New AITO M9 2026 Facelift Launches from ¥499,800 (~$68,900) with 6 LiDAR Sensors and Major Performance Upgrade

The updated AITO M9 2026 lineup officially opened pre-sales on April 22 in China, with pricing starting at ¥499,800 (~$68,900 USD). The flagship M9 Ultimate extended edition is priced from ¥669,800 (~$92,300 USD).

Customers who place a reservation can enjoy a limited-time offer: a ¥5,000 deposit (~$690) deducted from ¥10,000 (~$1,380) of the final purchase price.

The new model will also make its public debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show on April 24, showcasing upgrades in design, technology, chassis systems, and powertrain performance.


Refined Exterior with Stronger Tech Identity

The 2026 AITO M9 builds on its luxury SUV positioning with a more advanced and futuristic design language.

Key exterior highlights include:

  • New-generation intelligent projection headlights
  • Curved light beam system for corner illumination and distance indication
  • Continuous “blue light strip” signature for higher recognition at night
  • Redesigned front grille with a more technical appearance

A key upgrade is the advanced LiDAR configuration, including:

  • 896-line LiDAR mounted on the roof
  • Two additional front sensors (including solid-state units)
  • Total system: 6 LiDAR sensors across the vehicle

This significantly enhances environmental perception and autonomous driving capability.


Larger Dimensions and Flagship Proportions

The new M9 continues to emphasize full-size SUV presence:

  • Length: 5285 mm
  • Width: 2026 mm
  • Height: 1845 mm
  • Wheelbase: 3125 mm

Compared to the previous model, it gains improvements in all key dimensions, further enhancing interior space, especially in the third row.

New features include:

  • “Star Light Welcome Package” with illuminated entry projection
  • Semi-hidden door handles
  • New luxury wheel designs with dual-tone finish


Interior: Luxury Meets Digital Intelligence

Inside, the AITO M9 remains one of the most advanced cabins in its segment, powered by HarmonyOS 4.0 cockpit system.

The digital cockpit includes:

  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 15.6-inch central touchscreen
  • 21-inch front passenger display
  • 32-inch rear retractable projection screen

Audio is handled by a 25-speaker Huawei SOUND system with 2080W output, delivering cinema-level immersion.

Worth reading review of the best Chinese SUVs of 2026


Advanced AI Ecosystem and Smart Features

The system integrates Huawei’s latest AI capabilities, enabling voice interaction with:

  • Navigation assistant
  • Food ordering assistant
  • Vehicle control assistant
  • Knowledge assistant
  • News assistant
  • Entertainment assistant

The AI system supports continuous dialogue and multi-command processing, improving responsiveness and user experience.

It also supports cross-device connectivity with Huawei ecosystem devices such as phones, tablets, and smartwatches.


Comfort and Interior Flexibility

The M9 offers both 5-seat and 6-seat configurations, with highly flexible seating layouts.

Highlights include:

  • Zero-gravity second-row seats
  • Adjustable armrests with adaptive support
  • Fold-flat third-row seats
  • Multiple seating configurations (3 to 6-seat modes)

Cargo space:

  • 650L standard trunk
  • Up to 1800L with seats folded

Comfort features are standard across the lineup, including:

  • Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
  • Four-zone climate control
  • Acoustic laminated glass with UV protection


Next-Gen Autonomous Driving with 6 LiDAR Sensors

The biggest upgrade comes in intelligent driving technology.

The new M9 features Huawei ADS 4.0 system, enabling full-scenario assisted driving including highways, cities, and parking.

Sensor suite includes:

  • 6 LiDAR units
  • 5× 4D millimeter-wave radars
  • 12 cameras
  • 16 ultrasonic sensors

This allows the system to detect:

  • Vehicles and pedestrians
  • Road signs and markings
  • Obstacles such as steps or suspended objects

Advanced functions include:

  • City and highway NOA
  • Automated valet parking
  • Multi-floor parking memory
  • “Door-to-door” navigation driving

The system supports over 160 parking scenarios, eliminating dependence on high-definition maps.


Safety Engineering Upgrade

The M9 uses a reinforced body structure:

  • 80% aluminum body construction
  • 2000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel in 12 key areas
  • 9 airbags as standard

Advanced safety features include:

  • Automatic emergency braking up to 120 km/h
  • ESA emergency steering assist
  • ESP stability control system

Powertrain: Stronger Performance and Longer Range

The AITO M9 continues offering both range-extended EV (EREV) and fully electric (BEV) versions.

Range-Extended Version

  • 1.5T engine + dual motors
  • Engine output: 118 kW
  • Front motor: 220 kW
  • Rear motor: 277 kW
  • Battery options: 60 kWh / 75 kWh

Performance:

  • Fuel consumption: 6.9 L/100 km
  • Electric range: 250–335 km (WLTC)
  • Total range: up to 1474 km

Fully Electric Version

  • 120 kWh battery pack
  • 800V architecture
  • Dual motors (220 kW + 277 kW)
  • Total output: 497 kW (676 hp)
  • Torque: 930 Nm
  • 0–100 km/h: 4.5 seconds

Charging performance:

  • 10 minutes = ~300 km range
  • 10–80% charge in ~25 minutes

Suspension: Fully Active Chassis System

The 2026 M9 becomes the first Huawei-powered SUV to feature a fully active suspension system.

Key features:

  • Independent actuators per wheel
  • Real-time stiffness and damping control
  • Road preview sensing system

Behavior adapts automatically:

  • Soft setup for rough roads
  • Firm setup for cornering stability

Combined with:

  • Double wishbone front suspension
  • Multi-link rear suspension
  • Air suspension + CDC damping

The result is a significantly improved balance between comfort and handling.


Market Position

The AITO M9 directly competes with:

  • Li Auto L9
  • NIO ES8

Its main advantage lies in:

  • Full Huawei tech integration
  • Advanced autonomous driving hardware (6 LiDARs)
  • Strong balance of luxury and practicality
  • High efficiency and long range

Conclusion

The 2026 AITO M9 represents a major leap in China’s premium SUV segment. With enhanced design, a deeply integrated Huawei smart ecosystem, 6-LiDAR autonomous driving, and upgraded performance, it strengthens its position as one of the most technologically advanced full-size SUVs on the market.

For luxury SUV buyers seeking a combination of intelligence, comfort, and long-range capability, the new M9 is shaping up to be one of the most important flagship models of 2026.

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