Aito, a Chinese joint venture between Huawei and Seres, launched their flagship six-seater SUV called the M9. The electrified model comes packed with features, including the latest Huawei-sourced technology, plenty of screens, and two projectors that can offer a cinema experience inside and outside the vehicle.
The Aito M9 is a large SUV with modern styling cues and a sleek, but rather generic-looking, body. The highlight is the high-tech headlights which are reminiscent of Huawei’s Luxeed S7 sedan. The lighting units feature adaptive matrix LED technology and can identify pedestrians and other vehicles while an integrated projector can turn any flat surface into a 100-inch display.
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If you are not so much into drive-in movie theaters and open-air karaoke sessions, then you will probably prefer the second cinema-friendly option. Inside the cabin, there is a laser projector and a retractable 32-inch panel, allowing rear passengers to enjoy movies, games, or TV shows from the comfort of their seats.
The dashboard of the Aito M9 is similar to Mercedes’ hyperscreen, housing a trio of displays. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch central infotainment screen, and 16-inch front passenger screen are combined with a 75-inch head-up display and four more tablets for each of the rear passengers (in addition to the laser projector), all running on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 system. The sound experience is also unique, thanks to Huawei’s 25-speaker 2,080-watt audio system, and the active noise reduction technology.
The 6-seater interior layout of the Chinese SUV can be transformed according to the needs of the occupants, as depicted in the official gallery that shows a double bed configuration. All of the seats are electrically operated, with most of them offering 14-way adjustment, heating, and ventilating functions. In terms of safety, the Aito M9 is equipped with 27 sensors and features the latest Huawei ADS 2.0 system.
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The Aito M9 is slightly larger than a BMW X7, measuring 5,230 mm (205.9 inches) long, 1,999 mm (78.9 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm (122,4 inches). Despite its size, it has a claimed drag coefficient of 0.264 Cd, which is quite impressive for the segment. According to Aito’s official website, the Xuanwu structure features die-cast nuclear submarine-grade hot-formed steel, while Autohome reports that the body is 80% aluminum alloy.
Aito announced two powertrain options for the M9 – a fully electric and a range-extender. The BEV is fitted with dual electric motors producing a combined 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) of power, and a CATL-sourced 97.7 kWh battery pack allowing 630 km (392 miles) of CTLC range. On the other hand, the EREV has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine/generator under the hood, dual electric motors with a combined 490 hp (365 kW / 496 PS), and 42 kWh or 52 kWh batteries from CATL. This setup is good for a combined range between 1,362-1,402 km (846-871 miles) with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas.
The new model is produced by Seres, with Huawei supplying the electric powertrain, sensors, infotainment, etc. As suggested by its name, the M9 is positioned above the existing M5 and M7 SUVs. As such, it will compete with similarly-sized models in the Chinese market including the Li Auto L9, Nio ES8, HiPhi X, Hongqi E-HS9, plus ICE-powered luxury SUVs from European automakers like the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The Aito M9 is already available to order in China where it is priced between ¥469,800 ($65,726) and ¥569,800 ($79,717). The first deliveries are expected in early 2024.
