Huawei partnered with Seres to produce the Aito (Added Intelligence to Auto) with their first product being the M5, a mid sized SUV powered by Harmony OS. The OS was built as a replacement for Google’s Android after the company had a fallout with US companies under the Trump Administration. The car was unveiled back in December 2021 but has now started shipping in China.
Inspired by the Seres SF5 EV, the Aito M5 distinguishes itself with a redesigned front bumper with a large intake. It has stunning taillights and window line close to those of the Porsche Macan.
Inside the cabin is a 15.6 touchscreen powered by the Harmony OS infotainment. Huawei also provides the 1,000 watts 19-speaker sound system and the driver gets private speakers integrated into the headrest. In addition, Huawei’s Level 2+ advanced driver assisted system (ADAS) is on-board despite the fact that the company already has Level 3 ADAS ready.
Aito M5 comes in three different power outputs with 272 hp, 428 hp or 496 hp . The entry-level being a rear wheel drive with a single electric motor, while the other two are all wheel drive with dual electric motor. The fastest version can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds.
Interestingly, all models have a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 123 hp that works as a range extender. Normally, the M5 drives on the 40 kWh battery that can be plugged in a charging station to give a modest range of 150km or 95 miles, but with the gasoline engine running on a full tank, the combined range is over 1,100 kilometers (684 miles). This partnership of both engines effectively eliminates range anxiety and would be suitable for countries which don’t have extensive charging stations network. Most people would comfortably do their daily commute on the battery alone and on long distance travelling, the extender would come into play. The solution is praised for having less emissions than cars that run on gasoline engines alone.
The standard 272 hp rear wheel drive version goes for CNY 249,800 ($39,500), the other two all wheel versions go for CNY 279,800 ($44,200) for the 428 hp and the flagship alteration 496 hp asks for CNY 319,800 ($50,500). These prices are after government subsidies have been considered.