Aito, Huawei’s most profitable model below HIMA, delivered 181,197 vehicles in the first half of 2024, solidifying its position as a leader among Chinese NEV startups and topping one of the key rankings. The technology giant initiated a strategic collaboration with established automotive manufacturers to provide cutting-edge smart car software and hardware solutions. As Aito closes in on Li Auto, the two companies are now deadlocked in a heated race to deliver the most vehicles during the first half of 2024, with neither able to pull ahead.
Aito, a collaborative venture between Huawei and Seres, introduces three distinct fashion options: the M5, M7, and M9. Seres produces the vehicles, while Huawei supplies components and software, and manages sales. AITO autos can be found in select Huawei flagship stores across China.
The Aito M9, a flagship SUV, comes available in both Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) and Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) formats, offering consumers a range of options to suit their driving needs. This luxury vehicle, accommodating up to six passengers, is available for a price range of 469,800 to 569,800 yuan (approximately 64,800 to 78,600 USD), rivaling SUVs such as the BMW X7, Li Auto, and NIO. Despite its premium pricing, the Aito has emerged as a bestseller among China’s SUV market since its inception.
Last week, we delved into the Li Auto L6. This week, we’ll explore prevalent trends among top Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) startups. Let’s hit the road with the Aito M9 this week!
We’re taking a closer look at the Aito M9 2024, an extremely efficient range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) that combines sleek styling with cutting-edge design in a full-size SUV package. With its closed entrance face boasting triangular headlights, flanked by a sleek LED strip that tapers towards the center, the vehicle exudes a formidable appearance, further enhanced by cleverly designed air intake vents that converge to create a cohesive, stern visage. The advanced headlights leverage adaptive matrix LED technology to expertly distinguish between pedestrians, vehicles, and ambient light, thereby minimizing glare when braking. Additionally, the integrated DLP projector is capable of displaying images up to a massive 100 inches in size. The rear of the vehicle features a consistent and stable tail light design. Each headlight and rear light are programmable and can be custom-designed.
Inspired by the mythological “Kunpeng Zhanyi,” where the divine fish Kunpeng metamorphoses into a chicken upon emerging from its aquatic realm, the Aito M9’s design is shaped by this captivating Chinese legend. The flush-fitting, retractable door handles and subtly pitched roofline work in harmony to create an expansive cabin atmosphere. The rear window pillars prominently display the HIMA logo. The EREV model excels in aerodynamics, boasting a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.279 Cd. The doorways exuded a sense of stability once they were fully closed. The all panels appear to be precisely aligned, with a paint finish that appears to be meticulously executed.
While the Aito M9 may boast a luxurious persona, it’s essential to delve deeper into its features and specifications to truly appreciate its opulence. The central console features three prominent LED displays: a 15.6-inch driver-focused screen, a 16-inch expansive passenger display for easy access to vital information, and a 12.3-inch intuitive instrument cluster that keeps critical data at the driver’s fingertips. The vehicle also features a 75-inch augmented reality head-up display, supported by Huawei’s proprietary Concord operating system. Despite the abundance of human discovery and innovation, remarkably few physical buttons have been found.
All doorways are electronically operated. As you press down on the brake pedal, all doors will automatically close with a smooth mechanical motion. The interior boasts six supple Nappa leather-appointed seats arranged in a 2+2+2 configuration, accommodating up to six adults with ease. Luxurious ventilated leather seats in the front two rows pamper occupants with soothing massages. The adjustable co-pilot seat features a convenient fold-down footrest for added comfort during extended flights. With sleek, futuristic design, the second row boasts an innovative zero-gravity seating system. All seats are electronically operated.
The Aito M9 boasts a range of unique features. The co-pilot seat’s arms cradle passengers comfortably, allowing for effortless conversion into a footrest to support the occupant in the commanding “boss seat” behind. The refrigerator’s temperature range is between 3°C and 50°C.
A state-of-the-art entertainment system is integrated into the vehicle, featuring a retractable 32-inch projector display situated behind the first-row seats, seamlessly complemented by the projector mounted above the third-row seats. With its advanced Huawei sound system boasting 25 high-fidelity speakers, the M9 transforms into a mobile cinematic experience. Despite being closer to the action, the viewing distance from the second row could still feel too close for comfort. Alternatively, passengers in the second and third rows may opt to supplement their travel experience by integrating Huawei MatePad tablets with the vehicle’s system, allowing them to collaborate seamlessly or enjoy cinematic entertainment.
The trunk boasts a spacious capacity of 716 litres, further enhanced by 41 additional storage compartments. To enhance security, individual storage compartments may be secured by password-protected locks.
The Aito M9 is a full-size SUV, boasting dimensions of 5,232mm in length, 1,999mm in width, and 1,801mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,109mm. The curb weight of this vehicle is approximately 2,560 kilograms. Notably, the car exhibits a remarkably harmonious rapport with the driver on highways, courtesy of its slightly stiffer suspension setup, which noticeably minimizes body roll during lane changes and cornering maneuvers. The steering provided precision. The chassis additionally felt stable. Unlike its sibling model, the Li Auto L9, this vehicle exhibits a distinct driving style, effortlessly absorbing minor road imperfections without compromising on comfort.
The Aito M9 exudes a sense of plantedness, instilling motivation and driving confidence with every twist and turn. Additionally aided by the Aito M9’s impressive turning radius of just 5.8 meters, made possible without relying on four-wheel steering. This feature proved invaluable on winding roads and sharp turns.
