The Aito M9 is available in EREV and BEV versions, both with an expected starting price range of 500,000 to 600,000 Chinese yuan.

(Image credit: Huawei)

Aito, the new energy vehicle (NEV) brand backed by Chinese tech giant Huawei, has begun pre-sales for its flagship SUV, the Aito M9, with the official launch set for the end of the year.

Those interested can now pay 5,000 Chinese yuan ($680) to pre-order the Aito M9 for a limited-time pre-order entitlement, a page for the model on Huawei's online store shows.

The vehicle is available in an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version as well as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version, both with an expected starting price range of 500,000 to 600,000 Chinese yuan.

The Aito M9 is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter with specifications to be announced, the model's page shows.

Separately, Richar Yu, chairman of Huawei's smart vehicle solutions business unit, said at a product launch event today that the Aito M9 will be launched in December.

The Aito M9 will be the most powerful SUV priced under 10 million Chinese yuan and the best SUV to be seen on the roads, Yu claimed.

The model will feature Huawei's smart car full-stack technology solutions, a new family design and full-size space comparable to that of an MPV, he said.

Yu did not reveal any more information about the Aito M9, which made it into a draft regulatory catalog earlier this month.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released the latest batch of catalogs of models that will soon be allowed to be sold in China on September 12 for public comment, and the Aito M9 SUV's filing was included.

The vehicle measures 5,230 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm, according to the filing.

Its EREV version is powered by an engine with a displacement of 1,499 ml and 112 kW. The model is powered by dual electric motors with peak power of 165 kW and 200 kW respectively.

The Aito M9 BEV is powered by dual electric motors supplied by Huawei with peak power of 160 kW and 230 kW at the front and rear motors respectively.

The model is powered by ternary lithium-ion batteries supplied by CATL.

Aito is a premium car brand launched by local carmaker Seres Group in association with Huawei on December 2, 2021, and its first model, the Aito M5, was launched on December 23, 2021, in both EREV and BEV versions.

On July 4, 2022, Aito launched its second model, the M7. On September 12 this year, the brand launched the updated M7, allowing for a significant price reduction. The M7 is only available in the EREV version.

The new M7 has averaged more than 1,500 daily orders since its launch, Yu said at today's event.

(1 US dollar = 7.3118 Chinese yuan)

Regulatory filing: Huawei-backed Aito to offer EREV and BEV versions of luxury SUV M9