China new models February 2024: AITO M9 lands

AITO M9

We can now share with you the newcomers in the Chinese wholesales charts. This month we have 4 new models hitting dealerships, all of them Chinese. This continues to show domestic brands lead in terms of dynamism and launch frequency. Once again all launches are New Energy vehicles (EV or PHEV). To fully understand the scope of the Chinese market, make sure you consult our Exclusive Guide to all 188 active Chinese Brands.

1. AITO M9 (5,251 sales)

AITO is the success story of the last few months, up 673.6% year-on-year in February and 627.1% so far this year. The AITO M7 even climbed to a record third place overall this month. AITO is a joint venture between Huawei and Seres, with Huawei supplying parts and software while Seres manufactures the vehicles. The M9 is the third and largest model by AITO after the M5 and M7. It is a 6-seat SUV available in extended range EV (EREV) or pure EV. It is 5.23m long with a 3.11m wheelbase. The door handles are hidden and the headlights are “intelligent”, able to recognise cars and pedestrians alike. They can also act a projectors.

The M9’s interior is plush and features three screens (only two on in the picture above). The instrument panel is 12.3 inches, the central screen is 15.6 inches and the passenger screen is 16 inches. The M9 is priced from 469,800 to 569,800 yuan (60,100-72,900€ or US$65,300-79,100) which is expensive for a Chinese model and almost double the price of the smaller M7 (249,800-329,800 yuan). It will compete with the likes of LI Auto L9 (429,800-459,800 yuan), NIO ES8 (498,000-598,800 yuan) and Hongqi E-HS9 (509,800-779,800 yuan). Given its price, the M9’s first month of sales is already very impressive and qualifies it as a success.

2. SWM Big Tiger (414 sales)

SWM, for Sironi Vergani Vimercate Milano, has been absent from these new model updates for years, since September 2019 when the G05 launched. It finally adds a new vehicle to its lineup: the Big Tiger. It is a mid-size SUV at 4.60m long with a 2.78m wheelbase and 19cm ground clearance. The ICE variant is priced at an impossibly low 59,900-78,900 yuan (7,700-10,100€ or US$8,320-11,000) while the EREV model is available from 99,900 to 139,900 yuan (12,800-17,900€ or US$13,900-19,400).

The Big Tiger’s cutthroat pricing is apparent inside, with a traditional gearbox and a tiny dashboard sceen. The EREV version gets a larger screen and rotary gearshift. The ICE variant competes with the likes of the Haval M6 (71,900-92,900 yuan), Wuling Hongguang (60,100-82,800 yuan) and to a lesser extent the Changan CS35 Plus (79,900-99,900 yuan). The EREV model is roughly at the same price level as the BYD Song Pro (109,800-159,800 yuan). Other SWM models have been hovering around a maximum of 1,000 monthly units over the past few months so the Big Tiger’s ambitions are measured.

Bar for success: 2,500 monthly sales

3. Hongqi EH7 (48 sales)

Hongqi is a premium brand by FAW that has been tremendously successful over the past couple of years. The EH7 EV is the brand’s first launch since the HS3 hit the market last July. It is considered as the 2nd generation H7. The EH7 is a fastback sedan at 4.98m long and with a 3m long wheelbase. The now mandatory hidden door handles are here. The EH7 will be available in either RWD or AWD powertrains, with fast-charging ranges of 760 and 820 km. The RWD model eclipses the 0 to 100 km/h is 3.9 seconds.

Local media outlet Autohome also reports a battery-swapping variant. The interior features a 6-inch instrument panel and 15.5-inch central console screen coupled in a curved dual screen. No price for the EH7 has been revealed yet, but it should compete with such models as the Zeekr 007 (209,900-299,900 yuan), BYD Han (169,800-299,800 yuan) and Xpeng P7 (209,900-339,900 yuan). As for sales prospects, the cheaper Hongqi E-QM5 sedan (165,800-239,800 yuan) hit a record 10,600 units last December, so the EH7 should aim at half that.

Bar for success: 5,000 monthly units

4. Roewe D5X (1 sale)

Very little information about Roewe’s latest launch has filtered through so far. It is a hybrid variant of the third generation RX5, but confusingly the RX5 already has an hybrid version. and is powered by Roewe’s DMH system featuring a 110kW 1.5T engine paired with a 153kW electric motor. The interior is rather old school with a traditional gearbox and small digital screens. Price has not been revealed yet but Autohome reports it will compete with the BYD Song Plus (129,800-209,800 yuan). For comparison the Roewe eRX5 hybrid is priced from 147,900 to 159,900 yuan.

Bar for success: 3,000 monthly sales