-100km/h acceleration and 385kW combined output provide genuine sports sedan performance, while the 701-801km range ensures practical everyday usability. The upgraded 896-line LiDAR system positions these vehicles well for future autonomous driving capability updates, potentially extending their technological relevance as Huawei continues refining its intelligent driving software. Consumers researching how different EV technologies compare can explore comprehensive comparisons and technical breakdowns to better understand these advanced systems.

The new color options and interior treatments add tangible value for buyers seeking personalization beyond standard configurations. The Nebula Red interior, in particular, offers a bold alternative to typical black or beige luxury car cabins, while the exterior colors—especially Star Rose Pink on the S9T—provide distinctive presence uncommon among conservative premium SUVs. However, prospective buyers should carefully evaluate their local service network availability, as Stelato’s relatively recent market entry means dealership coverage may not yet match established luxury brands in all regions.

Verdict

The Stelato S9 and S9T new variants represent a calculated evolution of already competitive products, adding meaningful hardware upgrades and personalization options that address specific consumer demands in China’s premium EV market. The 896-line LiDAR integration signals Stelato’s commitment to maintaining technological leadership, while the new colorways and interior options demonstrate sophisticated understanding of luxury consumer psychology. The diverse powertrain lineup—spanning range-extended practicality to high-performance pure electric configurations—ensures broad appeal across different buyer profiles and usage patterns.

At 319,800 RMB starting price, these models deliver exceptional value relative to their technology content and performance capabilities, particularly when compared against traditional luxury alternatives. For Chinese consumers already invested in Huawei’s ecosystem or prioritizing advanced intelligent driving features, the S9 and S9T warrant serious consideration as they combine cutting-edge domestic technology with genuinely premium execution and distinctive styling rarely found at this price point.