STELATO S9: HUAWEI'S ATTEMPT AT AN S-CLASS

EV Channels Review

The Stelato S9, Huawei's ambitious entry into the luxury sedan market, presents a compelling package with a strong emphasis on features and value, though it falls short of challenging established German benchmarks like the S-Class. The exterior styling, initially polarizing, grows on the reviewer, particularly the front-end design. Inside, the second row is a standout, offering luxurious features like heated, cooled, and massaging seats, a refrigerated compartment, and an impressive, albeit flawed, 32-inch projector screen. The reviewer criticizes the screen's usability due to small text, large black margins, and poor visibility in daylight, suggesting traditional tablets might be a better alternative. Driving dynamics are a mixed bag; while the dual-motor AWD variant offers brisk acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds), the reviewer notes excessive front-end lift and a jarring, artificial sport mode sound. The adaptive air suspension is described as overly soft, leading to noticeable body roll. A significant controversy surrounding a reviewer's ban on a Chinese social media platform for criticizing the car's suspension is also discussed, raising questions about brand confidence. Ultimately, the S9's technology, particularly Huawei's advanced driver-assistance systems, is praised, but the reviewer concludes that Huawei's strategy of partnering with less capable automakers dilutes the overall product quality, suggesting Huawei should consider manufacturing its own vehicles.