AITO M9

The cabin of the AITO M9 gets premium Nappa leather upholstery. Suede headliners and natural white complements the upholstery. Solid wood accents enhance the tactile and visual appeal of the interior. The color palette includes options like Wangshu Apricot, Moon Shadow Gray, Red Tea Orange, Amber Brown, and Truffle Brown, allowing for personalized choices.

A unique feature of the AITO M9 gets is the integration of Sileather. It’s a silicone-based fabric known for its durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and is used in the 32-inch retractable projection screen that doubles as a privacy shade between the front and rear cabins.

The first and second rows get ventilated seats with massage functions. The co-pilot seat includes a fold-down footrest. The second row gets Zero Gravity Seats 2.0 with extensive recline and leg support adjustments. These seats can also transform into a double sofa configuration. The five-passenger version provides a spacious second row with 1,220mm of legroom. All seats are electronically adjustable.

The central console houses a dual-mode refrigerator capable of both cooling and heating, maintaining temperatures between 0°C and 50°C. 

Pros and Cons

Pros: Luxurious cabin materials

Cons: Proximity of rear projection screen

Features and Technology

The dashboard of the AITO M9 features a trio of seamlessly integrated displays There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central infotainment unit, and a 16-inch front passenger entertainment screen that allows access to entertainment options independently. The three display units are powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS 4. A 25-speaker, 2,080-watt Huawei audio system produces an immersive 7.1.4 surround sound experience. 

The AITO M9 also comes with a 75-inch AR head-up display that projects essential driving information, such as speed and navigation cues, directly onto the windshield. The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is equipped with multifunction controls. It includes roller buttons and a voice command activation button, facilitating easy access to various functions.

Passengers on the rear seat get 32-inch retractable projection screen, paired with a ceiling-mounted laser projector. It provides a cinema-like experience. Each rear passenger has access to a personal tablet, providing control over media, climate settings, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros: Advanced infotainment system

Cons: Complexity of features

Boot Space and Storage

The five-passenger model of the AITO M9 gets 637 litres of boot space. Folding down the second-row seats increases storage to about 1,105 litres. The trunk includes rails for multifunctional loading trays that can be extended up to 555mm. These trays support various accessories like luggage limiters, hard cargo covers, and premium storage boxes. 

The six-passenger version’s boot space ranges from 206 to 716 litres, depending on the seat configuration. Folding the third-row seats provides additional cargo space.

The cabin of the AITO M9 comes with 41 strategically placed storage compartments. The central armrest box features a dual-opening design. The eight-litre refrigerator keeps beverages at the desired temperature. Additional storage space beneath the trunk floor allows for the organization of smaller items.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Versatile and spacious boot space

Cons: Complexity of custom features. 

The AITO M9 measures 5,230 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. The generous dimensions allow the car to compete with luxury rivals.

The M9's body structure utilizes 80 percent aluminum alloy and submarine-grade ultra-high-strength steel, achieving a lightweight yet robust framework. This construction contributes to the vehicle's performance and also ensures durability and safety. The car gets triangular headlights with a striking signature look. The integrated full-width light bar connects both headlights. The car gets all-around LED lighting. The lighting system is powered by Huawei xPixel intelligent projection that displays custom animation. It also supports augmented reality (AR) navigation, projection onto the road, and projects safety warnings and light-based cues. The EV version sports a closed-off front grille for better aerodynamics. The REEV trims gets a semi-open trapezoidal grille.

On the sides, the AITO M9 gets clean character lines that flow from the front fender to the rear lights. Flush door handles pop out only when needed, minimizing air resistance. The blackened B-pillars and C-pillars forge a floating roof effect. The car runs on sleek 21-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels that help reduce turbulence. Chrome or black roof rails (depending on the trim) offer utility while maintaining a premium look. Discreet charging and fuel ports are smartly integrated with electronic opening panels.

The rear design of the AITO M9 echoes the front. A full-width taillight strip integrates seamlessly into the tailgate. A subtle roof spoiler hides a rear wiper and integrates the high-mounted brake light. The rear bumper gets a two-tone design with metallic and body-coloured elements, housing reverse sensors and cameras. The REEV trim includes a hidden exhaust outlet integrated cleanly beneath the bumper.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Innovative lighting technology 

Cons: Conservative rear design

The AITO M9 has a BEV returns a claimed mileage of up to 630 km. It’s suitable for long-distance traveling without relying on a combustion engine. The REEV model returns a claimed electric-only mileage of 225km. It combines electric driving with a petrol engine that acts as a generator, extending the vehicle's range.

Pros and cons

Pros: Efficient powertrain

Cons: Urban fuel efficiency varies

The AITO M9 features a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, constructed entirely from aluminum alloy. This configuration ensures both strength and reduced weight, contributing to enhanced handling and comfort. Equipped with intelligent closed-type air suspension and variable damping shock absorbers, the AITO M9 allows for five-stage ride height adjustments. This system adapts in real-time to road conditions, balancing comfort and handling.

The M9 comes with a tri-zone climate control system, allowing personalized temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants. This system includes air purification and a fragrance dispenser, ensuring a pleasant cabin environment. 

Huawei's Dynamic Adaptive Torque System (DATS) and xMotion Intelligent Body Coordination Control System work in tandem to optimize torque distribution and body stability.

Pros: Exceptional ride comforts

Cons: Limited physical controls

The REEV is equipped with a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a single-speed automatic transmission (AT). The EV system comprises a 165kW and 200kW front and rear motor respectively. The combined maximum torque output is 675Nm. The REEV is equipped with a 42kWh battery.

The AITO M9 BEV is equipped with a 160kW and 230kW front and rear motor respectively. The motors are powered by a 100kWh battery.

On city roads, the AITO M9 demonstrates exceptional agility and comfort. It facilitates easy maneuvering through tight city streets and parking spaces. On highways, the AITO M9's robust powertrain delivers swift acceleration and confident overtaking capabilities. 

Pros and cons

Pros: Commendable output numbers

Cons: Long-term performance doubtful

The AITO M9 comes with four LiDAR sensors. One is mounted on the roof, and three additional short-range sensors are positioned on the front fenders and rear to provide precise 3D mapping. Five millimeter-wave radars can detect objects up to 350 meters away. Twelve ultrasonic sensors facilitate close-range object detection. Eleven high-def cameras provide comprehensive visual coverage, supporting features like lane-keeping, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring.

At the core of the AITO M9's intelligent driving capabilities is Huawei's Autonomous Driving System 3.3 version. That aside, the car is equipped with nine airbags and 16 safety points. 

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive sensor integration

Cons: Dependence on software updates

Competitor Comparison

The Denza N9 is a close competitor of the AITO M9 in the Philippines market. Both are premium full-size SUVs from Chinese automakers targeting tech-savvy luxury buyers. The AITO M9 excels in intelligent cockpit features, advanced driver assistance, and offers both REEV and EV options. The Denza N9, backed by Build Your Dreams (BYD), gets a larger body, refined interiors with Nappa leather, and impressive ride comfort. While the M9 stands out with Huawei's HarmonyOS and rear-seat innovations like Shanghai Seats, the Denza N9 offers greater cabin space and a premium build. Both are strong contenders, but the AITO M9 leans more toward cutting-edge tech, while the Denza N9 emphasizes comfort and size.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The AITO M9 impresses with cutting-edge tech, spacious luxury, and versatile performance, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment. It’s ideal for those valuing innovation and comfort.