New year, new ride: Aito M8

Upmarket Chinese car brand Aito could be bringing the M8 sport utility vehicle (SUV) to the Philippine market this year. 

In a previous report, Zigwheels Philippines was told by Aito Project Manager for Asia Pacific Markets Benjamin Fan that it is highly possible that the newly-revealed nameplate could be brought to our country soon, with discussions already underway. 

The company executive even remarked that the brand considers the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the Southeast Asian region.

Of note, the Aito M8 just made its debut in China sometime in April 2025. Upon launch, the SUV quickly gained attention and garnered around 80,000 orders within the first month. 

Aito Philippines, under the stewardship of QSJ Motors, also opened its “experience center” in Bonifacio Global City, to better reach its target market. The opening of the said showroom only strengthens the publication’s editorial team’s hunch of the forthcoming arrival of the M8.

Before we dive into what car buyers can expect from the Aito M8, here is a quick glance at the company’s current lineup in the country: 

• Aito M5
• Aito M7
• Aito M9 

With that out of the way, here is what the Aito M8 offers: 

Exterior 

Outside, the Aito M8 looks modern with a streamlined body that boasts plenty of elegant curves. 

At the fore is a clean fascia with a light bar that appears to crown over the two headlamps. Smooth and immaculate is its front end with only the lower bumper giving way for a grille made with horizontal slats. 

To its sides are similarly smooth lines, and the absence of the typical black plastic cladding that would have been on its wheel arches and side sills makes it look opulent and a step above the economy-class SUVs that lean more on utility. 

It rides on multi-spoke wheels, have — what appears to be — flush door handles, chrome accents surrounding the windows, and sheen black pillars. 

At the back, the Aito M8 has a roof-mounted spoiler, a large-enough window, combination taillamps connected by a long light bar, and a classy-looking bumper. 

Overall, it exudes style and grace, befitting those who pay as much attention to how the SUV looks as well as how it drives. 

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Interior 

A quick look at the specifications listed on Aito’s Chinese website reveals some details about what excited car buyers can expect from the model.

Listed below are a few appointments that focus on the comfort and convenience of the passengers: 

• 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel
• 15.6-inch central control screen 
• 16-inch passenger screen
• Head-up display 
• Negative ion generator
• Zero Gravity Seats with (Queen Bed mode)

On that note, those sitting at the front passenger seat as well as on the second row will havemore than enough technology to keep them engaged in both short and long trips. In addition, the use of a negative-ion generator and “zero gravity seats” hints at the SUV’s focus on the wellness of its occupants. 

Capable powertrain

Still basing the data from the carmaker’s website, the Aito M8 will likely fit the needs of today’s car buyers as it offers a hybrid powertrain that utilizes both electric motors and an internal combustion engine. 

Here are its powertrain specifications:

Front motor	Asynchronous motor
Rear motor	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Internal combustion engine	1.5-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine
Battery type	Lithium iron phosphate battery or ternary lithium battery
Battery capacity (in kilowatt-hour)	Up to 53.4
Pure electric range (in kilometers [km>)	Up to 310
Combined range (in km)	Up to 1,526
Maximum power output (front and rear, in horsepower)	165, 227
Maximum torque (front and rear, in Newton-meters)	278, 320

Its chassis is comprised of a double wishbone independent system at the fore and a five-link independent suspension at the rear. For halts and deceleration, the Aito M8 relies on ventilated disc brakes, front and back. 

Safety 

Below are safety features offered by the Aito M8, per the company’s literature: 

• Blind spot detection and warning 
• Door open warning 
• Forward collision warning 
• Autonomous emergency braking 
• Lane departure warning 
• Lane keeping assist 
• Traffic sign recognition 
• Emergency steering assist 
• 360-degree around view monitor with transparent chassis view 
• Intelligent parking assist 
• Remote parking assist 
• Adaptive cruise assist

Aito factory tour

Zigwheels Philippines was invited by Aito to check out their factory in China and witness the technologies available to their cars. The said tour gave us a glimpse of the capabilities the brand has when it comes to producing competitive automobiles. 

Final thoughts 

The Aito M8 will likely be a strong contender to automobiles sold by fellow Chinese brands Li Auto and Hongqi Philippines.

It is easy to see the Aito M8 become the choice of people who frequent golf courses and spend their free time playing pickleball with friends while discussing programs and activities of their kids who go to institutions like Brent and ISM (International School Manila). 

Also read:

Initial Aito M9 units now in PH

Seres Auto PH opens Pampanga dealership opening

Seres Auto now in PH

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