- The eye-catching SUV has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors.
- Aito says the M8 can travel up to 924 miles (1,526 km) with a full tank and battery pack.
- Customers can choose between a 36 kWh and a 51.9 kWh battery pack.
This is the Aito M8, the latest model from Huawei’s joint venture with Seres, and is yet another plush SUV from China. Like some others, the M8 is a range-extender EV priced between 368,000 yuan (~$50,800) and 458,000 yuan ($63,200). While that’s quite a lot for a new car in China, it seems locals can’t get enough of the new Aito model.
The carmaker has reportedly received more than 70,000 pre-orders for the M8 since March 6. This comes despite the SUV not officially launching until next month. Aito is said to have received 7,500 pre-orders in the first hour, 21,000 in the first six hours, and 28,000 in just 12 hours.
Read: Huawei-Backed Aito M9 SUV Debuts In China With Screens Galore And Cinema Projectors
As its name suggests, the Aito M8 is smaller than the M9, but it’s still regarded as a full-size SUV in China. It’s 5,190 mm (204.3 inches) long, 1,999 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,795 mm (70.6 inches) wide with a 3,105 mm (122.2-inch) wheelbase. The design of the M8 is quite sleek, and the side profile somewhat reminds us of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is no bad thing.
Powering the Aito M8 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that serves exclusively as a range extender, making 158 hp. It’s joined by a 221 hp electric motor at the front and a 304 hp motor at the rear. Customers can choose between a 36 kWh and a 51.9 kWh battery pack, providing all-electric driving ranges of 125 miles (201 km) and 193 miles (310 km), respectively. With a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel, the M8 claims it can travel up to 948 miles (1,526 km).
Impressively, the EREV also uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, meaning it takes just five minutes of rapid charging to add 93 miles (150 km) of range.
Like the M9, the cabin of the M8 is tech-focused and looks very luxurious. Dominating the dashboard are three massive screens, a floating center console, and two wireless charging pads. There’s also a 75-inch head-up display and an optional rear large display. Aito is offering the M8 in 2+3 and 2+2+2 configurations. All models include Huawei’s ADS 3.0 advanced driver-assistance system with a LiDAR, seven millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 11 high-definition cameras.
