• The updated Aito M7 has become one of the most popular new models in China's automotive sector following the Xiaomi YU7.
• The updated M7 offers both BEV and EREV variants, differing from its predecessor which only provided EREV options.

Aito, the automotive brand jointly developed by Huawei and Seres Group, has commenced pre-sales for its updated M7 SUV (sport utility vehicle), achieving a rare and remarkable success.

Aito began accepting pre-orders for the updated M7 at 10:08 am Beijing time today, with a pre-sales price of RMB 288,000 ($40,360).

The model will be officially launched on September 23. Customers who pre-order before then can receive a RMB 5,000 discount on the final payment after paying a RMB 2,000 reservation deposit.

Shortly after M7 pre-sales began, Huawei's HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business announced via its mobile app that the model secured over 100,000 pre-orders within the first hour.

This makes the M7 one of the most popular new models in China's automotive sector. Xiaomi launched its YU7 SUV on June 26, claiming over 200,000 firm orders within the first three minutes.

The updated M7's starting price represents a RMB 38,200 increase -- or 15.29 percent -- over its predecessor's RMB 249,800 starting price.

It's worth noting that in China's auto market, new models typically launch at prices lower than their pre-sales price.

The updated M7 offers both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants, unlike its predecessor which only provided EREV options. It also offers five-seat and six-seat configurations.

The updated SUV features larger dimensions, measuring 5,080 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm.

By comparison, the previous generation measured 5,020 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, and 1,760 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,820 mm.

The updated M7 comes standard with power batteries supplied by CATL (SHE: 300750). The EREV variants offer battery pack capacities of 37 kWh and 53 kWh, delivering a combined range exceeding 1,600 kilometers when fully fueled and charged.

The BEV variants feature a 100-kWh battery pack with a range of up to 710 kilometers.

To expedite deliveries, Aito pre-produced some M7 units. Customers finalizing their delivery arrangements within 72 hours of the September 23 launch can receive their vehicles within 1-4 weeks.

The Aito M7 was initially launched on July 4, 2022. Huawei rolled out the previous M7 update at an event on September 12, 2023.

On May 31, 2024, Aito launched the M7 Ultra, followed by the Pro series of this SUV in August.

($1 = RMB 7.136)