Huawei’s electric vehicle ambitions are showing no signs of slowing down. The tech giant, through its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), just launched the Saic H5, a sleek new SUV that pulled in an impressive 10,000 orders in its first hour on the market. With deliveries slated for September, the H5 is another example of how Huawei is leveraging its tech prowess and brand recognition to shake up the world’s largest auto market.
So, what exactly is Saic? It’s the latest brand to join Huawei’s HIMA ecosystem, which already includes Aito, Luxeed, Stelato, and Maextro. Saic is a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), one of China’s state-owned automotive heavyweights. This partnership is smart, it combines SAIC’s manufacturing scale with Huawei’s cutting-edge software, like the HarmonyOS cockpit and advanced driver-assistance systems. The car was previously known by its Chinese name, Shangjie.
A Closer Look at the Saic H5
The Saic H5 is a handsome mid-size crossover. Its design is clean and uncluttered, with slim headlights and a single light bar across the rear. It’s a modern look that feels right at home with other HIMA vehicles. It’s not shouting for attention, but the details, like the active air intake up front and a sensor for the advanced driving system on the roof, hint at the tech hiding underneath.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power (BEV) | 150 – 180 | kW | 201 – 241 hp, depending on trim |
| Peak power (EREV) | 150 (motor) + 72 (generator) | kW | Electric motor paired with a 1.5L generator |
| Range (CLTC) | 535 – 655 | km | BEV variants |
| Electric Range (CLTC) | 230 | km | EREV variant |
| Battery capacity (BEV) | 64.6 / 80 | kWh | Two battery options available |
| Battery capacity (EREV) | 32.6 | kWh | For electric-only driving |
| Energy consumption | 13.4 | kWh/100 km | For BEV model |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 4780/1910/1664 | mm | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Cargo volume (rear) | 601 | L | Front trunk (BEV): 124 L |
| Starting price (EREV) | ¥159,800 | CNY | Equivalent to ~22,500 USD |
| Starting price (BEV) | ¥165,800 | CNY | Equivalent to ~23,300 USD |
A Tech-Forward Cabin and Two Powertrain Flavors
Inside, the H5 feels like a rolling smartphone. A huge 15.6-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, running Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Physical buttons are almost entirely gone, pushing nearly all controls to the screen. It’s a clean, minimalist approach that tech lovers will appreciate. For convenience, it has 50W wireless phone charging pads and a massive 2.3-square-meter sunroof that opens up the cabin. From a practical standpoint, the rear seats have adjustable backrests, and the trunk is a generous 601 liters, so it’s ready for daily life and family trips.
The H5 comes in two main flavors, a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV).
The BEV version is for those ready to go all electric. It offers two battery sizes, 64.6 kWh and 80 kWh, giving you a claimed range of 535 to 655 kilometers depending on the model. That’s plenty for most drivers.
The EREV is a clever solution for buyers worried about range anxiety. It has a smaller 32.6 kWh battery good for about 230 km of pure electric driving, perfect for daily commuting. But for longer trips, a 1.5-liter gasoline engine kicks in, not to power the wheels, but to act as a generator and recharge the battery. It’s the best of both worlds for many Chinese consumers.
Higher-end models also get Huawei’s impressive ADS 4.0 system. Packed with a LiDAR sensor, radars, and cameras, it enables highly sophisticated driver aids, including assisted navigation from one address to another.
Strong Start, But the Competition is Fierce
So, are 10,000 orders in an hour a true victory? It’s complicated. On one hand, it’s a fantastic start that many automakers would envy. On the other hand, the Aito M7, another SUV from Huawei’s partnership with Seres, received 30,000 orders in the same timeframe, despite being more expensive.
This shows just how brutally competitive the Chinese EV market is. The Saic H5’s result is solid, but not record-breaking. Its primary weapon is its price. With six different trims ranging from just 159,800 yuan (about 22,500 USD) to 199,800 yuan (about 28,100 USD), the H5 offers a whole lot of tech and style for the money. It’s a compelling package that positions it as a strong contender in the mainstream electric SUV segment. We’ll be watching closely to see if it can maintain this momentum when deliveries begin.
