AITO released official images of the next-generation M9 on April 13, 2026, confirming a six-sensor lidar suite, full active suspension, and a body enlarged across every dimension. Pre-orders for the new M9 opened on March 4, 2026, at a starting price of 479,800 CNY (c. $70,300).The M9 is produced by Seres Group (SSE: 601127) in partnership with Huawei Technologies, which supplies the Qiankun intelligent driving platform and HarmonyOS cockpit software. Since its December 2023 launch, the M9 has held the top sales position in China's CNY 500,000-and-above SUV segment for 21 consecutive months. Cumulative deliveries passed 280,000 units as of March 3, 2026, and the broader AITO lineup has collectively delivered more than 1 million vehicles since its 2021 launch.AITO M9 front view (AITO)The most significant technical upgrade is the sensor array. The new M9 carries six lidar units in total, anchored by a single 896-line dual-optical-path sensor — the highest-specification unit in mass production globally, according to Huawei.Announced by Huawei Qiankun on March 5, 2026, the 896-line sensor delivers four times the resolution of the 192-line unit used in the outgoing model. Its dual-path architecture integrates wide-angle and telephoto imaging into a single housing — a world first — enabling detection of objects as small as 14 cm at long range. Recognition of low-reflectivity targets such as fallen tires improves by 190% compared with the previous sensor, while identification of irregularly shaped obstacles such as overturned traffic cones improves by 77%. Sensor window hardness has been increased by 25% and durability doubled.AITO M9 profile view (AITO)The body has grown across every axis. The 2026 M9 measures 5,285 mm (208.1 in.) long, 2,026 mm (79.8 in.) wide, and 1,845 mm (72.6 in.) tall on a 3,125 mm (123.0 in.) wheelbase — gains of 55 mm in length, 27 mm in width, 45 mm in height, and 15 mm in wheelbase compared with the 2025 model. Top speed on EREV variants increases from 200 km/h (124 mph) to 220 km/h (137 mph). Two powertrain options carry over. The extended-range (EREV) variant pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender producing 118 kW (158 hp) with dual electric motors delivering a combined 497 kW (666 hp). The pure-electric BEV pairs a 220 kW front motor with a 277 kW rear motor for the same 497 kW combined output without a combustion engine. Seating is offered in five- or six-seat configurations.AITO M9 rear view (AITO)Visual changes include half-hidden door handles — a design element shared with the Maextro S800 from Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance — new-generation smart projector headlights, an integrated rear through-light strip, disc-style wheels, a floating AITO logo, and new C-pillar cameras to extend perimeter sensing coverage.The current 2025 M9 spans 469,800 CNY to 599,800 CNY across EREV and BEV trims, with the BEV variants offering up to 605 km (376 miles) of CLTC-rated range. Whether the 2026 model will carry a price premium beyond its 479,800 CNY pre-order entry point — and when it will formally go on sale — has not been announced.Conversion rate: 1 USD = 6.83 CNY as of April 13, 2026