Huawei and BAIC enter a new niche with the Stelato S9T electric wagon

Technology giant Huawei and legacy automaker BAIC Group have pulled the wraps off their latest creation, the Stelato S9T. Official images released this week reveal a sleek station wagon, pointing to a confident move into a market segment that is just beginning to find its footing in China. The new model, part of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), will have its official launch this fall.

Dressed in a unique "Wonderland Green," the Stelato S9T is more than just a stretched version of its sedan sibling, the S9. While it borrows familiar design cues like the "Galaxy" headlights, hidden door handles, and multi-spoke wheels, it establishes its own identity.

The most obvious change is the elongated roofline that extends well past the rear doors before gently tapering, creating the classic wagon profile. This design entirely changes the car's silhouette and also adds practicality with the inclusion of roof racks. At the rear, the S9T sports a new "Nebula" taillight design, a distinct feature that separates it from the sedan.

A key selling point for any vehicle under Huawei's HIMA umbrella is the technology, and the Stelato S9T is no exception. Prominently displayed are LiDAR units on the roof and front fenders, a clear indicator that the wagon will be equipped with Huawei's advanced Qiankun ADS (Advanced Driving System).

This suite of sensors and software pushes the vehicle further into the realm of highly autonomous driving, a feature that is becoming a major battleground for modern electric cars, at least in China. By integrating its cutting-edge tech, Huawei turns its EVs into intelligent devices on wheels, not just modes of transportation.

Stelato has yet to confirm the official powertrain specifications for the S9T, but we expect the options to mirror those of the S9 sedan. This gives potential buyers a wide menu of choices. The all-electric version of the sedan comes in two flavors: a rear-wheel-drive model with a 227 kW (304 hp) motor and a large 100 kWh battery, good for an impressive 507 miles range. An all-wheel-drive variant adds a 158 kW (212 hp) motor to the front axle for extra grip and power, offering a 448 miles range.

Stelato will likely offer the S9T as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) as well. This version uses a small 1.5-liter gasoline engine that functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery, never directly powering the wheels.

The EREV S9 sedan offers two battery sizes (37 kWh or 53.4 kWh), providing a pure electric range of up to 227 miles. With a full battery and a full tank of gas, the total range extends to a massive 842 miles, effectively eliminating any worries about long-distance travel in an electric car.

Wagons have always been a niche market in China, where customers largely prefer sedans and SUVs. But a cultural shift appears to be underway, with brands like Nio and Zeekr finding surprising success with their long-roofed models, and it seems that Stelato is hoping to capitalize on this growing trend.

The S9 sedan is priced between RMB 309,800 and RMB 449,800 ($43,200 – $62,700), and the S9T wagon is expected to fall within a similar range. Based on the S9's dimensions - 203.1 inches long, 78.2 inches wide, and 58.5 inches tall, with a 120.1 inches wheelbase - the S9T will be a large, executive-class vehicle.

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