Huawei‑Backed AITO M8 Facelift and ZhiJie R7 Launch Plans Revealed

Chinese automaker AITO (问界) has filed three power‑train variants of a refreshed M8 model with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, indicating that small‑batch pre‑orders may start soon. The facelift features a more family‑styled front end that aligns with the M9, and the key upgrade is the addition of the same lidar‑equipped, high‑level driver‑assist hardware found on the M9, allowing integration of Huawei’s advanced autonomous‑driving suite. Two power options are offered: a plug‑in hybrid using a 1.5 L turbo engine (118 kW) paired with dual electric motors (170 kW front, 227 kW rear) and a Li‑Fe‑PO₄ battery, and a pure‑electric version with dual motors (160 kW front, 227 kW rear) and a ternary lithium‑ion battery.

Separately, ZhiJie (智界) announced that its R7 coupe‑SUV, co‑developed by Huawei and Chery, is expected to launch around October. The brand also aims to deliver 10,000 units of its V9 flagship MPV this month, after cumulative orders for the V9 passed 20,000. The R7 has been officially listed with the MIIT in three pure‑electric configurations, five‑seat layout, and dimensions of 4982 × 1981 × 1634 mm with a 2950 mm wheelbase and a top speed of 200 km/h.