The large NEV SUV market in March showed a pronounced “top-heavy” structure. For example, total sales of the Top 10 large SUVs reached 44,521 units, with the NIO ES8 and Zeekr 9X alone accounting for nearly 60%. As the broader auto market gradually recovered, other models on the list posted notable month-on-month gains. However, compared with their historical peaks, most still lagged significantly. For instance, the AITO M8 sold 4,007 units in March, more than 17,000 units below its peak monthly sales. Competition in the large SUV segment is far from over. New-generation models such as the Li Auto L9 and AITO M9 are staging comebacks, while upcoming entrants including Leapmotor D19 and first large SUVs from Huajing and Yijing are also targeting the segment. Will the influx of new players reshape the Top 10 rankings? Before that, aside from the NIO ES8 and Zeekr 9X, how did other models perform? No. 1 NIO ES8: 16,255 units The NIO ES8 has remained China’s best-selling large NEV SUV for four consecutive months, selling 16,255 units in March, up about 44.3% month-on-month and roughly 30 times year-on-year. NIO ES8 It is one of only two models on the list to exceed 10,000 units. Across the NIO brand, the ES8 is the clear volume driver. In March, the NIO brand delivered 22,437 vehicles, of which ES8 accounted for 16,255 units, or about 72.4%. In early April, it also marked the delivery of its 90,000th production unit. Notably, ONVO’s L90 sold 3,356 units in March, surpassing the AITO M9 and showing resilience in the “large three-row SUV” segment. Looking ahead to the second quarter, NIO Inc. plans to further strengthen its large SUV lineup. The ES9 has already been unveiled, while a five-seat version of the ES8, along with updated L80 and L90 models featuring new driver-assistance hardware, will follow. No. 2 Zeekr 9X: 10,060 units Zeekr 9X was the other model exceeding 10,000 units in March, with sales of 10,060 units, up about 106.2% month-on-month. Zeekr 8X It has also retained the sales crown in the RMB 500,000 ($73,200) large SUV segment for four consecutive months. Zeekr claims that “for every 10 NEVs priced above RMB 500,000 ($73,200) sold in China, three are Zeekr 9X.” The success of the “9-series” lineup is likely to benefit upcoming models. According to official data, the Zeekr 8X received over 10,000 firm orders within 29 minutes of launch, with higher-end variants accounting for 95.6%. In the third quarter, Zeekr plans to roll out its Super EVA and Qianli Haohan G-ASD 4 intelligent driving system, based on a world action model (WAM), enabling map-free navigation and AI-based destination guidance. No. 3 AITO M8: 4,007 units Compared with February, AITO M8 saw only modest growth, with March sales of 4,007 units, up about 0.37% month-on-month. Of these, 1,211 units were battery-electric and 2,796 were range-extended, with BEVs accounting for about 30.2%. AITO M8 On April 16, Richard Yu stated that cumulative deliveries of the AITO M8 surpassed 170,000 units in its first year, making it the annual sales champion in the RMB 400,000 ($58,600) SUV segment. The model is also set for an update, including a 896-line LiDAR and additional high-precision side LiDAR units. For existing owners, AITO plans to offer LiDAR upgrade packages priced at around RMB 10,000 ($1,460), expected to roll out from June. However, with competition from IM LS8, Zeekr 8X and the upcoming new-generation Li Auto L8, it remains uncertain whether the M8 can return to monthly sales above 21,000 units. No. 4 ONVO L90: 3,356 units After four consecutive months of decline, the ONVO L90 saw its first rebound of the year. March sales reached 3,356 units, up about 154.8% from February, ranking fourth and surpassing the AITO M9. ONVO L90 The earlier decline was partly due to intensifying competition, especially as the “9-series” SUV segment becomes increasingly crowded with entrants like Leapmotor D19 and SAIC Volkswagen ID.ERA 9X. To respond, ONVO will launch an updated L90 on April 21, featuring LiDAR, blue indicator lights for driver assistance, and the NX9031 chip. Another large five-seat model, the ONVO L80, is also in the pipeline. No. 5 AITO M9: 2,982 units AITO M9 continued its downward trend, with March sales of 2,982 units, down about 3.3% month-on-month. The gap with Zeekr 9X has widened to over 7,000 units. To regain momentum, AITO is preparing a new-generation M9. AITO M9 Regulatory filings indicate larger dimensions, active suspension, full-color projection headlights, and new design elements such as dual-tone paint and semi-hidden door handles. At the same time, competitors including Zeekr 9X, IM LS9 and Leapmotor D19 are entering the market, while legacy rivals like Li Auto L9 are also due for generational updates. Whether the updated M9 can reclaim leadership in the RMB 500,000 ($73,200) segment remains to be seen. No. 6 Dongfeng M-Hero M817: 2,036 units Dongfeng M-Hero M817 sold 2,036 units in March, up 97% month-on-month, ranking sixth. Dongfeng M-Hero M817 As the only off-road model under Huawei-backed Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), it offers strong differentiation in the large SUV segment. According to official data, the model surpassed 10,000 production units within four months of launch, ranking sixth in the hardcore off-road category in March. At a recent event, upgrades including a 896-line LiDAR, Huawei XHUD, off-road NCA and off-road AI agent were announced, likely to debut on upcoming models. No. 7 Voyah Taishan: 1,797 units Voyah Taishan sold 1,797 units in March, up about 72.7% month-on-month. This growth contributed positively to Voyah’s overall performance, with total brand sales reaching 12,145 units, up 40.8%. Voyah Taishan On March 17, the Taishan Ultra version was launched at RMB 459,900 ($67,300), featuring a 896-line LiDAR and Huawei ADS 4.1 system, and positioned as China’s first mass-produced L3-capable SUV. The impact of the Ultra variant on overall sales remains unclear, and with intensified competition and HIMA updates, sustaining growth in 2026 will be challenging. No. 8 Li Auto L9: 1,550 units Li Auto returned to over 41,000 monthly deliveries in March, with the i6 accounting for nearly 59%. Li Auto L9 However, the L9 has declined from a peak of 14,913 units to below 2,000 units. It sold 1,550 units in March, up 43.2% month-on-month but down 66.1% year-on-year. Despite not yet being updated, maintaining over 1,000 units suggests some resilience. A full redesign is imminent, with the new L9 Livis set to debut at the Beijing Auto Show and launch on May 15. With both the updated L9 and AITO M9 entering the fray, the question remains whether they can reclaim their former dominance. No. 9 Chery Fulwin T11: 1,287 units Chery Fulwin T11 sold 1,287 units in March, up about 25.9% month-on-month. Since launch five months ago, its performance has been moderate, peaking at 4,551 units in December before dropping to 1,242 units in January 2026. Chery Fulwin T11 Unlike competitors, the model has not yet received significant product updates, relying mainly on incentives such as a RMB 10,000 ($1,460) purchase tax subsidy and trade-in bonuses. Competition is intensifying, especially from newer models like Leapmotor D19, priced from RMB 219,800 ($32,200), offering longer electric range. Meanwhile, new entrants like BYD Datang and Haishi 08 further increase pressure on the T11. No. 10 Lynk & Co 900: 1,191 units Lynk & Co 900 continued its decline, selling 1,191 units in March, down about 44.6% month-on-month, ranking tenth. Lynk & Co 900 Since September last year, its sales have dropped from around 7,000 units to about 4,300 units in late 2025, then to around 2,000 units in January, and now to roughly 1,100 units. This trend indicates weakening growth momentum. In April, a new five-seat version was unveiled, featuring increased rear legroom and enhanced comfort for the middle seat. As the new version has yet to launch, whether it can revive sales remains uncertain.
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