An exterior image of the updated Aito M9. Credit: Aito
- The standard version of the new Aito M9 starts at 479,800 yuan ($70,760), while the special extended Ultimate edition starts at 649,800 yuan.
- Nio is also set to officially launch its new flagship SUV, the ES9.
Huawei-backed electric vehicle (EV) brand Aito officially launched the new generation of its M9 on Wednesday, pricing the flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV) from 479,800 yuan ($70,760).
The starting price remains unchanged from its predecessor, but is 20,000 yuan lower than the pre-sales price of 499,800 yuan announced on March 4.
The new model no longer offers four-seat variants, available only in five- and six-seat configurations. It continues to be offered in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions.
The new-generation Aito M9 comes in a total of eight variants, with starting prices ranging from 479,800 yuan to 659,800 yuan.
The new vehicle features upgraded dimensions. The standard Aito M9 measures 5,285 millimeters in length, 2,026 mm in width, and 1,845 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm.
To cater to the higher-end market, the two most expensive variants of the new-generation Aito M9 are dubbed the extended Ultimate edition, starting at 649,800 yuan and 659,800 yuan, respectively.
The extended models stretch the vehicle’s length to 5,402 mm and increase the wheelbase to 3,236 mm, while the width and height remain unchanged.
The new Aito M9 is built on Huawei’s new-generation DriveONE 800V high-voltage dual silicon carbide power platform. The pure electric version offers dual-motor and tri-motor options, delivering up to 903 horsepower.
The tri-motor variant can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.99 seconds, while the dual-motor version takes 4.5 seconds.
The pure electric model is equipped with a large-capacity 120-kWh battery pack, providing a maximum range of 750 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards.
The EREV version features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine combined with dual electric motors, offering a maximum CLTC pure electric range of 422 kilometers. With a full tank and full charge, its comprehensive CLTC range can reach up to 1,405 kilometers.
In terms of smart features, the new Aito M9 comes standard across all variants with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 autonomous driving system. The vehicle is equipped with six LiDARs, significantly enhancing autonomous driving safety.
Notably, Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) is also set to launch its new flagship electric SUV, the ES9, in a few hours. This signals that competition in China’s premium EV market is entering a new, white-hot phase.
The Aito M6 SUV has opened for pre-sales starting at 269,800 yuan ($39,040), coming standard with an industry-leading 896-channel LiDAR system.
($1 = 6.7812 yuan)
