Aito M9

The BEV variant runs on a 100 kWh NMC battery supplied by CATL, built on an 800-volt electrical architecture. Combined motor output is 390 kW (523 hp) and 673 Nm, drawn from a 160 kW front motor and a 230 kW rear motor. WLTP range is estimated at 450–530 km, with a CLTC-rated figure of 615–630 km. The EREV variant pairs a 52 kWh LFP-type battery with a 1.5T HG15T petrol range extender. The generator charges the battery under demand but does not drive the wheels directly. Electric-only WLTP range is approximately 190 km; combined CLTC range exceeds 1,400 km with a full tank of fuel.

For the BEV in UAE conditions, summer heat and sustained AC usage typically reduce range by 15–22% against the WLTP figure, placing realistic estimates at 350–450 km in moderate months and 330–410 km at peak summer. At 120–140 km/h on the E11, expect figures towards the lower end of that band. City driving with regenerative braking can recover closer to the upper estimate. The EREV's electric range drops to approximately 150–170 km in summer under full AC load, after which the petrol range extender seamlessly extends total range well beyond any single-day UAE use case. The combined thermal management of battery and engine means summer efficiency loss is less acute for EREV buyers than for full BEV owners.

The BEV variant accepts 11 kW AC via Type 2, delivering a full charge from flat in approximately nine to ten hours on a standard villa wall box — practical for overnight use. At Dubai's DEWA residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full 100 kWh charge costs approximately AED 23. Abu Dhabi expatriate owners on the ADDC tariff of AED 0.27/kWh will pay approximately AED 27 per full charge. The EREV variant's 52 kWh battery charges at 7 kW AC, reaching 100% in approximately eight to nine hours overnight. A full electric charge in Dubai costs approximately AED 12. For EREV owners, home charging covers the electric portion; the petrol tank can be refilled at any UAE forecourt as a backup for longer journeys.

The M9 BEV's 800V architecture supports DC peak charging of approximately 200 kW — however, UAE public infrastructure currently tops out at 150 kW at select DEWA Green Charger stations. With a CCS2 adapter (GB/T is the native port), 10–80% can be achieved in approximately 20–25 minutes at 150 kW, or 30–35 minutes at more common 60–90 kW stations. Compatible UAE networks include DEWA Green Charger, E2GO (including the Saih Shuaib E11 hub), UAEV (Northern Emirates), and GreenParking. The EREV variant's DC charging is significantly more modest at an estimated 40–60 kW, bringing 10–80% to approximately 35–45 minutes with a CCS2 adapter. EREV buyers are unlikely to rely heavily on public DC infrastructure given the car's petrol backup capability. Neither variant is compatible with Tesla Superchargers. 2025 AITO M9 — Battery & Charging

The M9's six-seat configuration uses individual captain chairs in the middle row, a meaningful distinction from bench-seat competitors at this price point. Rear legroom on the 3,110 mm wheelbase is genuinely generous — rear passengers recline independently and benefit from a dedicated climate zone. The third row is suitable for adults on shorter journeys. Nappa leather, ambient lighting, and soft-touch surfaces throughout set a premium tone that competes with established European flagships.

The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a floating HUD projecting speed and navigation. Seat adjustment is electrically operated with memory function and ventilation. The driving position over the long bonnet is commanding, and AITO's 'Zero Gravity' seat design — shared with the M7 — provides lumbar and thigh support calibrated for long-haul comfort on inter-emirate drives such as Dubai–Abu Dhabi or Dubai–Fujairah.

Three-zone climate control with rear-seat independent control is standard across both variants. Pre-cooling via the AITO app is supported, allowing the cabin to be cooled before entry during UAE midday conditions above 45°C. Ventilated and heated front seats are standard. The panoramic sunroof, while impressive, carries significant solar heat gain in summer — UV tinting or a sunshade is strongly recommended for UAE ownership.

Boot capacity with the third row upright is estimated at approximately 500 litres — usable for a family of six on a weekend trip, though tight for hard-sided luggage. Folding the third row increases capacity to approximately 1,000 litres. No frunk is available on either variant. V2L bidirectional power export has not been confirmed for the UAE-specification M9 at time of writing — buyers should verify with Performance Plus Motors.

The M9 uses a triple-screen arrangement: a 15.6-inch central HarmonyOS touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a dedicated 16-inch front passenger screen. A 32-inch retractable laser projector — the largest display in any production vehicle — deploys from the sun visor housing for rear-cabin cinema use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and over-the-air updates are delivered remotely. Arabic language navigation is supported in the UAE-specification software, confirmed as part of the regulatory approval process for the market.

The ADAS suite includes AEB, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane centring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system — all standard. Four LiDAR sensors on the 2025 update improve object detection at night and in adverse weather. Airbag count is eight, including curtain airbags across three rows. Euro NCAP has not yet assessed the AITO M9; Chinese CNAPC testing results may not fully reflect UAE crash structures.

