SERES 5 Max

Model Overview

The SERES 5 Max is a D-segment range-extended electric SUV under the SERES Group, serving as the global flagship counterpart to China's domestic SERES SF5 and primarily targeting premium overseas markets. The 158km Max variant launched in 2024 serves as the core offering, commanding a starting price of 200,000 AED (approx. RM400,000) in markets such as the UAE. In terms of dimensions, the SERES 5 Max measures 4770×1930×1625mm with a wheelbase of 2880mm in a 5-seater configuration. Positioned in the mid-size SUV segment, its chief rivals in European and other global markets include the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Renault Rafale, with UK pricing starting from around £55,700.

Design Language

The SERES 5 Max retains the signature design DNA of the SERES family. Up front, the distinctive lightning-inspired "Σ"-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) serve as a striking visual hallmark, granting the SUV high brand recognition. The willow-leaf profile of the side glasshouse is another signature SERES design cue, which, alongside the sleek coupe-SUV roofline and an athletic, forward-leaning stance, lends the vehicle a distinctly sporty presence. Along the flanks, clean surfacing and tight proportions keep the SUV looking taut rather than overly bulky.

Inside, the cabin strikes a balance between cutting-edge technology and premium luxury, highlighted by a two-tone black-and-white theme anchored by a large central touchscreen infotainment display. Exceptional NVH suppression was a key focus; the cabin incorporates a low-wind-noise aerodynamic body design, double-glazed acoustic glass all around, single-piece stamped door assemblies, silent tyres, and LASD (liquid-applied sound deadener) materials to isolate road and ambient noise effectively. The HUAWEI DriveONE oil-cooled electric motor and in-house developed ultra-quiet reduction gears further ensure a whisper-quiet ride. Additionally, the driver benefits from a Head-Up Display (HUD) with adaptive height adjustment.

Powertrain & Performance

The SERES 5 Max is powered by a range-extender hybrid powertrain centred around a transversely mounted 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This is paired with an all-wheel-drive dual-motor setup comprising a front AC asynchronous motor and a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, propelling the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Total system output is rated at an impressive 358 kW (approx. 487 PS) and 490 lb-ft (approx. 664 Nm) of torque. Energy is supplied by a 40 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, delivering a pure electric range of 158 km on the NEDC cycle. For charging, it supports DC fast charging, taking just 30 minutes to top up from 0% to 80%, while AC slow charging takes around 3.3 hours.

In global markets, the SERES 5 line-up offers broader powertrain choices. The fully electric (BEV) variant is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 200 kW and 360 Nm, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds. Other AWD hybrid iterations deliver up to 365 kW (496 PS) and 675 Nm of torque, with top speed reaching 210 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the SERES 5 Max rides on a luxury-grade all-aluminium alloy chassis, suspended by a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup that deftly balances agile handling with ride comfort. Power is distributed via an intelligent dual-motor electric all-wheel-drive system paired with electric power steering. Braking is handled by front and rear ventilated discs equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB). Riding on 255/45 R20 tyres, the SUV delivers confident road grip and cruising stability. Overall chassis tuning is renowned for its planted feel and supple bump absorption.

Cabin & Features

The cockpit of the SERES 5 Max is deeply integrated with Huawei's HarmonyOS ecosystem, creating a highly intelligent mobile living space. Key highlights include:

• Smart Cockpit System: Powered by HarmonyOS Distributed Collaboration, the system supports Super Desktop and PC Collaboration, enabling seamless cross-device task handovers between smartphones, the head unit, and laptops.

• Interaction & Entertainment: Fitted with HUAWEI MagLink magnetic mount ports behind the front seats to easily attach tablets, alongside an in-cabin karaoke suite for on-the-go passenger entertainment.

• In-Car Charging: Generously equipped with dual 40W wireless super-fast charging pads, three 66W wired super-fast charging ports, and a 60W fast-charging port, catering to all occupants' power needs.

• Audio System: Available with the premium HUAWEI SOUND Spatial Audio system, packing a 19-speaker acoustic layout, 7.1 surround sound field, a 1,000W independent amplifier, and optional 4-speaker dedicated driver headrest audio.

• Comfort & Convenience: Features a driver Nap Mode that dims the cabin lighting and plays soothing white noise, eye-tracking-based auto-adjusting side mirrors, and an in-cabin PM2.5 air filtration system.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

Anchored by the brand's core philosophy of "Intelligent Safety", the SERES 5 Max adopts a comprehensive safety technology framework. Pioneering a "scenario-defined safety" approach, the architecture spans over 190 real-world scenarios—from remote vehicle access and daily driving to parking and pre/during/post-collision events—covering over 340 safety functions across four core dimensions from occupant protection to privacy safeguarding.

• Passive Safety: Built using advanced engineering such as a single-piece die-cast aluminium rear body structure, the body shell delivers high structural rigidity and crashworthiness. Cabin occupant protection is bolstered by 6 airbags, including dual front, side, and full-length curtain airbags.

• Active Safety & ADAS: Supported by continuous perception model training, the vehicle provides all-around collision avoidance across front, lateral, and rear vectors. The driver assistance suite includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Traction Control System.

Market Performance & Reviews

Positioned as SERES's flagship global spearhead, the SERES 5 Max commands a premium stance internationally. In the UAE, the vehicle starts from 200,000 AED; in the UK market, pricing starts at £55,700—above rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E; while the high-performance AWD variant commands around €63,000 in Spain. In Jordan, the 2024 SERES 5 Max ER-EV is priced at 28,000 JOD. Across these regions, the SERES 5 Max establishes a high-end brand image, with its styling, performance, and Huawei ecosystem serving as core selling points.

Back home in China, the market journey of its progenitor, the SERES SF5, offered crucial learning curves. The SERES SF5 recorded only 791 units throughout 2020, resulting in a lacklustre market run. The model was originally launched within a price band of RM216,800 to RM246,800, offering an NEDC pure electric range of 180 km and an overall combined range exceeding 1,000 km. Amid fierce NEV competition, continuous R&D and rapid iterations eventually enabled SERES to elevate its brand equity and market standing through models like the AITO series. In terms of user feedback, owners widely praise the exterior styling and cabin roominess, though some have noted occasional infotainment interface stutters and a driver's seat cushion that feels slightly short for taller occupants.