Huawei and GAC reveal new Qijing electric shooting brake

Huawei, the technology giant, and GAC Group, a major state-owned car manufacturer, have finally pulled the covers off their first joint project. The new brand is called Qijing, and its first entry into the crowded world of electric cars is a sporty "shooting brake" - a sleek, performance-oriented station wagon. This is a big step for both companies as they attempt to blend high-end technology with traditional automotive manufacturing.

Many new EVs go for the standard sedan or SUV shape, but Qijing chose a more athletic style. The car features a sloped hood, a large air intake in the front bumper, and 20-inch ten-spoke wheels. It also has streamlined door handles that sit flush with the body to help the car slice through the air more efficiently. These design choices follow a growing trend in China where drivers are starting to prefer the sporty look of wagons over bulky SUVs. The car will compete with other stylish models like the Zeekr 001 and the Nio ET5 Touring.

Tech enthusiasts will find plenty to talk about regarding the vehicle's brains. The Qijing wagon uses Huawei's Qiankun intelligent vehicle system. A prominent LiDAR sensor sits on the roof, acting like an eye to help the car "see" its surroundings. According to the company, the new EV is "Level 3 ready." This means the car can handle many driving tasks on its own under specific conditions, though a human driver must still be ready to take over.

Specific battery sizes haven't been released yet, but the car features an 800V high-voltage system. This technology allows for very fast charging, which is essential for drivers who do not want to wait around at charging stations. During recent road tests, CEOs from both Huawei and Qijing praised the car's handling and driving dynamics, suggesting it will be more than just a tech gadget on wheels.

One of the most surprising details is the price point. The leaders of the project claim the Qijing wagon offers the looks, driving feel, and intelligence of cars that cost RMB 1 million, which is about $140,000 - that's the price range of the ultra-luxury Yangwang U8. However, the Qijing model is expected to sell for much less. The domestic price is estimated at RMB 300,000, or roughly $42,700. Offering a luxury experience at a middle-market price is a bold strategy to win over buyers from established brands.

Qijing appointed its CEO, Liu Jiaming, in September 2024 to lead the brand. Since then, the team has moved quickly to get prototypes on the road for testing. The car will be officially introduced to the market within the next couple of weeks, with deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2026.

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