In the latest batch of vehicle information submissions to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), SERES has officially revealed details about the AITO M8. Surprisingly, the AITO M8's size and class are not only extremely close to those of the AITO M9, but can even rival the Lixiang L9. This makes the product positioning of the AITO M8 extremely interesting - its pricing might not be in the same range as the Lixiang L8, but could potentially directly target the Lixiang L9, with an expected starting price as high as $55,000.
Based on the MIIT submission data, the AITO M8 has a body size of 5,190/1,999/1,795 mm and a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. This indicates that the AITO M8 is almost on par with the Lixiang L9 in terms of class. It is only 28 mm shorter in length, while having an identical wheelbase. Compared to its larger sibling, the AITO M9, the AITO M8 is no less impressive, and could even be considered a standard wheelbase version of the AITO M9.
However, in terms of exterior design, the AITO M8 differs significantly from the AITO M9. Although both adopt a rounded design style, the AITO M8's front headlights abandon the digital headlight design on the lower part of the AITO M9's headlight cluster, and only use regular pebble - shaped headlights. In addition, the AITO M8 is equipped with air intakes on both sides, which is quite similar to the LUXEED R7. There is a through - type decorative strip on the front face, and it's not yet clear whether it comes with a daytime running light group. However, given the style of HarmonyOS Intelligent Mobility, it's speculated that it won't follow the design of Lixiang. The bottom intake grille offers options for chrome - plated decorative strips or sporty black - painted strips.
The side design continues the standard AITO style, being simple and smooth, and somewhat similar to the Lixiang style. However, the AITO M8 has changed the door handle design, adopting the semi - enclosed, inward - buckled door handle of the MAEXTRO S800. At the same time, the camera module design on the front fender has been changed to an inverted trapezoid and color - separated.
At the rear, the design of the AITO M8 is very similar to that of the AITO M9. It looks very sturdy and retains the high - tech rear digital interactive pixel light cluster.
In terms of design details, the AITO M8 offers a variety of options such as matte black decorative strips for the front light strip, window frames, roof luggage rack, side skirts, and rear decorative strips. It also retains the option of bright silver, providing consumers with two style packages: luxury and sporty. Additionally, the new vehicle offers four different tire sizes, ranging from 255 to 285 in width, with wheel sizes including 20 - inch and 21 - inch, and four different styles to choose from.
Although the interior has not been revealed yet, it is highly likely to be consistent with that of the AITO M9, and will not adopt the floating large - screen design of LUXEED, ensuring differentiation between different product lines. It's worth mentioning that the new vehicle will be available in both 5 - seat and 6 - seat versions, which means it can simultaneously meet the market demands similar to those of the Lixiang L7 and Lixiang L8.
In terms of the powertrain, the AITO M8 is equipped with a new - generation super extended - range system. The HG15T engine has an output power of 118 kW. Dual - motors are standard across the board, with a front motor power of 165 kW and a rear motor power of 227 kW. Paired with a 36 - kWh lithium - iron - phosphate battery from CATL, the pure - electric range can reach 160 km. For the high - end version, it is equipped with a 52 - kWh ternary - lithium battery, with a range of up to 235/240 km. The fuel consumption under depleted - battery conditions is 6.6 L per 100 km for both models.
Considering that the AITO M8 is likely to be equipped with high - end configurations such as air suspension, variable - damping shock absorbers, and lidar as standard, its pricing is expected to be around $55,000, most likely falling between the Lixiang L8 and Lixiang L9. Evidently, the AITO M8 aims to compete with the Lixiang L9, thereby providing strong support for the pricing of the AITO M9. So, do you think the AITO M8 can continue the AITO's success and create a new sales miracle?
Source: Chinese MIIT, Sohu