In a significant move to expand its automotive footprint, Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility (Harmony Zhixing) alliance has officially unveiled its first flagship Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the Aito V9. Announced during a high-profile live stream event, this vehicle represents Huawei's ambitious push into the premium people-mover segment, promising to leverage its full suite of smart car technologies to challenge established leaders.
The Official Unveiling and Brand Ambition
The Aito V9 was formally announced by Richard Yu, Huawei's Executive Director and Chairman of the Consumer BG, during Harmony Zhixing's annual live broadcast on December 9. The event marked a rare gathering of the leaders from the alliance's five major brands: Aito, Zhijie, Xiangjie, Zunjie, and Shangjie. Yu positioned the V9 as a technological flagship, stating it is designed to "surpass all flagship MPVs currently on the market." The "V" in its name stands for "Victory," while "9" denotes the top-tier position within Harmony Zhixing's vehicle hierarchy, reserved for models that integrate Huawei's most advanced systems.
Technical Specifications and Platform
Based on what Huawei describes as its "highest-end platform," the Aito V9 is engineered to be a technology showcase. It will be offered with both pure electric and extended-range (EREV) powertrain options to cater to diverse consumer needs. The pure electric variant is expected to feature an 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform supporting ultra-fast charging, paired with a large battery estimated at around 100 kWh. The extended-range version, anticipated to be the volume-seller, is rumored to offer an impressive pure-electric range of approximately 400 kilometers on a single charge, significantly reducing range anxiety.
Reported Key Specifications & Features of the Aito V9:
- Platform: Huawei's highest-end EV platform
- Powertrains: Pure Electric (BEV) and Extended-Range (EREV)
- Battery/Charging: Huawei "Whale" Battery; 800V SiC platform for ultra-fast charging (BEV)
- Estimated Range: ~400 km pure-electric range (EREV version)
- ADAS: Huawei Qiankun ADS with multiple solid-state lidar sensors (spy shots suggest 192-line and potentially a 4-lidar setup)
- Cockpit: Latest HarmonyOS Smart Cockpit
- Dimensions: ~5.3m (L) x ~2.0m (W)
- Notable Features: Electric front trunk, dual zero-gravity seats (front & second row), rear dual-drawers, A-pillar triangular window, traditional door handles.
- Launch Window: Spring 2026
Intelligent Cockpit and Driving Systems
A core selling point of the Aito V9 is its deeply integrated Huawei technology. The cabin will be equipped with the latest version of the HarmonyOS smart cockpit, promising a seamless and intuitive human-machine interface. For automated driving, the vehicle is expected to be outfitted with the high-end Huawei Qiankun ADS (Advanced Driving System). Spy photos suggest the presence of multiple solid-state lidar sensors, with reports indicating a possible four-lidar setup to enable comprehensive environmental perception. This hardware foundation is intended to support high-level driver assistance features, including potential support for conditional hands-free highway driving (often referred to as L3).
Design and Practical Features
Early谍照 (spy photos) reveal a vehicle with a substantial, boxy silhouette typical of large MPVs, measuring roughly 5.3 meters in length and 2 meters in width. This design prioritizes interior space maximization. Distinctive design elements include a unique headlight assembly and a traditional-style door handle instead of flush-mounted units, likely chosen for reliability. Practical features highlighted include an electric pop-up and suction front trunk ("frunk"), dual zero-gravity seats for the first and second rows, rear dual-drawer storage, and an A-pillar triangular window to minimize blind spots.
Market Context and Launch Timeline
The announcement of the Aito V9 follows a teaser by Richard Yu in late November. Its launch signifies Harmony Zhixing's strategic expansion into a lucrative and competitive segment dominated by models like the Denza D9, Li Auto Mega, and Zeekr 009. The official live stream also served to celebrate another milestone for the alliance: the delivery of the 20,000th Shangjie H5 vehicle. Yu emphasized that even their more affordable models, like the H5, are built to high safety standards. The Aito V9 is scheduled for a formal market release in the spring of 2026, setting the stage for a new high-tech contender in the global MPV arena.