As the Chinese electric vehicle market becomes increasingly competitive in 2025, electric vehicles and their intelligent features are becoming the mainstream trend in the industry. In this "hardcore breakthrough," domestic luxury brands represented by AITO and ZEEKR have launched flagship models, attempting to seize market share through technological integration and product upgrades. As two of the most anticipated high-end SUVs in 2025, the AITO M8 and ZEEKR 9X compete across dimensions such as intelligent driving, vehicle design, and performance. This article will integrate publicly available reports and review information from multiple perspectives to provide consumers with a comprehensive comparison guide.
AITO M8: As the flagship SUV of the AITO brand, the expected starting price range is 350,000–450,000 RMB, emphasizing the "Huawei full-stack intelligent technology" label, targeting families and technology enthusiasts. Some versions may be eligible for further cost reductions through local trade-in policies (such as the lottery system for qualification vouchers in Zibo and Shijiazhuang).
ZEEKR 9X: A pure electric large SUV launched by the ZEEKR brand, with an expected price range of 400,000–550,000 RMB, emphasizing high performance and luxury features, targeting users with higher demands for driving control and design. It is not yet clear whether it will be included in local subsidy programs, but consumers can follow national automotive consumption policy updates.
AITO M8:
Design Language: Continues the minimalist style of the AITO family, incorporating a贯穿式 (through-type) light cluster and a streamlined body, balancing aerodynamics and visual impact. The interior features a "smart cockpit," equipped with a HarmonyOS ecosystem large screen, AR-HUD, and a high-end audio system.
Core Configuration: Equipped with the Huawei DriveONE electric drive platform, offering both pure electric and extended-range versions; high-end models are equipped with air suspension and CDC damping system, supporting multi-scenario driving mode switching.
ZEEKR 9X:
Design Language: Adopts ZEEKR's signature "Light Language" design, with sharp body lines and frameless doors highlighting its sporty genes. The interior features sustainable materials, a rotatable central control screen, and a panoramic sunroof.
Core Configuration: Built on the SEA architecture, it comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, offering a maximum range of 800km (CLTC); equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and the ZEEKR OS full-scenario interactive system.
|
Comparison Dimensions |
2025 AITO M8 |
2025 ZEEKR 9X |
|
Platform / Architecture |
Huawei DriveONE electric drive platform (compatible with pure electric/range-extended electric vehicles) |
Geely's SEA pure electric architecture |
|
Power source |
It is expected to offer both pure electric and range-extended versions. The range-extended version can effectively solve range anxiety and is suitable for those without stable charging conditions or for long-distance travel. |
Pure electric vehiclesrepresent a more complete electrification experience and rely on charging networks. |
|
Performance Highlights |
The electric drive system offers high efficiency and emphasizes a smooth and quiet driving experience. The high-spec version is expected to featureair suspension and CDC damping, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. |
It is expected to come standard withhigh-performance dual-motor all-wheel drive, with outstanding 0-100 km/h acceleration (possibly entering the 3-second club), emphasizing sporty and handling performance. |
|
Driving range (CLTC ) |
The pure electric version is expected to havea range of 600-700 kilometers; the range-extended version is expected to have a combined rangeof over 1200 kilometers. |
It is expectedto have a range of over 800 kilometers, relying on a large-capacity battery pack and high-efficiency energy management. |
|
Smart Cockpit |
Centered aroundHuawei's HarmonyOS smart cockpit , it is expected to feature AR-HUD and an ultra-large central control screen, achieving seamless integration with Huawei mobile phones, watches, and home devices ,along with a super desktopfunction, resulting in a very high degree of ecosystem integration. |
It is expected to be equipped witha Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipandZEEKR's self-developed ZEEKR OS system. The interaction will be smooth, and it may feature a rotating large screen or unique interactive design, emphasizing a sense of technology and an immersive experience. |
|
Intelligent driving |
Huawei ADS 3.0 (Qiankun Intelligent Driving)is its core strength. It employsa LiDAR + vision fusionperception solution, aiming to achieve navigation assistance (NOA) coveringall scenarios including urban areas, highways, and parking, encompassing advanced functions such as valet parking and cross-floor memory parking. |
The ZEEKR NZP primarily features autonomous navigation assistance on highways. It reliesmainly on visual perceptionand currently focuses on navigation on highways and elevated roads, with plans to expand its functionality to urban areas via over-the-air (OTA) updates in the future. The strategy is relatively conservative. |
|
Vehicle safety |
