The anticipation is mounting as Huawei and BAIC's new joint venture inches closer to launch. The duo aims to revolutionize China's premium EV scene with the debut of a sleek executive sedan, set to be unveiled at the upcoming Beijing auto show in April. The biennial event marks a welcome return after it was canceled in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BAIC boasts a rich automotive heritage, while Huawei's technological prowess in connectivity, smart features, cutting-edge software, and now complete EV powertrain solutions promise to elevate the EV experience. Although that’s a hyperbole used by every manufacturer bringing a new product to the market.

The new brand, rumored to be called "Xiangjie," is an interesting choice of words - Xiang means enjoy or savor, while Jie usually refers to a realm or luxury. The two-word combination can mean “Enjoy the New World” or even “Enjoy the Luxury”. The highly anticipated debut model, tentatively named Jie Pai (also known as X4), will be an executive sedan targeting the premium market. Rumored to sport a price tag between RMB 300,000 and RMB 500,000 (€ 38,900 to € 64,810), this eye-catching EV is designed to give established luxury brands a run for their money. Initial reports suggest a spacious interior and futuristic design, alongside a host of smart features powered by Huawei's technology.

BAIC BluePark, the EV arm of BAIC Group, has revealed that the Xiangjie brand is not confined to China's borders. The company has ambitious plans to expand its reach, with a 2024 target for establishing a distribution and service network in Europe and Asia – a strong indication of global aspirations. It is highly likely that when the new brand reaches our shores, it’ll be called STELATO. The partnership's brave production goals have further sparked industry interest. With an estimated annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, and a sales target exceeding 10,000 units per month for the first model, this venture has the potential to reshape the premium EV landscape - as long as it can deliver on its promises.

Interestingly, Huawei's involvement extends beyond providing cutting-edge technology components. The company's "Zhixuan" partnership model means it's deeply embedded in the development process, working hand in hand with BAIC. This level of collaboration has proven successful in the past, evidenced by the popular Arcfox α-S model, which boasted Huawei Inside solutions. With the new brand, we can expect this technological integration to reach even greater heights.