Huawei's Aito electric cars debut in Europe

At the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich, Huawei unveiled three electric SUVs from its Aito brand. The models on display - the M5, M8, and M9 - offer advanced technology, flexible powertrains, and competitive pricing that could shake things up on the busy European EV market.

The Aito brand is the product of a collaboration between Huawei and Seres, a state-owned Chinese automaker. In this partnership, Seres handles the vehicle manufacturing, and Huawei provides the "brains" of the operation. This includes the HarmonyOS-powered infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance features, electric motors, and sensors.

The vehicles are sold in China through Huawei's HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) sales network, effectively leveraging Huawei's retail footprint to sell electric cars alongside phones and laptops.

The first vehicle visitors saw was the Aito M5, the brand's entry-level offering. This mid-size SUV is 188.4 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 64 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 113.4 inches. Its design is clean and modern, featuring a sleek roofline and a 192-line LiDAR unit proudly sitting on the roof.

Inside, the cabin is dominated by a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen, complemented by a digital instrument cluster behind a two-spoke steering wheel. The center console is practical, with two wireless charging pads and cup holders.

The M5 comes with two powertrains - the all-electric (BEV) version has a single rear motor producing 200 kW (268 hp), paired with an 83 kWh battery from CATL that provides a claimed range of 374 miles under China's CLTC testing cycle.

The EREV model uses a small 1.5-liter gasoline engine that functions solely as a generator to recharge a 42 kWh battery, meaning the wheels are always driven by electric motors. The EREV M5 comes in a 200 kW (268 hp) rear-wheel-drive version and a powerful 365 kW (489 hp) all-wheel-drive option. In China, the M5 is priced between RMB 229,800 and 249,800 ($32,220 - $35,020).

Next one up in the range is the Aito M8, a full-size SUV that has become a bestseller in its segment in China since its launch in April 2025. It is larger than the M5, with dimensions of 204.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches in width, and 70.7 inches in height, and a long 122.2 inches wheelbase.

The interior offers either a five-seat or a six-seat layout across three rows. The dashboard is a tech showcase, featuring a triple-screen setup: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch main screen, and a 16-inch screen for the front passenger plus there's a 68-inch augmented reality head-up display.

The EREV M8 has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system making 392 kW (526 hp), while the all-electric version is available with a 227 kW (304 hp) rear-wheel drive or a 387 kW (519 hp) all-wheel-drive setup. Battery options range from 37 kWh to 100 kWh, with a maximum CLTC range of 438 miles. The M8's domestic price is RMB 359,800 to 449,800 ($50,440 – $63,060).

At the top of the lineup sits the flagship Aito M9. This is the largest and most luxurious model, measuring 205.9 inches long with a wheelbase of 122.4 inches. Its exterior is distinguished by unique "gauntlet-shaped" headlights and four LiDAR units for its driver-assistance systems.

Like the M8, it features the impressive triple-screen dashboard and is available in five- or six-seat configurations. The M9 EREV uses a 1.5-liter engine to charge a 52 kWh battery, powering a dual-motor system with a combined output of 365 kW (489 hp).

The all-electric M9 is also a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive affair, producing 390 kW (523 hp) and using a 100 kWh battery pack. As the premium model, its price in China reflects its status, ranging from RMB 469,800 to 569,800 ($65,865 – $79,880).

The impressive sales of 70,025 units in the first seven months of 2025 show a strong demand for Aito's high-end electric cars. It'll be interesting to see how the brand is received in Europe - judging by the crowds in Munich, legacy automakers have a serious contender to worry about.

Via