A New Era of Luxury Tech: The All-New AITO M9 Opens Pre-Sales with Groundbreaking Features

In a significant move that underscores the rapid evolution of China's premium electric vehicle segment, AITO, under the Huawei-backed Harmony Intelligent Driving Alliance (Hongmeng Zhixing), has officially unveiled the pre-sales for its flagship model, the all-new M9. The grand reveal took place at the Harmony Intelligent Driving Spring New Product Launch on April 22nd, marking a substantial generational leap for the brand's pinnacle offering. With a pre-sale price range starting from 499,800 RMB and extending to 669,800 RMB, the new M9 positions itself firmly in the competitive luxury full-size SUV arena, promising a blend of cutting-edge technology, refined design, and formidable performance. Early adopters are offered an enticing incentive: a 5,000 RMB deposit can be offset against 10,000 RMB of the final payment.

The exterior design of the all-new AITO M9 represents a meticulous refinement over its predecessor. While faithfully continuing the family's design language, the designers have skillfully injected a more youthful and technologically advanced aesthetic. The palette has been expanded with sophisticated new color options such as "Wangshu Xing" (Apricot), "Hupo Zong" (Amber Brown), and "Songlu Zong" (Truffle Brown), catering to diverse and discerning tastes. In a thoughtful detail balancing aerodynamics and style, the vehicle features semi-flush door handles. This design choice not only contributes to a reduction in the drag coefficient but also elevates the overall perception of craftsmanship and premium finish.

Attention to detail is paramount in defining the M9's road presence. A sleek, uninterrupted light bar seamlessly spans the entire width of both the front and rear fascias. When illuminated, it creates a fluid and柔和 (róuhé, soft) luminous signature that is instantly recognizable. This is complemented by newly designed alloy wheels and additional chrome accents on the front grille, collectively amplifying the vehicle's visual impact and commanding a strong, confident stance on the road.

Dimensionally, the new M9 asserts its dominance in the segment. It measures 5285 mm in length, 2026 mm in width, and 1845 mm in height, sitting on a substantial wheelbase of 3125 mm. These figures represent a noticeable increase over the current model, translating directly into a more spacious and imposing cabin. Reflecting the varied needs of luxury consumers, AITO offers flexible seating configurations, with both 5-seater and 6-seater layouts available for selection.

Underpinning the M9's proposition is a dual-powertrain strategy, offering both a pure electric (BEV) and an extended-range electric (EREV) variant, ensuring it caters to different usage patterns and range-anxiety concerns. Both versions are equipped with a new generation of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) battery packs, and their powertrain parameters have been optimized for a simultaneous boost in performance and efficiency.

The extended-range version offers flexibility with two battery pack options: 60 kWh and 75 kWh. It employs a series-hybrid system comprising a 1.5-liter turbocharged range-extender engine and a dual-motor electric drive setup. The 1.5T engine generates a maximum power of 118 kW. The electric motors are potent, with the front unit delivering 220 kW and the rear a robust 277 kW, marking a power increase compared to the outgoing model. Remarkably, its fuel consumption in charge-sustaining mode is as low as 6.9 L/100km. The certified pure-electric driving range (under China's testing standards) varies across six versions: 250 km, 255 km, 265 km, 315 km, 320 km, and 335 km. When combined with its fuel tank, this enables an astonishing maximum comprehensive range of up to 1,474 km, effectively eliminating long-distance travel anxiety.

For those committed to a fully electric experience, the pure-electric variant comes equipped with a substantial 120 kWh battery pack. It boasts a CLTC-rated range of 628 km on a single charge. Performance is not compromised, as it also features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with the front and rear motors producing 220 kW and 277 kW respectively, ensuring vigorous acceleration and confident traction.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking advancement in the new AITO M9 lies beneath its skin. The vehicle undergoes a comprehensive hardware and software overhaul of its chassis, crowning it as the first model under the Harmony Intelligent Driving umbrella to be equipped with a fully active suspension system. This represents one of the core differentiators from the current model.

This fully active suspension is fundamentally distinct from traditional semi-active systems. It incorporates independent actuators that can proactively output force to adjust the suspension's stiffness and damping in real-time, rather than merely reacting passively to road inputs. The system's intelligence is further enhanced by a preview function that actively scans and recognizes upcoming road conditions. It can predict bumps or curves and preemptively adjust the suspension settings—softening to absorb impacts on rough surfaces and stiffening to minimize body roll during aggressive cornering. This technological marvel strives to deliver the elusive perfect balance between sublime ride comfort and sharp, engaging handling.

Furthermore, the chassis integrates other innovations such as active control and steer-by-wire technology. It continues to utilize a full aluminum alloy architecture for lightweight strength and is paired with an intelligent closed air suspension system and Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive dampers. This suite of technologies promises a driving experience that is not only luxurious but also dynamically capable and reassuringly stable.

The launch of the all-new AITO M9 signals a bold statement from the Huawei-backed ecosystem. It is no longer just about infotainment and connectivity; the foray into core automotive engineering like advanced chassis control demonstrates a deep vertical integration ambition. By offering a compelling package of spacious luxury, dual powertrain efficiency, industry-leading range figures, and a revolutionary active suspension, the M9 is poised to challenge established players in the high-end SUV market. It represents a fascinating convergence of consumer electronics agility, software-defined vehicle intelligence, and traditional automotive prowess, setting a new benchmark for what a tech-infused luxury vehicle from China can achieve. The pre-sales have begun, and the automotive world will be watching closely to see how this formidable contender reshapes expectations.