- Set to launch in China in 2026, the Huawei-backed Luxeed V9 is expected to debut seat-integrated helmet airbags, designed to better protect the occupant's head, neck and face during a crash.
The Luxeed V9 electric minivan is on track to become the first mass-produced vehicle equipped with helmet airbags integrated into the seating. The new EV will be launched in the Chinese market within the first half of 2026, set to rival its competition as a technology flagship product.
Luxid was established as a joint venture between Huawei and Cherry and was launched in 2023 under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). The company currently operates a portfolio of two models with battery electric and extended range EV (eREV) powertrain configurations, including the S7 sedan and the R7 coupe SUV.
How does a helmet airbag work?
In the event of a collision, the seats of the Luxeed V9 are designed to automatically move to a rear-facing safe position. Here, the helmet airbags deploy in conjunction with the side airbags and essentially wrap around the occupant's head, with a small extension that covers the lower half of the face and neck.
The underlying technology was first demonstrated by Yanfeng Automotive Interiors in 2023. Yanfeng is a leading global supplier of interior systems, working with manufacturers such as Volkswagen, General Motors, Toyota, BMW, Stellantis, BYD, GAC and Geely. The seat architecture developed by Yanfeng supports large-angle reclining, seat rotation and extended front-off sliding, which generally aims to improve cabin flexibility.
Based on ADAS data, the V9's seats include a pre-crash rapid return system that returns them to an upright position before impact. It also has an integrated seat belt and a pre-installed airbag that deploys early during a collision, helping to limit the occupant's forward motion and reducing the load on the lower back.
It's worth noting that while many users on Weibo have speculated that the Luxeed V9 will offer such security solutions, the brand has yet to officially confirm these details.
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More about Luxeed V9
The Luxe V9 minivan is based on Chery's modular E0X-L architecture, allowing an extended wheelbase and a body length of more than 5.3 metres.
The Luxeed V9 will reportedly feature powertrain and headlamp technology developed by Huawei. The minivan is expected to offer a large passenger-side display, a massive onboard refrigerator, an oxygen concentrator, and a new 192-line LiDAR system. Expected interior highlights include two independent second-row seats with zero-gravity function, an electrically operated pop-up and soft-close front trunk.
The Luxeed V9 will be built around an 800V high-voltage electrical architecture and will adopt Huawei's Qiankun Advanced Driving System (ADS), which the platform is claimed to be ready for Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. The model is expected to be offered in both pure EV and EREV versions, with CATL supplying the battery pack for both powertrain options.
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First publication date: 24 Dec 2025, 13:15 PM IST