Breaking onto the Chinese automotive scene, Huawei and Seres’s Aito M8 large range-extended crossover has already racked up an impressive 100,000 pre-orders. This new model, with a presale price between 368,000 and 458,000 yuan ($50,540 to $62,900 USD), is set to shake up the market soon.
The Huawei and Seres Partnership
Aito is a collaboration where Seres handles chassis development and production, while Huawei provides the advanced “brains,” key components, and manages sales. You can find Aito vehicles, along with other joint brands like Luxeed and Stelato, at Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) stores. The brand’s current lineup includes the Aito M5, Aito M7, and the flagship Aito M9. These three crossovers collectively sold 385,904 units last year, according to China EV DataTracker.
Overwhelming Demand for the Aito M8
Presales for the Aito M8 began on March 6, with an initial deposit of 5,000 yuan (~$700 USD) granting customers a 10,000 yuan (~$1,400 USD) discount upon its April launch. The demand was immediate and intense. Within just one hour, over 7,500 orders flooded in. This quickly escalated to 21,000 units in six hours and 28,000 within 12 hours. Two weeks after pre-sales opened, orders hit 70,000, culminating in more than 100,000 by April 7. Achieving this benchmark in just 32 days strongly suggests the Aito M8 will be a top seller in the EREV crossover segment, directly challenging rivals like the Li Auto L8 and Deepal S09.
A Closer Look at the Aito M8
In terms of looks and specifications, the Aito M8 shares a strong resemblance with the flagship Aito M9. This big SUV measures 5190 mm long, 1999 mm wide, and 1795 mm tall, with a wheelbase stretching 3105 mm. Externally, it features a LiDAR sensor on the roof, large headlights connected by an LED strip, and sleek 21-inch multi-spoke rims. Other notable exterior touches include tinted rear windows, retractable door handles, and a vibrant selection of color options.
Inside, the Aito M8 offers flexible seating, with configurations for 2+2+2 or 2+3 layouts. Drivers will appreciate the expansive 75-inch Huawei augmented reality head-up display and an impressive triple-screen setup. Powering this SUV is a dual-motor 4WD system delivering a robust 392 kW (526 hp). Under the hood, a 1.5-liter turbocharged range extender works alongside either an LFP or ternary NMC battery pack. Battery options are 36 kWh or 52 kWh, providing CLTC ranges of 201 km and 310 km respectively. For context, you might be interested in how China’s EV charging infrastructure is developing. China’s EV charging infrastructure continues to expand rapidly.
