The electric vehicle landscape in China is a fierce arena where safety is rapidly becoming a key battleground. The latest contender to claim the top spot for safety is the Huawei-backed Aito M8, a full-size SUV that recently aced the stringent C-NCAP crash tests, scoring an impressive 93.7% and earning a “five stars +” grade. This performance not only highlights Aito’s commitment to vehicle safety but also positions the M8 as a clear leader, even surpassing rivals like the Xiaomi SU7, which scored 93.5% under the same rigorous 2024 standards.
The Aito M8’s Rise to Safety Stardom
The Aito M8, a product of collaboration between Huawei and Seres, first hit the Chinese market in April 2025 with an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain. It quickly became a hot seller, with cumulative deliveries reaching 56,748 units. This large crossover, priced between 359,800 and 449,800 yuan (approximately 50,140 to 62,680 USD), has now added a significant feather to its cap with its exceptional C-NCAP performance.
The C-NCAP evaluation, conducted by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), is a comprehensive assessment covering occupant protection, vulnerable road user safety, and advanced safety assistance features. Scores are given on a 0-100% scale and then translated into star ratings for easy understanding.
The Aito M8 model tested was an entry-level EREV, configured with six seats. It features a 37 kWh LFP battery pack from CATL and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. This version, retailing at 369,900 yuan (around 51,530 USD), was purchased anonymously, ensuring unbiased results.
Unpacking the Impressive Safety Scores
The Aito M8’s overall score of 93.7% is a standout, making it the safest car among those tested under the 2024 C-NCAP standards. What’s truly remarkable is its performance in the Active Safety category, where it achieved an outstanding 96.34%. This score isn’t just good, it’s 9.99% higher than the average results of other vehicles evaluated. Its Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) system and lighting effectiveness were particularly praised, almost achieving perfect scores.
When it comes to protecting those inside, the Aito M8 Max scored a solid 96.26% in occupant protection, which is 5.62% above the average. In simulated real-world collisions, the car excelled, scoring 83.3 out of a possible 88 points. These tough crash tests include frontal full-width barrier collisions, frontal 50% overlapping moving deformable barrier collisions, deformable mobile barrier side impacts, and side pillar collisions, all designed to rigorously test a vehicle’s structural integrity and passenger protection systems.
But safety extends beyond just the vehicle’s occupants. The Aito M8 also delivered an impressive 86.03% in vulnerable road user protection, beating the average by 7.34%. This category includes vital tests like pedestrian leg and head protection, and the effectiveness of the AEB function in preventing or mitigating collisions with pedestrians.
Here’s how the Aito M8 stacks up against some of its closest competitors in the 2024 C-NCAP evaluations:
- Aito M8 EREV – 93.7%
- Xiaomi SU7 – 93.5%
- Zeekr Mix – 91.8%
- Mazda EZ-6 – 90.8%
- Li Auto L6 – 90.5%
Beyond Safety: A Deeper Look at the Aito M8
The Aito M8 is a substantial SUV, measuring 5190mm in length, 1999mm in width, and 1795mm in height, with a generous wheelbase of 3,105mm. Its sleek front end and retractable door handles contribute to an aerodynamically efficient drag coefficient of 0.259 Cd, helping with both aesthetics and efficiency. Riders can choose between R20 or R21 wheels, depending on their preference.
Inside, the Aito M8 offers versatility with two seating configurations: a five-seat, two-row layout, or a more family-friendly six-seat, three-row option.
Under the hood, the Aito M8 EREV features a dual-motor 4WD system delivering a thrilling peak power of 392 kW (526 hp). It also houses a 1.5-liter turbocharged range extender for added flexibility. Battery options include either an LFP or ternary NMC pack, with capacities of 37 kWh or 53.4 kWh. This translates to a CLTC electric range of 201 km and 310 km respectively, while the combined mixed range impressively extends to 1,405 km or 1,526 km.
The Aito M8’s commanding presence on the road, combined with its newfound status as China’s safest car, makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking for performance, luxury, and unparalleled peace of mind. As Huawei continues to deepen its involvement in the automotive sector, the Aito M8 serves as a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology meets meticulous engineering.
