The Aito M9 is a flagship SUV from Huawei and Seres. It is a 5.2-meter high-end vehicle with six seats inside. It is available in EREV and EV versions with a price range of 469,800 – 569,800 yuan (65,750 – 79,750 USD). The M9 targets petrol-powered SUVs from legacy brands such as BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. This beast will also rival Li Auto L9, Nio ES8, HiPhi X, and Hongqi E-HS9.
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Aito is a joint project between Huawei and Seres. In this JV, Seres manufactures Aito vehicles, while Huawei acts as a major parts and software supplier. Moreover, the Chinese tech giant is responsible for selling Aito vehicles. They are available for purchase in Huawei flagship stores across China. The Aito model line comprises three models, M5, M7, and M9, that entered the Chinese market today.
Aito M9 exterior
The exterior design of the Aito M9 follows the design language first adopted by the Luxeed S7 sedan baked by Huawei. Its features are triangular headlights joined by an LED strip. It has retractable door handles and a slightly slanted roofline. The M9’s D-pillars have the HIMA logo on them. It is the name of a Huawei store focused on selling cars. The Chinese tech giant plans to open 800 showrooms in 2024.
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According to Aito, the M9’s drag coefficient is 0.264 Cd for the EV version and 0.279 Cd for the EREV. Aito compared their SUV’s aerodynamic performance during the launch with the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. But this comparison is irrelevant because the mentioned models from legacy brands are petrol-powered. However, it is an impressive number for the SUV with dimensions of 5230/1999/1800 mm and a wheelbase of 3110 mm. For clarity, the Li Auto L9’s drag coefficient is 0.306 Cd.
Another feature of the Aito M9 SUV is its headlights, which Huawei makes. They can act as a projector, demonstrating images and videos. The headlights can also direct rays to prevent blinding other road users. According to Aito, their accuracy reaches 1.2 meters. And these headlights can not only recognize cars, but also pedestrians. The M9 also adopts the Huawei ADS 2.0 driving assistance system.
Aito M9 interior
The Aito M9 has six seats with a 2 + 2 + 2 layout. Every seat is wrapped in Nappa leather. The center console of the Aito M9 has three screens. The main driver’s screen has a diameter of 15.6 inches. The front passenger’s monitor offers a 16-inch diameter. The instrument panel is 12.3 inches in diameter. It also has a 75-inch AR-HUD. This system is powered by Huawei’s Harmony OS system.
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Another feature of the Aito M9 is the Huawei sound system, which comprises 25 speakers. It can be optionally equipped with four more 10-inch screens for the second and third-row passengers. The trunk of the Aito M9 has a capacity of 716 L. It also has 41 storage spaces in total.
Aito M9 powertrain and price range
The chassis of the Aito M9 is made of aluminum. Moreover, its body-in-white is 80% made of this metal. The M9 has an air suspension and a CDC system on board.
The EREV version of the Aito M9 has a 1.5-liter ICE that acts as a generator. It has 4WD with two e-motors for 365 kW. They are powered by optional 42-kWh or 52-kWh ternary NMC batteries from CATL. Depending on the battery, the all-electric range of the Aito M9 is 225 – 275 km. The mixed range is 1,362 – 1,402 km. Its zero-to-hundred acceleration time is 4.9 seconds.
The all-electric version of the Aito M9 offers two electric motors for 390 kW and a CATL’s ternary pack for 97 kWh, good for 630 km. It speeds up to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
