The Aito M9, a luxury NEV SUV from Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), has quickly become a dominant force in China’s high-end vehicle market. According to Huawei executive director Richard Yu, the M9 has been the best-selling vehicle priced above $74,040 (~AUD 104,157) for two consecutive months. The model’s combination of advanced technology and strong performance is reshaping expectations in the luxury SUV segment.
Aito M9’s Market Performance
The refreshed Aito M9 has made a significant impact in China’s luxury car segment, outpacing established competitors such as the Maybach GLS and Audi Q8. Richard Yu, executive director at Huawei, stated that the M9 held the top sales spot for vehicles priced above $74,040 (~AUD 104,157) for two months running.
Aito, manufactured by Seres Group in partnership with Huawei, offers the M9 with both pure electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains. The model’s strong sales are attributed to its advanced technology and appeal to buyers seeking both performance and luxury.
Variants, Pricing, and Buyer Trends
The standard Aito M9 is already available in China, while the long-wheelbase ‘Ultimate’ variant is in pre-sales, with deliveries expected to begin in September. The standard M9 is priced between $71,048 (~AUD 99,949) and $81,414 (~AUD 114,531), while the ‘Ultimate’ M9 ranges from $96,222 (~AUD 135,363) to $97,703 (~AUD 137,446).
According to Richard Yu, the average transaction price for M9 orders is around $88,847 (~AUD 124,989). Buyers opting for the ‘Ultimate’ trim pay an additional $14,808 (~AUD 20,831) over the top-trim standard M9. The M9 serves as HIMA’s flagship SUV, targeting customers seeking greater cabin space and luxury features.
Powertrain and Technology Highlights
The Aito M9 is available with 800V pure EV and EREV powertrains. Both standard and ‘Ultimate’ EV M9S are equipped with a 120 kWh ternary NMC battery from CATL, delivering between 700 km (~435 miles) and 750 km (~466 miles) of CLTC range, depending on the trim. All EV M9S feature all-wheel drive with dual motors producing a combined 497 kW (666 hp).
Standard EREV M9S combine the same 497 kW twin motors with either a 60 kWh battery (340 km/~211 miles CLTC range) or a 75.4 kWh battery (422 km/~262 miles CLTC range). These models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender rated at 118 kW (158 hp). The ‘Ultimate’ EREV M9S steps up to a tri-motor setup generating 664 kW (890 hp) and a 75.4 kWh battery for 378 km (~235 miles) of CLTC range, paired with a 2-litre turbocharged range extender producing 133 kW (178 hp).
Dimensions and Assisted Driving Features
The standard M9 measures 5,285 mm (~208 inches) in length, 2,026 mm (~80 inches) in width, and 1,845 mm (~73 inches) in height, with a 3,125 mm (~123 inches) wheelbase. The ‘Ultimate’ M9 extends to 5,402 mm (~213 inches) in length and a 3,236 mm (~127 inches) wheelbase, while retaining the same width and height.
All Aito M9 models come equipped with Huawei’s ADS 5.0 assisted-driving system, which includes six LiDAR units, five mmWave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 12 cameras. The system supports Navigation-on-Autopilot (NoA) and autonomous parking features.
Sales Milestones
According to China EV DataTracker, Aito delivered 9,639 M9 units in July 2026. The refreshed models surpassed 10,000 monthly units in June 2026, marking a strong start following the launch of the updated lineup.
Why this matters
The Aito M9’s rapid ascent in China’s luxury SUV market highlights the growing influence of domestic brands and the importance of advanced technology in defining luxury. By surpassing established Western competitors in sales, the M9 demonstrates how Chinese consumers are prioritising features such as high-performance powertrains and sophisticated assisted-driving systems.
This shift signals a broader trend in the Chinese automotive market, where technology and innovation are becoming key differentiators in the premium segment.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering a luxury SUV in China now have a compelling domestic option in the Aito M9, with both EV and EREV variants offering strong performance and advanced features. Those seeking the highest level of luxury and cabin space may want to wait for the ‘Ultimate’ variant, which is set to begin deliveries in September.
With its competitive pricing, advanced driver assistance, and strong sales momentum, the Aito M9 is likely to remain a leading choice in the segment.
Key Specs
- Standard M9 Price Range: $71,048 (~AUD 99,949) – $81,414 (~AUD 114,531)
- ‘Ultimate’ M9 Price Range: $96,222 (~AUD 135,363) – $97,703 (~AUD 137,446)
- Average Transaction Price: $88,847 (~AUD 124,989)
- EV Battery (Standard/’Ultimate’): 120 kWh CATL NMC
- EV Range (CLTC): 700–750 km (~435–466 miles)
- EV Power Output: 497 kW (666 hp) dual motor AWD
- ‘Ultimate’ EREV Power Output: 664 kW (890 hp) tri-motor AWD
- Dimensions (Standard/Ultimate): 5,285 mm/5,402 mm length (~208/213 inches), 2,026 mm width (~80 inches), 1,845 mm height (~73 inches)
Source
Images sourced from: semautomobile.com
