The AITO M9, a flagship SUV backed by Huawei and Seres, has debuted in China with a stunning design and impressive features. The M9 is expected to compete with premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover in the Chinese market. It will be available in both battery electric and range extender versions, with a starting price of around 500,000 yuan ($68,400).
The AITO M9 is built on a new 800 V high-voltage platform, which enables faster charging and higher efficiency. The platform also supports Huawei’s latest technologies in the cockpit and smart driving areas, according to Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei’s intelligent vehicle solutions business.
The M9 has two electric motors from Huawei, which can deliver a combined output of 390 kW (530 hp) for the battery electric version and 365 kW (496 hp) for the range extender version. The battery electric version has a ternary (NMC) battery pack from CATL, while the range extender version has a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine that acts as a generator and a 40-kWh battery that can provide 167 km of range.
A Mobile Smart Home, Office, and Bedroom
The AITO M9 is not only a powerful and efficient SUV, but also a mobile smart home, office, and bedroom. The M9 has six seats inside, with a spacious and luxurious interior. The M9 features a large number of screens, including a 19.5-inch central display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch rear entertainment system, and a 7-inch screen for each seat. The M9 also has a cinema projector that can project images on the ceiling or the rear window.
The M9 is equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS operating system, which allows seamless integration of various devices and services. The M9 also supports Huawei’s HiCar smart connection system, which can link the car with the user’s smartphone, smartwatch, and other devices. The M9 also has a voice assistant, a facial recognition system, and a smart driving system that can provide level 3 autonomous driving capabilities.
A Competitive Challenger in the Premium Segment
The AITO M9 is the third model from the AITO brand, which was launched by Huawei and Seres in December 2021. The brand aims to offer high-end and smart vehicles that can challenge the established players in the market. The AITO M5 and M7, the first two models from the brand, have already gained popularity among Chinese consumers, with over 37,000 units sold in the first nine months of 2023.
The AITO M9 is expected to hit the market in December 2023, and will be the most luxurious, high-end, and smart car in the entire market, according to Yu. The M9 will have a price range of 500,000 to 600,000 yuan ($68,400 to $82,100), which is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Land Rover Range Rover.
The AITO M9 is a testament to Huawei’s ambition and innovation in the automotive industry, as the tech giant seeks to diversify its business amid the US sanctions. The M9 is also a sign of the growing competition and innovation in the Chinese electric vehicle market, which is the largest and fastest-growing in the world.