Aito (from the world auto only with an i for intelligence) is a Chinese brand backed by automotive manufacturer Seres / Sokon and tech giant Huawei. On December 2021 the company unveiled the M5 SUV in China and now its time for its market launch. The mid-size SUV is fitted with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and features the latest tech features including Huawei’s infotainment.

Styling-wise, the Aito M5 looks like an evolution of the Seres SF5 EV launched in 2019, with identical LED headlights, bonnet, and overall silhouette. However, most body panels are redesigned, including the front bumper with a large intake. From certain angles, the mid-size SUV looks like a Porsche Macan due to the similar windowline, rear shoulders and taillights. The Aito M5 measures 4,770 mm (187.8 inches) long, 1,930 mm (76 inches) wide, and 1,625 mm (64 inches) tall.

Inside, the main point of interest is the central 15.6 touchscreen incorporating the Huawei Harmony OS infotainment. The equipment list also includes a 10.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, 128-color ambient lighting, Nappa leather upholstery, a 3-tank fragrance system, a Huawei-sourced 1,000-Watt 19-speaker sound system, a private headrest for the driver with integrated speakers, and Level 2+ ADAS. Interestingly, Huawei didn’t add its latest Level 3 ADAS to the Aito M5, unlike the Jetour X-1 PHEV.

The Aito M5 is based on the Seres all-aluminum chassis and comes in three different power outputs with 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS), 428 hp (319 kW / 434 PS) or 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS). The entry-level model is RWD with a single electric motor, while the other two are AWD with dual electric motors, allowing the fastest one to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds.

All variants also have a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 123 hp (92 kW / 125 PS) but this only works as a range-extender for the 40 kWh battery which allows an electric range of 150 km (93 miles). With the gas tank full and the battery fully charged, the combined range of the PHEV is over 1,100 km (684 miles), eliminating any range-anxiety issues.

Pricing for the Aito M5 in China starts from ¥24.98 million ($39,524) for the RWD, ¥27.98 million ($44,271) for the AWD, and from ¥31.98 million ($50,600) for the flagship AWD.