Huawei and BAIC’s premium automotive brand, Stelato, has announced the availability for pre-order of its updated Stelato S9 sedan. Starting at an estimated 318,000 yuan (approximately $44,500 USD), the refresh focuses on both aesthetic improvements and upgrades to its advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), powered by Huawei’s ADS 4.0.
Design Inspired by the Cosmos
The refreshed Stelato S9 adopts a design philosophy rooted in celestial imagery. Key aesthetic enhancements include:
- Triple-Cluster Headlights: Formed into a striking C-shape, further accentuated by a “Star-Ring” light strip.
- “Universe Star” Emblem: A new badge signifying the car’s connection to Huawei’s technology.
- “Brilliant Star River” Headlights: Further highlighting the car’s distinctive front-end appearance.
- Updated Wheel Designs & Intelligent Mirrors: These subtle changes contribute to a more modern and refined look.
- New “Universe” Body Color: Adding to the car’s overall visual appeal.
- “Nebula”-Style Taillights: A fresh design element at the rear of the vehicle, mirroring the cosmic theme.
Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS)
The updated Stelato S9’s technological centerpiece is its enhanced ADAS. It features a comprehensive sensor suite comprised of:
- 36 High-Precision Sensors: This robust array provides the data needed for advanced driving functions.
- Four Lidar Units: Including one 192-line lidar and three high-precision solid-state lidars, significantly improving environmental awareness.
- Three-Distributed Millimetre-Wave Radar Matrix: An upgraded forward-facing radar system delivers more accurate and detailed object detection.
- External Microphones: These enhance the system’s ability to respond to sounds from outside the vehicle, aiding in safety and convenience features.
The car runs on Huawei’s Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 4.0 platform, promising a sophisticated and capable ADAS experience. The addition of multiple lidars and the upgraded radar system mark a significant step toward increasingly autonomous driving capabilities.
Performance and Range
The Stelato S9 offers both pure electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain options to cater to different consumer preferences:
- EV Variant: This version has already been declared to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and features an 800V high-voltage platform. It’s equipped with a drive motor (model TZ210XYA03) from Huawei Digital Energy Technology Co., Ltd., producing a peak power output of 227 kW (304 hp). The EV is projected to offer a range exceeding 800 kilometers.
- EREV Model: This version incorporates Huawei’s “Snow Owl” intelligent extended-range system and boasts a combined CLTC range of over 1300 kilometers.
The Stelato S9 refresh represents an evolution of the brand’s commitment to integrating advanced technology and stylish design. With its enhanced ADAS, impressive range options, and striking aesthetic changes, the refreshed S9 aims to capture attention in the competitive premium electric vehicle market.
