Gasgoo Munich-Mid-June, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) officially announced its first technology-laden luxury hardcore SUV: the Stelato G9. This flagship model, bearing the "9" designation, joins the previously launched Stelato S9 and S9T to form the brand's high-end product matrix across sedans, wagons, and SUVs. The vehicle is scheduled for an official debut in the third quarter of 2026.
Dual Powertrains and High-End Autonomous Driving, The Stelato G9’s Core Strengths
Image Source: Stelato Auto
Based on disclosed information, the Stelato G9 adopts a dual-strategy approach offering both extended-range and pure electric powertrains. Both variants are built on a global 800V high-voltage platform paired with Huawei’s "Giant Whale" battery pack. The extended-range version features a 75 kWh battery, while the pure electric model is equipped with a 120 kWh unit.
In terms of dimensions, the Stelato G9 sports a boxy, rugged design with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm, offering both 5- and 6-seat configurations.
On the intelligent front, the G9 is equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun 896-line LiDAR, supporting the HUAWEI ADS 5.0 autonomous driving system. Additional features include HarmonyOS Star Ring headlights and LC dimming glass, with optional roof racks, electric tow hooks, and electric side steps available.
A product director from Huawei’s Smart Selection business previously revealed that the vehicle belongs to the HarmonyOS Mobility flagship "9-Series" lineup.
The "9" Badge as a Flagship Symbol, and a Rapidly Expanding Market
As another contender entering the "9-Series" arena, the arrival of the Stelato G9 is no isolated incident; rather, it serves as a microcosm of the intensifying competition in the flagship SUV sector.
Over the past two years, flagship SUVs bearing the "9" designation have emerged in dense clusters in the Chinese market. Li Auto’s L9 broke the ice first, followed closely by the AITO M9, with models like the ZEEKR 9X and Denza N9 subsequently entering the fray. Incomplete statistics suggest that by 2026, more than 40 "9-Series" SUVs will be on the market.
This trend is backed by clear market data. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), while overall retail sales in the domestic passenger car market declined year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, the large SUV segment defied the trend. Quarterly sales reached 627,000 units — a 143.5% jump from the previous year.
The surge in popularity for large SUVs is driven primarily by their 6-seat or greater layouts, which cater to the practical travel needs of multi-child families. From a commercial standpoint, large SUVs offer higher profit margins per unit than compact models, making them vehicles for both brand elevation and profit generation for automakers.
Looking at cumulative sales of SUVs priced above 500,000 yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, the AITO M9 led with 87,000 units, followed by Li Auto’s L9 at 58,600 units. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE trailed with 53,100 and 38,600 units respectively. Chinese brands have shifted from being "challengers" to "key players" in the premium SUV market.
Hardcore SUVs Move from Niche to Mainstream: Opportunities and Challenges for the Stelato G9
As the "9-Series" lineup expands, the hardcore SUV niche is also heating up, catalyzed by new energy technology. The Stelato G9 sits right at the intersection of these two trends.
For a long time, hardcore SUVs were a niche category in the Chinese market, with market share lingering below 1%. The application of new energy technology has reshaped their image, shedding the traditional reputation for high fuel consumption, low comfort, and weak intelligence.
Data from the China Automobile Dealers Association shows that sales of hardcore off-road vehicles surpassed 350,000 units in 2025, with market share rising above 3%. By 2030, that share is expected to challenge the 13% mark.
Even more notable is the shift in user demographics. The core demographic for hardcore SUVs has pivoted from professional off-road enthusiasts to young families aged 25 to 35. Over 80% of owners go off-road less than once a year, with more than 90% of usage confined to city streets.
The ability to handle both city streets and wild terrain—"urban yet rugged"—has become a core demand for a new generation of consumers. This shift explains why an increasing number of new energy hardcore SUVs are prioritizing comfort, intelligence, and energy efficiency.
The Stelato G9 enters a fiercely competitive landscape. In the 400,000 to 600,000 yuan price bracket, the Li Auto L9, AITO M9, and ZEEKR 9X have already established a significant market base. In the hardcore SUV niche, models like the Tank 700 Hi4-T and Fangchengbao Leopard 8 have secured their footing. Meanwhile, traditional luxury players like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE retain strong brand appeal among high-end buyers.
Image Source: Stelato Auto
For the Stelato G9 specifically, its competitive edge hinges on two factors: the long-range capability delivered by its global 800V platform and 120 kWh battery pack, and the combination of Huawei’s ADS 5.0 system with 896-line LiDAR. However, hardcore SUV owners may rely less on autonomous driving systems than city SUV drivers—whether this tech translates into actual purchase decisions remains to be seen.
Pricing is another critical variable. If the Stelato G9’s starting price exceeds 500,000 yuan, it will go head-to-head with mid-to-large SUVs from German luxury brands and leading NEV players. The AITO M9, a fellow "9-Series" model under the HarmonyOS Mobility umbrella, starts at 479,800 yuan. While the G9 shares the series badge, its hardcore positioning makes its pricing strategy a decisive factor in its market performance.
Against the backdrop of a crowded "9-Series" SUV track and hardcore new energy SUVs moving from niche to mainstream, the arrival of the Stelato G9 represents both a product exercise in Chinese brands' continued ascent and a snapshot of the white-hot competition in the premium sector.
For consumers, more diverse options mean greater room for choice. For the industry, the rapid iteration of technology and the refinement of user needs are redefining what "luxury SUV" means. Whether the Stelato G9 can secure a foothold in this contest will face its first market test after the third quarter.
