For the longest time, luxury cars have always been a European game. Think Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls-Royce — the kind of brands that don’t really need an introduction. You hear the name, and you already picture a quiet, powerful ride with plush leather, cool tech, and that unmistakable air of “I’ve made it.”

But lately, things have started to shift. Enter AITO, a relatively new name that just pulled off something most wouldn’t have thought possible: outselling some of those legacy giants in China’s competitive luxury electric vehicle market. Yes, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

And now, the AITO M9, their flagship SUV, has officially landed in the Philippines.

If you’re unfamiliar with AITO, here’s a quick lowdown. It’s part of a smart vehicle collaboration that includes tech powerhouse Huawei, and the M9 is their top-tier SUV — a sleek, intelligent ride that’s been getting a lot of attention not just in China but across markets where EV innovation matters. According to a Bloomberg report published just this May, the M9 didn’t just do well last year — it dominated. In China, which is probably the toughest EV market in the world, that kind of success doesn’t come easy.

So what’s the big deal with the M9?

For one, it’s packed with tech. Hop into the driver’s seat and you’re greeted by a triple-screen setup powered by Huawei’s HarmonyOS — basically a smart cockpit that handles everything from navigation to voice commands to entertainment, all without being overly complicated. There’s a real focus on making the driving experience feel as intuitive as it is high-end.

And it’s not just flashy tech for the sake of it. There’s real engineering behind the shine — 3,000 engineers worked on this model. The ride comfort, range performance, and intelligent driver assistance systems are all part of the bigger promise: Giving you everything you’d expect from a European luxury SUV, and then some, without paying through the nose for it.

Locally, the AITO brand is being handled by QSJ Motors Philippines Inc., and the M9 marks their first foray into the market. For them, it’s not just about bringing another EV option — it’s about introducing a new kind of luxury, one that puts technology and thoughtfulness front and center.

“The AITO M9’s reception in China reflects a shift in consumer preference towards intelligent, high-performance NEVs,” said Jona Chiang, marketing director of QSJ Motors-AITO Philippines. “Chinese buyers know what they want, and the fact that they embraced the AITO M9 so enthusiastically is a testament to its superior technology, comfort, and driving experience. Discerning Filipino NEV enthusiasts can now experience the M9, too.”

Discover the AITO M9 at the AITO EDSA Test Drive Center, located at the ground floor of Primex Tower, at the corner of Connecticut and EDSA, San Juan, Metro Manila.

For more information on the AITO M9, please visit https://www.aito.ph/aitom9.