Aito Unveils New M9 as It Bets on Sensor-Heavy Upgrades to Defend Premium SUV Lead
Aito has formally unveiled the new-generation Aito M9, positioning the flagship sport utility vehicle as a technology-driven upgrade aimed at consolidating its standing in China’s high-end luxury new-energy SUV segment.
Announced on April 13, the model introduces what the brand describes as generational improvements spanning exterior design, vehicle dimensions, assisted-driving hardware, chassis systems and powertrain range and performance. The refresh underscores how premium EV makers are competing less on incremental facelifts and more on hardware stacks that can support advanced driver-assistance roadmaps, with near-term implications for product mix and pricing power in the luxury tier.
In design, the new M9 adopts new color options, semi-hidden door handles, a full-width integrated light strip and redesigned wheels. The company is pitching the combination of a larger presence and a more expansive cabin as a reset of its “technology luxury” aesthetic, a message tailored to buyers in the RMB 500,000-class bracket.
The most explicit technology push is in assisted driving. Aito said the new-generation M9 is the first in the industry to carry six LiDAR units, forming what it called a “full-domain” perception matrix. The company framed the increase in sensing coverage and hardware redundancy as both a safety and intelligence benchmark and as groundwork for pursuing higher levels of assisted-driving capability over time.
Chassis changes are also central to the upgrade cycle. Aito said the M9’s chassis software and hardware are expected to be comprehensively upgraded, including active control and steer-by-wire technologies. The aim is sharper dynamic response and improved ride comfort, with the company describing the effort as part of redefining chassis standards for intelligent electric vehicles through a “digital chassis” approach.
On power and range, the new-generation M9 will use a new power system with improved output, designed to better match varied use cases and endurance requirements for high-end customers. While the company did not disclose detailed specifications, it positioned the powertrain update as a new template for flagship new-energy performance.
The M9’s performance to date gives context to the stakes of the refresh. Aito said cumulative deliveries since launch have exceeded 280,000 units. The vehicle was also named the full-year sales champion in 2025 in the 500,000-yuan luxury SUV category, cementing its role as a benchmark model in China’s premium SUV market. Aito is betting that the latest round of hardware and system upgrades can translate that momentum into continued share and brand resilience as the luxury new-energy segment becomes more technology-intensive.
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