Aito M8 Opens Pre-Sales September 30 With Level 3 Tech

Updated Aito M8 Opens Pre-Sales September 30

The Aito M8 will enter pre-sales in China on September 30 as part of a substantial model refresh that adds new autonomous-driving architecture and updated specifications. The Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance said the refreshed SUV is designed around Level 3 autonomous-driving capability across the lineup, while also receiving Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 and a next-generation omnidirectional sensor-fusion system. The updated model will retain both five-seat and six-seat configurations, while continuing to offer extended-range electric vehicle and battery electric vehicle powertrains.

Huawei and Seres Continue Joint M8 Development

The Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance emphasized that Aito remains a member of the alliance and that the refreshed M8 was jointly designed and developed by Seres and Huawei. The clarification follows an earlier announcement that Aito would explore a new cooperation model within the alliance, with Seres taking the lead and Huawei providing support. That announcement had prompted questions about whether Huawei's involvement with Aito could become more limited, but the latest M8 announcement confirms continued participation by both companies in the model's development.

Aito M8 Dimensions Remain Unchanged

The refreshed SUV keeps the same exterior dimensions as the existing model, measuring 5,190 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,795 mm in height. Its wheelbase also remains unchanged at 3,105 mm. The model will continue to be offered in five-seat and six-seat configurations, according to its regulatory filing. While the vehicle's physical dimensions are carried over, the update focuses on technology and powertrain specifications, including autonomous-driving architecture, sensor fusion, and revised electric powertrain configurations across the EREV and BEV versions.

EREV Version Retains Dual-Motor Configuration

The extended-range electric vehicle version uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine together with front and rear electric motors. The engine has a maximum output of 118 kW, while the front motor produces up to 170 kW and the rear motor reaches 227 kW. Two battery capacities are available at 75.408 kWh and 56.036 kWh. Depending on configuration, the larger battery provides electric-only driving ranges of 365 km or 358 km, while the smaller battery delivers an electric-only range of 256 km.

BEV Version Offers Up to 830 km of Range

The battery electric version uses front and rear motors with peak outputs of 160 kW and 227 kW, respectively. Its battery options are rated at 120.04 kWh and 97.644 kWh, with the configuration offering the highest stated range reaching 830 km. The BEV continues the M8's expansion beyond its original extended-range lineup, following the battery-electric version's introduction in August 2025. These specifications give the refreshed model distinct EREV and BEV configurations while retaining the SUV's existing vehicle dimensions and seating choices.

Aito M8 Remains a Major Sales Model

The M8 remains one of Aito's important sales models, with cumulative deliveries exceeding 180,000 units as of August 6. The model originally launched in April 2025 and was initially offered exclusively with an extended-range electric powertrain. A battery-electric version was added in August 2025, broadening the model's powertrain lineup. Before this latest refresh, Aito had already updated the M8 at Huawei's spring product launch event in March, where the changes primarily involved additional exterior color choices rather than the broader technology and specification changes now announced.

China Pricing and Pre-Sales Timing

In China, the current Aito M8 starts at 359,800 yuan, equivalent to about $53,370 based on the pricing cited in the source article. The September 30 pre-sales opening therefore introduces the refreshed model while the existing vehicle continues from its established market position. The latest update combines autonomous-driving technology, sensor-fusion improvements and revised powertrain specifications rather than changing the SUV's core dimensions. Further details on pricing, configurations and availability are expected as pre-sales begin.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The refreshed M8 strengthens Aito's technology-focused positioning by combining Level 3-ready vehicle architecture with updated sensing and autonomous-driving systems while preserving established EREV and BEV choices. The development is particularly relevant to buyers and competitors in China's premium intelligent-vehicle market, where software, driver-assistance capability and electric powertrain flexibility are increasingly important product attributes. The continued joint development involving Huawei and Seres also provides clarity on the cooperation structure surrounding the model. The September 30 pre-sales launch should establish the next phase of the M8's product cycle, with market response and final configuration details providing the clearest indicators of its commercial impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the updated Aito M8 open for pre-sales?
The updated Aito M8 is scheduled to open for pre-sales in China on September 30, following its latest technology and specification refresh. The model will retain five-seat and six-seat configurations and continue offering both extended-range electric and battery-electric versions. The refresh adds Level 3-ready architecture across the lineup, Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5, and a next-generation omnidirectional sensor-fusion system. Final pre-sales details are expected to provide additional information about configurations and pricing as the updated SUV enters its next sales phase.