Huawei-backed Aito has recently unveiled the M5 Ultra SUV, featuring 192-channel LiDAR as standard and lower prices in response to growing competition in the market. The new M5 Ultra, which debuted at a Huawei product launch event, comes with a starting price of RMB 229,800 ($31,720) and will commence scale deliveries on April 3. This model replaces the previous M5, with a reduced starting price of RMB 20,000, or 8.01 percent, from RMB 249,800.
The M5 Ultra is offered in three variants, including one battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant and two extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants. The BEV variant, priced at RMB 239,800, is rear-wheel drive, while the two EREV variants consist of a rear-wheel drive model starting at RMB 229,800 and a four-wheel drive model starting at RMB 249,800. Comparatively, the previous Aito M5’s variants were priced at RMB 249,800, RMB 279,800, and RMB 269,800.
At the launch event, Huawei highlighted that the M5 Ultra boasts significant upgrades in exterior design, smart driving features, handling, safety measures, and cabin comfort. Notably, the model comes equipped with a standard 192-channel LiDAR and 4D millimeter-wave radars.
The compact five-seater SUV measures 4,785 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,880 mm. The BEV variant of the M5 Ultra is powered by an 83-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 602 km. It features a rear electric motor with a peak power of 200 kW and peak torque of 360 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds.
On the other hand, the EREV variants are equipped with a 42-kWh ternary lithium battery pack, providing a range of 255 km for the rear-wheel drive version and 230 km for the all-wheel drive version. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.1 seconds for the rear-wheel drive variant and 4.3 seconds for the all-wheel drive variant.
Aito, a premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand established by Huawei and Seres Group, introduced the M5 as its first model in December 2021. The brand’s current lineup also includes the M7 and M9, with the M7 exclusively available in EREV variants and the M5 and M9 offered in both EREV and BEV variants.
Overall, the Aito M5 Ultra stands out as a significant addition to the brand’s offerings, showcasing advanced technology and competitive pricing to meet the evolving demands of the electric vehicle market.