It is expected to adopta steel-aluminum hybrid body, with a high proportion of high-strength steel. It will be equipped with a complete active safety system (AEB, ELK, etc.) and benefit from the predictive protection of the intelligent driving system. |
It is expected to maintain the high safety standards of the ZEEKR brand, adoptingintegrated die-casting technologyand high-strength materials, resulting in extremely high torsional rigidity of the body and outstanding passive safety performance. |
|
Design Style |
tech- inspired design. The streamlined body, continuous light strip, and interior design emphasize a balance between warmth and technology, highlighting a luxurious feel for both family and business use. |
Sporty and avant-garde style. Sharp angles, "light language" design language, frameless doors, etc., the interior uses a lot of environmentally friendly and innovative materials, highlighting individuality and sporty luxury. |
|
Energy replenishment system |
The range-extended version can be refueled and charged, eliminating pure electric anxiety. The pure electric version supports Huawei'shigh-voltage supercharging technologyfor fast charging. |
It supportsZEEKR SuperCharge technologyand relies on its self-built charging network to ensure charging efficiency. |
|
Core Applicable Scenarios |
family long-distance travel, urban commuting, and business receptions. Especially suitable for users who valuerange anxiety-free travel, family comfort, and deep integration with the Huawei ecosystem. |
High-performance urban and intercity driving, personalized expression, and a deep pure electric experience. Suitable for users who seekultimate acceleration, driving pleasure, cutting-edge design, and convenient charging. |
AITO M8: The Huawei ADS 3.0 system is a key highlight, supporting urban/highway NOA, valet parking, and multi-story memory parking. Relying on Huawei's Qiankun Intelligent Driving® technology, it achieves precise decision-making through lidar and multi-sensor fusion, similar to the technology route of the FAW Audi A5L Qiankun Intelligent Driving® version. This system performs stably in complex road conditions and is considered an extension of the "game-changer for intelligent driving in fuel vehicles."
ZEEKR 9X: Equipped with ZEEKR NZP high-speed autonomous navigation, covering major highways and elevated roads nationwide, with plans to add urban functions via OTA updates. Its perception system is primarily vision-based, relying on high-precision maps and cloud computing power, making it more suitable for structured road scenarios.
AITO M8: Adopts a steel-aluminum hybrid body structure and comes standard with C-IASI excellent-level collision protection. In terms of active safety, it is equipped with AEB automatic emergency braking, ELK emergency lane keeping, and fatigue monitoring, and integrates Huawei ADS's predictive avoidance capabilities.
ZEEKR 9X: Continues ZEEKR's "all-round safety" concept, with a body torsional rigidity of 40,000 N·m/deg, and has passed five-star collision tests. It also features a "lightning switch" four-wheel drive system, which can quickly adjust torque distribution on slippery surfaces to improve stability.
AITO M8 is more suitable for:
Tech-savvy families: Relying on Huawei's ecosystem integration (seamless connection with mobile phones and smart home devices).
Long-distance travelers: The extended-range version alleviates range anxiety, suitable for intercity travel.
Urban commuters: Intelligent parking and traffic jam assistance functions significantly reduce driving burden. The ZEEKR 9X is more suitable for:
Performance enthusiasts: 3-second 0-100 km/h acceleration and precise handling satisfy driving pleasure.
Design connoisseurs: Avant-garde styling and eco-friendly interior cater to individual expression.
Pure electric vehicle advocates: Supercharging technology and long-range advantages are significant, making it suitable for users with well-developed charging infrastructure.
From an industry trend perspective, the luxury car market in 2025 is accelerating its transformation towards "oil-electric integration and intelligence." The Huawei full-stack solution of the AITO M8 and the pure electric performance architecture of the ZEEKR 9X represent the technological high ground in intelligence and electrification, respectively. According to FAW Audi's 2025 strategic analysis, the deep integration of Chinese local technology companies and automotive brands has become a key competitive advantage, and the AITO M8 is a typical representative of this path.
For consumers, if you prioritize a "nanny-level" intelligent experience and family-friendliness, the AITO M8 is worth considering first; if you value pure electric performance, aggressive design, and driving dynamics, the ZEEKR 9X is more attractive.
The intelligent SUV market in 2025 is not only a competition of power forms, but also a comprehensive upgrade of ecosystem integration and user experience. Although the AITO M8 and ZEEKR 9X take different paths, they both contribute to the in-depth development of Chinese high-end automobiles towards "technological luxury." The choice depends on your definition of "future mobility"—is it a more immersive intelligent interaction, or a more extreme driving passion?
