Products Description
The all-new AITO M9 is here! It comes equipped with six LiDAR sensors, an optional 800V active suspension, a more upscale exterior design and a full suite of cutting-edge tech features. Just how big an upgrade has this new model received? And what's it like behind the wheel of its extended-range version? Let's dive right in!
Today we're driving from Kashgar to the Pamir Plateau. The route is lined with breathtaking scenery, truly a top destination for road trips. The only downside is altitude sickness that brings on headaches, but every stunning view makes it totally worthwhile.
Let's start with the powertrain specs of the all-new AITO M9. This model sees a substantial performance upgrade. Both the extended-range and all-electric variants adopt an 800V high-voltage architecture for much faster charging. The entire lineup is fitted with a dual-motor setup: 220 kW at the front and 277 kW at the rear. The extended-range model we're testing today pairs with a 1.5T range extender, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds.
Now let's talk about battery and range performance.
The extended-range version offers two battery options: 60 kWh and 75.4 kWh. The 75.4 kWh variant we're driving delivers a pure electric range of 422 km.
The all-electric model is equipped with a large 120 kWh battery, boasting a maximum CLTC range of around 750 km.
After driving roughly 200 kilometers, my first impression is that this vehicle delivers refined and composed power delivery. It pulls away gently from a standstill, and power builds steadily and linearly during sustained acceleration, offering consistent confidence behind the wheel. Unlike some sporty cars that unleash power abruptly, this well-tuned calmness feels truly premium for a large luxury vehicle. Overtaking on fast roads takes barely any advance preparation - you can pull out and pass whenever you want, thanks to its abundant power reserves.
We had plenty of battery power on the way here, so the range extender never kicked in, delivering a pure electric driving experience. To test how it engages and its quietness, I switched to Fuel Priority mode while climbing the mountainous terrain on the Pamir Plateau.
Remarkably, the range extender fires up so subtly that you can barely notice it, with no harsh jolts or vibrations at all. You can only faintly sense it running under prolonged heavy loads. Overall, the ride remains exceptionally comfortable.
Besides, the steering feels fairly light. There is a little bit of play tuned for comfort, yet the car still handles nimbly. What stands out most is its ±8-degree rear-wheel steering system. It greatly cuts down the turning radius, making U-turns at tight junctions incredibly easy and agile.
The all-new AITO M9 also gets comprehensive upgrades to its NVH performance. You can clearly notice improved insulation against exterior noise compared with the previous model. On today's route, only slight wind noise creeps in on blustery days; the sound from the range extender and road tire noise are kept to a minimum. The cabin delivers the solid sound isolation and serene ambiance typical of high-end luxury vehicles.
Seating features have also been enhanced, with newly added active side bolsters. When taking sharp bends, the seats instantly offer firm lumbar support and hold your body securely, boosting your driving confidence.
The chassis is the highlight of upgrades on the all-new AITO M9. Flagship models in this segment are now competing fiercely over steer-by-wire and 800V active suspension. The standard-wheelbase M9 offers the 800V active suspension as an optional extra, while the top-tier Ultimate trim comes factory-fitted with both active suspension and steer-by-wire, putting it on par with Li Auto L9 Livis.
The standard-wheelbase model we're driving today has neither of these features, yet it's still well worth a review. I believe most buyers of this variant will opt for the base setup. Underneath lies a front double wishbone and rear five-link suspension setup, paired with CDC dampers and five-level ride height adjustment. The chassis is built largely from aluminum alloy, excluding the drive shafts.
Chassis refinement stands as the core upgrade for the new AITO M9. It's no secret that flagship 9-series models across the industry are racing to adopt steer-by-wire systems and 800V active suspension.
For the new M9, the standard wheelbase variant offers the 800V active suspension as an option. The range-topping Ultimate trim comes fully equipped with both active suspension and steer-by-wire, putting it head-to-head with the Li Auto L9 Livis.
The standard wheelbase car we're testing today has neither of these advanced setups, but it's still a great reference. I'm convinced most buyers will choose this base configuration without active suspension. Under the body, it features a front double wishbone and rear five-link suspension, paired with CDC dampers and five-stage ride height adjustment. The entire chassis is constructed from aluminum alloy, excluding the drive shafts.