Despite a kerb weight of up to 2,550 kg, the M9 BEV's dual-motor AWD torque delivery makes urban manoeuvring fluid and effortless. The car's 5.23 m length demands considered lane placement on Sheikh Zayed Road but becomes intuitive with the 360-degree camera. Forward visibility is good; rear three-quarter visibility relies on cameras given the high waistline.

The BEV's 0–100 km/h sprint in approximately 4.5 seconds is brisk for a vehicle of this size and mass, providing decisive highway merge capability. The EREV is fractionally slower at approximately 4.9 seconds — still commanding by class standards. Wind noise at 120–140 km/h is well controlled for a large SUV, and the BEV's absence of engine noise reinforces the luxury feel at cruising speed.

Regenerative braking strength is adjustable via paddle shifters. One-pedal driving is available on the BEV but does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop without brake pedal input, given the vehicle's considerable mass. Hydraulic brake feel is consistent and confidence-inspiring across both drive modes.

Huawei's HUAWEI ADS 2.0 advanced driving system provides Level 2+ functionality, including hands-on lane centring and intelligent speed adaptation on UAE motorways. The system performs reliably on clearly-marked highways; performance on older Northern Emirates roads is more variable. No Level 3 autonomous capability is offered in the UAE-specification version.

Intelligent electronically-controlled suspension adapts damping in real time, keeping body roll controlled through motorway sweeps and ramps. At 1,999 mm wide, the M9 is substantial in multi-lane traffic and warrants care in tighter urban settings. Standard car park height clearance of 2.1 m poses no issue at 1,800 mm; length is the primary urban consideration. The rear-view surround camera system is essential for daily parking use.

Over UAE's predominantly smooth urban and highway surfaces, the M9 delivers a composed, well-damped ride that competes credibly with European flagship benchmarks. Road surfaces in Northern Emirates and some older Dubai roads introduce occasional firmness, absorbed without drama. Rear passenger comfort over longer distances — Dubai to Abu Dhabi, or towards the Hatta border — is genuinely limousine-grade.

Prices are estimated based on official dealer guidance at launch. Confirm current on-the-road prices and available trim levels directly with Performance Plus Motors.

Performance Plus Motors, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Motors Group, signed the official distribution agreement with AITO in February 2026 — making the M9 the first AITO model sold through an authorised dealer outside China. The network is in its establishment phase, with brand experience centres and service facilities being stood up across Dubai and Abu Dhabi through 2026. Warranty terms are set by the official dealer; buyers should confirm vehicle warranty, battery warranty, and service interval commitments directly before purchase. The dealer network's relative newness is a legitimate ownership consideration. Abu Dhabi Motors Group has long-standing experience with premium brands in the UAE, which provides a degree of institutional confidence. Parts availability for a vehicle this new to the market should be discussed with the dealer, particularly for high-voltage components.

Grey import M9 units circulating through DubiCars and private importers typically lack UAE-specific software calibration, Arabic navigation tuning, and thermal management routines optimised for Gulf conditions. Insurance loading runs 15–25% above agency-car premiums, and some insurers decline grey imports for vehicles with no official UAE service network. Government incentives — Salik tag, green parking bays, reduced RTA registration fees — are applicable to official agency vehicles only. Critically, the M9's Huawei ADS 2.0 system and high-voltage electronics require manufacturer-certified tooling that is unavailable outside the Performance Plus Motors network. Buyers of grey import M9 units forgo all software updates and face uncertain battery warranty recourse. With the official dealer now active, the case for grey import acquisition has effectively closed.

At an estimated AED 250,000–285,000 (BEV) and AED 275,000–295,000 (EREV), the M9 competes directly with entry-level BMW X7 and GLE 450e configurations while offering meaningfully lower running costs. For a BEV buyer covering 20,000 km per year on home charging in Dubai, annual electricity cost is approximately AED 4,600 (at AED 0.23/kWh), compared to AED 12,000–16,000 for a petrol equivalent at prevailing UAE pump prices. Annual fuel saving is estimated at AED 7,000–11,000. Insurance through UAE agency channels is estimated at AED 12,000–18,000 annually for a vehicle in this price bracket, reflecting the luxury segment positioning. Annual EV servicing costs are substantially lower than petrol equivalents — expected at AED 2,000–3,500 for the BEV. EREV service costs are modestly higher given petrol engine maintenance requirements. UAE government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), access to green-painted parking bays with a four-hour session limit, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk for a first-generation AITO product in the UAE is moderate-to-elevated. The brand's technology credentials are strong, but established residual value data is absent. Buyers who prioritise resale certainty should consider this an experiential purchase over a capital-efficient one. BYD Blade LFP and CATL NMC chemistry in respective variants both offer proven long-cycle thermal stability in hot climates, which supports battery longevity and limits one key long-term cost variable. 2025 AITO M9 — Standard Equipment