AITO Model 5, 7, 9 EREVs Steal the Show at IAA Munich 2025
Yo, if you haven’t heard of AITO yet, get ready to take notice. At IAA Munich 2025, this Chinese luxury brand, backed by Seres and Huawei, rolled out their Model 5, 7, and 9 EREVs (extended-range electric vehicles) for their big European debut. As a car geek who’s been eyeing the rise of Chinese EVs, I’m stoked about AITO’s mix of high-tech vibes, plush interiors, and powertrains that promise serious range. These SUVs are gunning to shake up the European market, and they’ve got the specs to back it up.
From AI-powered cabins to luxury features that rival the big names, here’s why AITO’s Model 5, 7, and 9 EREVs are turning heads in Munich.
AITO’s European Ambition: Huawei-Powered Luxury
AITO, short for Adding Intelligence to Auto, kicked off in 2021 and started building cars in 2022. Partnered with tech giant Huawei, they’re bringing a fresh take on luxury SUVs with their EREV powertrains—hybrids that charge the battery for electric driving with serious range. At IAA Munich 2025, AITO showcased their Model 5, 7, and 9, signaling their plan to conquer Europe with tech-heavy, premium rides. They’re also eyeing a Middle East launch in Dubai soon after, so these guys are moving fast.
AITO Model 9: The Flagship That Feels Like a Lounge
The AITO Model 9 is the top dog, billed as an “all-scenario intelligent flagship SUV.” It’s packing a 100-kWh battery for the EV version or a 52-kWh pack for the EREV, with a total range of 880–916 miles (CLTC, so take it with a pinch of salt—real-world’s likely closer to EPA’s 600-700 miles). Power? A dual-motor AWD setup with a 1.5-liter turbo range-extender pumps out 496-530 hp.
Inside, it’s pure luxury: six seats (or five with a fold-down front seat for a “zero gravity” lounge vibe), a panoramic front screen, a 2,500-watt Huawei Sound system, and a 20- or 32-inch fold-down TV. The ADAS tech is next-level, with 27 sensors, including a 192-laser Lidar, three auto-parking systems, and an AR heads-up display. It’s like a Mercedes EQS SUV with a Chinese twist, but at around $65,000 in China, it’s a steal for what you get.
AITO Model 7: Comfort Meets Range
The AITO Model 7 is the crowd-pleaser, a two-row, five-seat SUV that’s sold over 310,000 units in China. It’s EREV-only for Europe, with a 40-kWh battery offering 103–121 miles of electric range and 684–758 miles total (CLTC). You can pick rear-wheel drive (268 hp) or all-wheel drive (443 hp), both with a 1.5-liter turbo range-extender.
This one’s all about comfort—think zero-gravity seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a “camping mode” for chilling in the wild. The smart cabin’s loaded with Huawei tech, making it feel like a rolling living room. It’s a solid rival to the Volvo XC90 Recharge or BMW X5 xDrive50e, but with that unique AITO flair.
AITO Model 5: Sporty and Ready to Roll
The AITO Model 5 brings the sporty vibes, with swoopy bodywork, a double-wishbone front suspension, and 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero tires. In Europe, it’s coming as an AWD EREV with a 42-kWh battery, offering 112–158 miles of electric range (CLTC) and up to 443 hp. China gets an EV version with an 83-kWh pack, but Europe’s sticking with the EREV for now.
With over 150,000 sold in China, the Model 5’s sleek design and sport-tuned suspension make it a competitor to the Tesla Model Y Performance or Audi Q8 E-tron. It’s the smallest of the trio but doesn’t skimp on tech, with Huawei’s ADAS and smart cockpit keeping things sharp.
Huawei’s Tech Touch: Smarts and Safety
AITO’s partnership with Huawei is the secret sauce. All three models rock HarmonyOS-powered cabins with massive screens, voice controls, and AI that learns your driving habits. The ADAS systems are stacked—think auto-parking, lane-keeping, and emergency braking, with the Model 9’s 192-laser Lidar stealing the show. Safety’s a big deal too; the Model 9 scored a 93.9% in C-NCAP testing, one of the highest ever.
Why AITO’s European Launch Is a Big Deal
AITO’s Model 5, 7, and 9 EREVs are bringing Chinese luxury to Europe with a bang. Their blend of long-range EREV powertrains, Huawei’s cutting-edge tech, and premium features at prices that undercut Western rivals makes them a serious threat. The Model 9’s lounge-like cabin, the Model 7’s comfort focus, and the Model 5’s sporty edge give AITO a lineup that can go toe-to-toe with Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW.
No word on European pricing yet, but in China, these start at $32,000–$65,000, so expect competitive tags. If you’re into tech-heavy, eco-friendly SUVs, AITO’s worth watching. What’s got you excited—the Model 9’s TV screen or the Model 5’s sporty looks? Hit the comments and let’s talk. Check AITO’s site for updates as they roll into Europe.
Source- motortrend.com