SAIC MAXUS Interstellar

Model Overview

Interstellar is a brand-new high-end pick-up truck brand launched by SAIC MAXUS in July 2023. At its initial brand debut, the Interstellar pick-up family simultaneously rolled out six variants: Interstellar L, Interstellar R, Interstellar H, Explorer Interstellar H, Interstellar Bull Demon King, and Interstellar EV. On 7 August 2025, SAIC MAXUS officially unveiled the 2026 Interstellar pick-up line-up during the "Interstellar Pick-up Night", concurrently premiering the dedicated "Star Stack Platform" tailored specifically for pick-up trucks and inaugurating the "Interstellar Plan". Guided by the core philosophy of "scenarios define products", the Interstellar family's market positioning encompasses full-scenario requirements ranging from commercial applications and family commuting to outdoor off-roading and lifestyle customisation. Currently, the Interstellar pick-up family has established a core product matrix comprising Interstellar L (stylish quality pick-up), Interstellar R (global all-rounder pick-up), Interstellar H (tech performance pick-up), and Interstellar X (true passenger version and EV). Globally, cumulative sales of SAIC MAXUS pick-ups have surpassed 400,000 units.

Design Language

The models across the Interstellar range showcase distinct and differentiated exterior styling cues. Positioned as a "stylish quality pick-up", Interstellar L adopts a bold and squarish front end featuring a dot-matrix front grille accented with chrome highlights; the 2026 model receives blacked-out treatment on the radiator grille, door handles, alloy wheels, and wing mirror caps, complemented by all-terrain tyres. Positioned as a "global all-rounder pick-up", Interstellar R features a chrome dot-matrix front grille paired with sharp headlamp clusters, complete with chrome door handles, smoked wing mirrors, and functional roof rails. Positioned as a "tech performance pick-up", Interstellar H embraces a sporty, mecha-inspired exterior highlighted by integrated full-width LED headlamps and a smoked rectangular front intake, creating an aggressive visual stance. Interstellar X True Passenger Version incorporates a large dragon-scale front grille alongside vertically arranged rugged LED headlamp assemblies. Interstellar X EV sports a blanked-off front fascia with prominent central "MAXUS" lettering, framed by wraparound LED light strips and C-shaped headlamp clusters for a distinctly futuristic tech aesthetic.

Powertrain and Performance

The Interstellar family provides a wide array of powertrain options. Interstellar L is powered by the SAIC π 2.0T turbo-diesel engine, producing a maximum output of 120 kW (163 PS) and a peak torque of 410 Nm; a 2.4L petrol engine variant is also available. Interstellar R offers two powertrain choices: a 2.0T turbo-diesel (maximum output of 120 kW, peak torque of 410 Nm) and a 2.0T turbo-petrol (maximum output of 192 kW / 261 PS). Interstellar H is equipped with the SAIC π 2.0T diesel engine, offered in single-turbo and twin-turbo configurations, delivering up to 160 kW (218 PS) and 500 Nm of peak torque. Interstellar X True Passenger Version is fitted with the SAIC πPlus 2.5T diesel engine, generating a peak output of 165 kW (224 PS) and 520 Nm of torque. Interstellar X EV adopts a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering a combined output of 354 kW and 700 Nm of torque, powered by a 102.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that delivers a CLTC-rated range of 560 km.

Chassis and Handling

The Interstellar range is engineered on a rugged ladder-frame body-on-frame platform, with suspension setups tuned according to each model's specific market focus. Interstellar L features a BorgWarner part-time 4WD system and heavy-duty rear leaf springs, upgrading its payload capacity to 685 kg, whilst the long-wheelbase cargo bed offers a capacity of 1.44 m³ with a completely flat floor free of wheel arch intrusions. Interstellar R also comes equipped with a BorgWarner part-time 4WD system, with an optional rear differential lock. Interstellar H is equipped with a double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension setup. Interstellar X True Passenger Version comes standard with a part-time 4WD system and front/rear differential locks. The range-topping Interstellar X EV variant is fitted with an adaptive air suspension system.

The Star Stack Platform's "Mountain & Sea Chassis" integrates 12 all-terrain driving modes and intelligent off-road extrication capabilities, backed by a 540-degree transparent chassis camera system. Underpinning the structure, 73% of the "Star Bridge Architecture" body utilizes high-strength steel, achieving a torsional rigidity of 40,000 Nm/deg.

Cabin and Equipment

Interior appointments and tech equipment across the Interstellar range step up progressively according to variant positioning. Interstellar L is equipped with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment display powered by the Zebra SmartDrive OS, offering voice control and a 360-degree panoramic camera view. Interstellar R features a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch floating smart touchscreen. Interstellar H elevates the tech-forward ambiance with an integrated dual-screen cockpit layout. Interstellar X EV is fitted with dual 12.3-inch integrated floating screens running the Tencent TAI 4.0 intelligent ecosystem, leather upholstery, multi-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, driver seat ventilation and massage functions, rear seat heating, and a premium JBL sound system. Interstellar X True Passenger Version incorporates an enclosed rear cargo compartment aligned flush with the roofline behind the C-pillar, expanding interior storage capacity from 1,200 litres to 3,000 litres.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

The Interstellar line-up conforms to leading international safety benchmarks, with the "Star Bridge Architecture" body securing dual five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and ANCAP. Interstellar X True Passenger Version comes standard with a part-time 4WD system and front/rear differential locks. The entire Interstellar X EV range is fitted as standard with a 102.2 kWh LFP battery pack supplied by United Auto Battery System (CATL-SAIC). The Star Stack Platform's "1+X+N" electronic architecture supports full-vehicle Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity. Across the entire range, Interstellar models come standard with essential safety features including a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), automatic headlamps, and 4-wheel disc brakes.

Market Performance and Reception

The Interstellar pick-up family has demonstrated strong sales momentum since its market introduction. In January 2026, sales of the Interstellar pick-up series reached 5,924 units, recording a 26% year-on-year growth. In March 2026, SAIC MAXUS pick-up deliveries achieved 6,499 units, up 48% year-on-year, with domestic market sales surpassing 1,500 units to register a new single-month record. In April 2026, monthly sales stood at 5,376 units, bringing cumulative sales from January to April to 22,334 units, representing an 11.1% year-on-year increase. In export markets, SAIC MAXUS pick-ups are marketed across multiple countries and regions worldwide, firmly leading Chinese high-end pick-up export rankings. On 30 March 2026, the 400,000th MAXUS pick-up rolled off the production line.

In terms of customer feedback, Interstellar L has established itself as an "efficient business partner" for modern agricultural entrepreneurs and commercial operators thanks to its 1.44 m³ flatbed cargo bed and 685 kg payload rating; Interstellar X True Passenger Version, classified under passenger car regulations, benefits from unrestricted city driving nationwide, a 6-year vehicle inspection exemption, and no mandatory 15-year vehicle scrappage requirement; Interstellar X EV carves out a new market niche with its distinctive "Mulan Pink" bespoke styling and capable pure-electric performance. Overall, backed by an all-scenario product matrix, technical empowerment from the "Star Stack Platform", and the strategic "Interstellar Plan", the Interstellar pick-up family is steering the evolution of pick-up trucks from utilitarian workhorses into versatile, lifestyle-defining vehicles.