Chinese smart mobility brand AITO has introduced its latest flagship model, the M8, a large SUV equipped with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) drivetrain. Dubbed a “smart family flagship SUV,” the M8 has garnered significant attention, with pre-orders surpassing 28,000 units within 12 hours of launch and over 70,000 pre-orders since its release.
The standout feature of the AITO M8 is its exceptional driving range. By combining the benefits of electric power with an internal combustion engine, the M8 can travel up to 1,526 km (948 miles) on a full charge and tank, surpassing other EREV and PHEV vehicles on the market. This long-range capability effectively eliminates the concerns typically associated with long-distance driving in electric cars.
Powertrain and Performance
The AITO M8 is powered by a 1.5L turbo gasoline engine acting as a generator, paired with electric motors on both the front and rear axles, offering four-wheel drive. The front motor delivers 165 kW, while the rear motor produces 227 kW, resulting in a combined system output of approximately 304 horsepower. The M8 has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), offering solid performance for an SUV of its class.
The vehicle features a dual battery configuration supplied by CATL, consisting of both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary lithium (NCM) batteries. The LFP battery has a capacity of 51.975 kWh, providing a range of 310 km (193 miles) on electric power alone, while the NCM battery has a capacity of 36.019 kWh, offering a range of 201 km (125 miles). The M8 also features an 800V high-voltage charging system, capable of adding 150 km (93 miles) of range in just five minutes of fast charging. The battery’s “Giant Whale” structure increases space efficiency by reducing the overall harness by 80% and making the battery pack 16.4% thinner.
Luxury and Advanced Technology
True to its flagship status, the M8 boasts a large and luxurious body, measuring 5,190 mm (204.3 inches) in length and with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm (122.2 inches). This positioning makes it one of the top large SUVs on the market. It is available in both 5-seater and 6-seater configurations, catering to various consumer preferences.
Regarding technology, the M8 is equipped with the Huawei ADS 3.0 driving assistance system, which includes 192-line lidar, 7-millimeter-wave radars, and 11 HD cameras. This system provides high-level autonomous driving support and can recognize vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles around the car in real-time.
Affordability Meets Innovation
Despite its advanced features and long-range capabilities, the AITO M8 is priced competitively, ranging from around $27,000 to $81,677. The official launch is scheduled for April, and the vehicle’s potential to impact global markets is being closely watched.
With its impressive combination of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology, the AITO M8 is set to redefine expectations for extended-range electric SUVs, attracting both domestic and international interest as it enters the global automotive landscape.