Now let's talk about the standard version fitted with the optional 800V active suspension. It is still tuned primarily for comfort, delivering a driving feel reminiscent of the previous M9, yet with refined performance in every detail.
When traveling over rough paved roads, minor dips and road joints, the suspension smooths out vibrations remarkably well for a pleasant ride. It also keeps vertical movement firmly in check when crossing big potholes or speed bumps. On undulating surfaces, the car handles far more steadily than its predecessor.
That said, without the premium suspension setup, it cannot deliver top-tier body control. Body roll during cornering, as well as pitch under hard acceleration and harsh braking, are not fully suppressed, resulting in a slight floating sensation.
Later in our test drive, we switched to the variant equipped with the optional 800V active suspension. Let's start with its technical specs: each wheel delivers a lifting force of 11,000 N·m, and the vehicle is even capable of running on just three wheels.
It also works in tandem with the ADS driver assistance system to enable intelligent road preview.
In low-speed comfort mode, the two models perform quite similarly. The version fitted with 22-inch wheels merely delivers a slightly firmer and more direct road feel. However, during spirited driving - such as fast cornering with sharp turns, frequent lane changes, hard acceleration or abrupt braking - this suspension noticeably curbs body roll and pitch. The effect becomes even more prominent in sport mode, with body roll kept firmly in check. The car responds more precisely to driver inputs and maintains a stable posture even on rough roads.
All in all, the model with the optional 800V active suspension boasts sharper handling and more responsive control. The standard setup, by contrast, prioritizes pure ride comfort. You can pick according to your personal preference.
For driver assistance, the production version will debut with the all-new ADS 5 system, which is set to further boost the vehicle's environmental perception and interactive decision-making capabilities. Our test car here still runs on ADS 4. Even so, it delivers an exceptionally smooth and confident performance behind the wheel, making us really look forward to the arrival of ADS 5.
The all-new AITO M9 gets a full upgrade in body dimensions. Its wheelbase is extended by 15 mm and overall length grows by 55 mm, while height and width have also been increased. Note these figures apply to the standard version; the top Ultimate trim boasts even larger body size.
Its design language stays largely consistent with the outgoing model. This is a common strategy for successful facelifts - focusing on subtle tweaks rather than radical redesigns.
The front end sits noticeably taller than the previous model. Paired with two-tone paintwork, it exudes a stately and commanding presence. Opt for the large turbine-style wheels, and its imposing aura gets even stronger. A wide range of exterior paint options are available, including multiple two-tone combinations.
The lighting system has received major tech upgrades. The matrix LED headlights now support color projection with such sharp clarity that you can even watch movies and TV shows directly on the projected imagery. The signature blue driving indicator light at the front further boosts its recognizability, while extra chrome trim pieces add refinement to the front fascia.
The door handles are now the same illuminated type featured on the Zunjie S800, which still retains a mechanical switch. This exquisite detail instantly elevates the vehicle's premium fee
On the inside, the screen bezels have been slimmed down, though I believe there's still room for further improvement. The former crystal optical prism now comes with a flip design; flipped over, it serves as an elegant watch display.
The cabin blends leather, wood trim, crystal and chrome accents, creating a classic luxury ambiance. Longtime owners will likely feel the overall layout remains familiar, yet every detail feels noticeably more upscale.
The second row also gets thoughtful detail upgrades. The right rear seat and driver's seat are equipped with zero-gravity mode, while the front passenger seat features a luxury lounge setup.
Besides, the built-in projector now supports rear projection. Simply hang a screen by the trunk, and you can enjoy outdoor movies right beside the car for ultimate relaxation.
Overall, the upgrades on the all-new AITO M9 are highly noticeable across the board. It keeps building on its core strengths with continuous improvements to both hardware and software for intelligent driving. Its classic, understated luxury styling also sets it further apart from rivals.
Bear in mind this standard-wheelbase model is not the full-spec version. The upcoming Ultimate trim features larger body dimensions, more opulent interior and exterior finishes, a 2.0T range extender and a tri-motor powertrain. It also comes standard with active suspension and steer-by-wire. If you find the current model not quite enough, the long-wheelbase variant is well worth the wait. So what do you think of the new AITO M9?
