Chinese premium automaker AITO has confirmed that its flagship luxury SUV, the AITO 9, will soon launch in the Middle East, starting with the United Arab Emirates. The announcement was made during the prestigious IAA Mobility Show in Munich, where AITO showcased its cutting-edge lineup.
With its range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) powertrain, the AITO 9 aims to eliminate one of the biggest concerns facing electric vehicle buyers in the region: charging anxiety on long-distance travel.
Range Anxiety Solved: Hybrid Power Meets EV Innovation
At its core, the AITO 9 is an electric SUV equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol generator. Unlike conventional hybrids, the engine does not directly power the wheels but instead charges the 52 kWh battery pack, ensuring seamless long-distance capability.
- Pure electric range: 225 km on a single charge
- Total driving range: Up to 1,239 km with a full battery and 65-liter fuel tank
- Power output: 489 hp and 675 Nm of torque
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds
This unique setup allows drivers to travel confidently across vast distances, combining EV efficiency with the practicality of conventional fueling.
Luxury Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Positioned as a direct competitor to ultra-luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach, the AITO 9 blends premium craftsmanship with advanced intelligent systems:
- Exterior: Striking design with 22-inch Pirelli P Zero tires, adaptive LED lighting with 2.6 million pixel points, and dual-tone luxury finishes
- Interior: Nappa leather upholstery, natural ash wood trim, Alcantara headliner, and a 32-inch retractable cinema screen for rear passengers
- Seating: Configurations for 5 or 6 passengers, with VIP-style business class seats in the second row
- Sound system: 25 premium speakers delivering 2,080 watts of immersive audio
- Convenience: Automatic retractable side steps, NFC smart key, 360° cameras, wireless charging, built-in refrigerator/heater unit, and customizable ambient lighting
Advanced Safety and Smart Driving Systems
Safety remains a key highlight of the AITO 9, which has achieved a 5-star global crash safety rating. The SUV incorporates:
- Adaptive air suspension with real-time road reading
- All-wheel drive system powered by dual electric motors (front and rear)
- Ultrasonic sensors, radar, and surround-view cameras for semi-autonomous driving
- Multiple airbags and advanced collision protection thanks to its aluminum body structure
AITO has already logged billions of kilometers of real-world driving in China, with more than 770,000 customers globally. Notably, 70% of the driving distance covered by AITO vehicles has been in full-electric mode, underlining the company’s commitment to sustainability.
AITO’s Rapid Rise in the Global Market
Although AITO was founded in 2021 as the premium arm of Seres Group (established in 1986), the company has already achieved remarkable milestones:
- 100,000 vehicles sold within its first 15 months
- 770,000+ vehicles sold across all models by August 2025
- Ranked among China’s Top 10 automakers for design and safety in 2023
The AITO 9 now stands as the brand’s flagship model, complementing its existing SUV lineup: AITO 5, AITO 7, and AITO 8.
AITO 9 Launch in the Middle East
The AITO 9 will first be introduced in Dubai, UAE, before rolling out across other Middle Eastern markets. Local models will feature Arabic language support in the infotainment system, as well as regional specifications tailored for Gulf driving conditions.
With its blend of luxury, sustainability, and practicality, the AITO 9 is expected to generate strong interest among Middle Eastern buyers seeking premium SUVs that combine electric innovation with long-range confidence.
Conclusion
The AITO 9 represents a significant step in the evolution of electric mobility, merging luxury design, smart technology, and range-extending practicality. By entering the Middle East, AITO is not only expanding its global footprint but also offering a solution to one of the region’s biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging limitations on long journeys.
As the brand’s flagship SUV, the AITO 9 has the potential to reshape consumer expectations of electric vehicles in luxury markets worldwide.
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