During our test drive through Zhuhai’s suburban roads, the NVH emitted by the Aito M9 stood out distinctly throughout. The majority of vehicles evaluated at CNC exhibited satisfactory noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance below 50 mph. Above speeds of 80 km/h, many vehicles tend to exhibit noticeable tyre sounds, while wind noise typically emerges at velocities exceeding 100 km/h. The Aito M9 exhibited these characteristics consistently throughout its entire cabin space.
The EREV model leverages a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine (ICE) as a generator, complemented by two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 365 kilowatts and 675 Newton meters of torque. This high-performance vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds when driving steadily on an open highway. The Aito M9 glides effortlessly past various vehicles on the freeway, as well as deftly conquering inclines, its performance capabilities truly showcased in these scenarios. While some may assume that only vehicles with V8 engines or twin-turbochargers can rapidly accelerate, our findings reveal that every electric-powered vehicle we tested, equipped with advanced CNC technology, has demonstrated exceptional acceleration capabilities without hesitation. When the battery level falls below a certain threshold, the Aito M9’s control system will intervene, restricting access to the electric motors and accordingly limiting the vehicle’s acceleration capacity. Since we’ve only been looking at cars for short distances, we haven’t run into this issue yet?
With the option of Huawei’s ADS 2.0 driving assistance system, this vehicle is capable of autonomous driving in a vast network of 338 Chinese cities, thanks to its advanced high-precision mapping technology. The Aito M9 features a single LiDAR sensor, three millimetre-wave radar modules, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and multiple high-definition cameras to provide comprehensive vehicle perception. The SUV seamlessly navigated complex urban environments by detecting a diverse array of obstacles, including pedestrians, e-bikes, buses, traffic signals, and highway construction, adjusting its speed, changing lanes, and executing U-turns with occasional guidance from the human operator. These advanced technologies and forthcoming enhancements significantly enhance the autonomous driving features and implement metropolitan NOA protection on a national scale. The auto-parking system proved to be both swift and precise in its operation.
The 42-kilowatt-hour battery from Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) enables the vehicle to boast an all-electric range of 225 kilometers and a combined range of 1,362 kilometers.
The Aito M9 features a comprehensive safety package, boasting nine airbags that deploy to cushion occupants during collisions, while its 16 safety features further enhance overall crash protection. The vehicle’s advanced safety features include an additional threshold beam equipped with 11 protective cavities, which significantly enhances its ability to absorb side-impact forces.
The Aito M9’s predominantly aluminum chassis features an air suspension and advanced Curve Dynamic Control (CDC) system. Seres leverages its Wencan IDRA9800T unit, a state-of-the-art 10,000-ton die-casting machine that showcases the company’s mastery of one-piece die-casting technology, widely regarded as the most advanced in the world. This simplification streamlines the design by minimizing the diversity of components and connections. The innovative method optimizes torsional rigidity by a notable 23%, streamlines production processes to improve manufacturing efficiency, and elevates vehicle durability while promoting energy conservation. Aluminium alloy comprises a significant 80% of the vehicle’s overall mass, thereby enabling an impressive reduction in weight. Consisting of 2,000 MPa nuclear submarine-grade scorching metal in 12 strategic locations, this material boasts an exceptionally low coefficient of thermal expansion at 0.02, combined with ruggedness, outstanding corrosion resistance, and unparalleled reliability.
Huawei is a leading technology company that manufactures a wide range of innovative products, including smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics. Huawei boasts approximately 800 flagship stores across mainland China, comparable in scale and concept to those operated by Apple. Some stores are strategically situated within major shopping centers across China. In these shops, they do more than just showcase their best gadgets; they also feature their range of HIMA vehicles alongside them. To schedule an examination drive, please book at least two days in advance through HIMA vehicles. Because it’s essential to have a Huawei-trained driving specialist by your side during the test drive, providing expert insight into the vehicle’s features and helping navigate its advanced technologies seamlessly throughout the experience. Following my inspection of the vehicle, I was met by a sales representative who explained the pricing structure of the car. It was likely the most distinctive look at driving skills I’ve had to assess thus far. Will Xiaomi leverage its vast network of over 2,000 Mi stores across mainland China to similarly boost sales of their automotive ventures?
Chinese autonomous driving technology company Seres has announced a significant acquisition, securing the Aito brand and intellectual property portfolio from Huawei for approximately 2.5 billion yuan (approximately $344 million USD). This strategic deal encompasses a total of 919 trademark rights and 44 patented designs. Despite valuing its assets at ¥10.2 billion as of May 2024, the agreement prioritizes a change in ownership without affecting Aito’s day-to-day activities or core operations? Huawei plans to remain engaged throughout the entire automotive lifecycle without manufacturing vehicles themselves.
Huawei recently transferred its Stelato trademark to BAIC New Power and the Luxeed title to Chery, a notable development in their partnership.
The Aito M9, a luxurious SUV born out of the strategic partnership between Huawei and Seres, impresses with its rich features set, seamlessly marrying technological prowess with driving dynamism, highlighting the fruitful synergy between the two brands. The acquisition underscores Seres’ commitment to its partnership, ensuring a seamless future for the Aito model’s growth and development.
Stay tuned for future weeks at this location, where you’ll receive additional assessments of Chinese cars from a personal perspective.
