BAIC and Huawei are changing the Stelato S9—Here’s what’s new

Not enough buyers? Time for Plan B. The Stelato S9’s launch didn’t go as planned, but BAIC and Huawei aren’t giving up. They’re working on a new version with an extended-range system, hoping to get more buyers interested.

BAIC BluePark and Huawei are developing an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version of the Stelato S9 sedan. The fully electric model, which launched last year in China with a starting price of approximately P3.1M, only sold 3,008 units in three months, much lower than expected. To address this, BAIC and Huawei are now preparing an EREV version in hopes of increasing demand. The Stelato S9 is a large sedan built on BAIC’s BE22 modular platform, with Huawei providing key hardware and software. When the model was first introduced, BAIC and Huawei planned to sell 120,000 Stelato cars annually, but sales have been much lower than that goal.

At an investor meeting in China, BAIC BluePark officials confirmed that they are working on the new EREV version but did not share many details. However, the powertrain will likely be similar to the BAIC BJ60 Thunder, which also uses an EREV setup. The BJ60 Thunder has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that works as a generator, supplying power to the electric motors and battery instead of directly driving the wheels. 

The Stelato S9 is a full-size sedan with a length of 5,160 mm, a width of 1,987 mm, and a height of 1,486 mm, with a 3,050 mm wheelbase. It is slightly shorter, wider, and lower than the Mercedes-Benz EQS. The sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.193 Cd, helping with aerodynamics. Inside, the Stelato S9 comes with five seats as standard, with an option for a four-seat layout. The cabin includes a large floating screen, an LCD instrument cluster, and an extra touchscreen for the front passenger.

BAIC also plans to expand the Stelato lineup, with the next model expected to be the Stelato S9 Estate, followed by a large Stelato SUV. These upcoming models may also use an EREV powertrain. Sometimes, a restart is all you need. With BAIC and Huawei introducing an EREV version of the Stelato S9, they plan  to reach more buyers. Other brands have benefited from plug-in hybrids and EREV models, so this could help Stelato grow. The question now is whether this model will go beyond China and reach markets like the Philippines. Until then, check out BAIC’s lineup at AutoDeal.com.ph.