China’s New 586-HP Luxury SUV Wants to Turn Road Trips Into Lounge Time

There was a time when an SUV just needed four-wheel drive and a big trunk. Those days are long gone. The new Stelato G9 feels more like a luxury lounge that just happens to handle camping trips, and honestly, that's becoming a familiar recipe in China. Built by BAIC and Huawei under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), it's the brand's first SUV, and it clearly isn't thinking small.

The G9 stretches over 204 inches long, putting it between the Land Rover Defender 110 and Defender 130 in size.

Buyers can choose between a range-extender version or a fully electric model, and neither skimps on power. Both deliver 586 hp from dual electric motors. The EREV pairs them with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and a 75-kWh battery for a claimed 849-mile driving range, while the all-electric version swaps in a larger 120-kWh battery capable of up to 452 miles. It also rides on an 800-volt electrical architecture, so fast charging is expected to be part of the package.

The styling won't be the first thing people talk about, although the little details are fun to discover. The headlights can project images onto the road, a LiDAR sensor quietly sits on the roof, and Stelato keeps showing the G9 with a rooftop tent and awning. 

Inside, the G9 leans heavily into technology. Buyers can choose either a two-row or three-row layout, while the dashboard is dominated by three digital displays that instantly evoke Mercedes-Benz. Pre-sales have already started in China at 439,800 yuan (just over $65,000). Luxury used to be about badges. Lately, it feels more like a race to see who can make the longest road trip feel the shortest.