On June 15, Huawei executive director Yu Chengdong officially unveiled the Stelato G9 — the first rugged-format SUV from the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) and the third model under the Stelato brand co-developed by BAIC BluePark and Huawei. The G9 will arrive on Chinese roads in Q3 2026 and is positioned as a “tech-luxury rugged SUV” designed to bridge the gap between hardcore off-roaders like the Tank 700 and family-oriented flagships like the Li Auto L9. With a confirmed 728 km CLTC pure-electric range, an extended-range variant good for over 1,300 km of combined driving, and HUAWEI ADS 5.0 with the new 896-line LiDAR, the G9 instantly becomes the most technologically loaded body-on-frame-style box SUV in the Chinese market. For broader context on Stelato’s portfolio strategy, see our coverage of the AITO M9 deliveries (HIMA flagship benchmark).
Stelato G9 at a Glance: A Boxy Flagship Above the M9
The Stelato G9 marks a deliberate departure from the sleeker S9 sedan and S9T wagon. Designed around a “square-box” off-road silhouette, the SUV measures 5,206 mm long (5,377 mm with the optional rear-mounted storage box) and stands 1,897 mm tall on a generous 3,160 mm wheelbase, surpassing both the Li Auto L9 (3,125 mm) and AITO M9 (3,125 mm). Buyers will be able to choose between five- and six-seat layouts, making the G9 equally credible as a family flagship or an executive transport.
Exterior Design Highlights
- Closed front fascia with illuminated Stelato logo and a full-width LED light bar.
- Vertical headlamp clusters with stacked round and semicircular optical elements.
- Chunky front and rear bumpers with substantial skid-plate detailing.
- Side-hinged tailgate with optional swing-out spare-wheel storage box.
- Hidden door handles, electric side steps and a wide range of wheel options including 22-inch dish-style alloys.
The launch press kit shows the G9 wearing a deep “moss green” paintwork, with optional LC dimming privacy glass and red brake calipers available at extra cost.
Powertrain: BEV and EREV Both Built on 800V Architecture
Both versions of the Stelato G9 ride on Huawei’s full-domain 800V high-voltage platform and use the new “Giant Whale” battery pack — the same architecture deployed on the AITO M9 and Maextro S800. Power comes from a Huawei-designed dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with 160 kW front + 277 kW rear, for a combined peak of 437 kW (586 hp). Yu Chengdong projects 0–100 km/h in the four-second range and a top speed of 220 km/h.
Range Numbers
- BEV variant: 120 kWh battery, 728 km CLTC pure-electric range — among the longest officially filed for any rugged-format SUV in China.
- EREV variant: 56 kWh or 75.4 kWh battery options, paired with a 1.5T range extender (118 kW). WLTC pure-electric range is up to 312 km; combined CLTC range exceeds 1,300 km.
For readers tracking the wider 800V trend in Chinese rugged SUVs, our previous deep-dive on the GWM Cannon Hi4-T launch (China rugged SUV deep-dive) explains how Stelato’s high-voltage strategy compares to rivals.
Smart-Driving Suite: HUAWEI ADS 5.0 + 896-Line LiDAR
The Stelato G9 is the first Stelato model to launch with HUAWEI ADS 5.0, the latest generation of the company’s intelligent driving stack. Standard hardware includes a roof-mounted Huawei Qiankun 896-line dual-optical-path image-grade LiDAR — currently the highest-resolution automotive LiDAR shipping on a Chinese production vehicle — supplemented by 4D millimeter-wave radar and side cameras relocated to the C-pillars for wider field of view. Buyers can additionally specify three solid-state LiDAR units for redundancy in challenging off-road environments.
Off-Road Hardware
Despite the smart-driving emphasis, the G9 also packs traditional rugged-SUV credentials. A standard twin-chamber air suspension works in tandem with electromagnetic dampers, and the chassis features ±8-degree rear-wheel steering plus road-surface preview based on LiDAR data. Multiple terrain modes — sand, snow, mud and water-fording — are accessible through HarmonyOS Cockpit, while the optional electric trailer hitch supports a roughly two-tonne tow rating.
Pricing Outlook and Competitive Set
Yu Chengdong has not disclosed pricing, but Stelato’s price band so far stretches from 308,000 RMB (~$42,500) for the S9T to 568,000 RMB (~$78,400) for the top-spec S9. Industry observers expect the Stelato G9 to land in the 500,000–600,000 RMB ($69,000–$82,800) range, putting it head-to-head with the Li Auto L9 (419,800 RMB), AITO M9 (479,800 RMB), Tank 700 Hi4-T, BYD Yangwang U8, and the imported Land Rover Defender 130. The combination of HIMA branding, ADS 5.0 and a 728 km BEV range means the G9 will be the most software-defined option in this segment by a wide margin.
Why This Matters for Overseas Readers
For US, European and ASEAN audiences, three points are worth noting:
- HIMA’s first rugged play: Until now, HIMA’s portfolio has been dominated by aerodynamic SUVs and luxury sedans. The G9 signals that Huawei sees lifestyle-rugged as a core export category for the next two years.
- BAIC’s manufacturing maturity: The Stelato Super Factory in Miyun, Beijing has been retooled with a 1.99-billion-RMB ($274 million) upgrade to support eight-model mixed steel-aluminum production. The G9 will be the first SUV off this line, with body-panel tolerances rated at ±0.05 mm.
- Tech transfer signal: A 728 km CLTC range, full ADS 5.0 stack, and 896-line LiDAR on a body-on-frame-styled SUV means rivals — particularly Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus GX and the next-generation BMW XM — will face a tougher technology benchmark from China.
Editor’s Note
The Stelato G9 is the strongest signal yet that the Chinese rugged-SUV segment is no longer the exclusive territory of body-on-frame, mechanically focused vehicles. Yu Chengdong’s “more rugged than luxury, more luxury than rugged” positioning is more than marketing — it’s an explicit attempt to redefine the segment around software, sensors and on-board AI. We expect a lively Q3 reveal and to see the first units delivered before year-end 2026.
FAQ
1. When will the Stelato G9 go on sale?
Stelato has confirmed a Q3 2026 reveal in China, with deliveries expected to begin late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2026.
2. How long is the Stelato G9?
The G9 measures 5,206 mm long without accessories, or 5,377 mm with the optional rear-mounted storage box. Width is 2,050 mm, height 1,897 mm and wheelbase 3,160 mm.
3. Is the BEV or EREV variant better for long-distance driving?
For most Chinese highway scenarios, the 120 kWh BEV with 728 km CLTC range is sufficient between fast charges. For extended cross-country trips, however, the EREV’s 1,300 km combined range removes the need to rely on fast-charging networks.
4. Will the Stelato G9 be exported?
Stelato has not announced overseas market plans for the G9 specifically, but BAIC has signaled interest in exporting Stelato-badged vehicles through Chinese state-owned trading channels in 2027 and beyond.
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