(Yicai) March 21 -- Auto brands in Huawei Technologies' smart car alliance, Harmony Intelligence Mobility Alliance, have brought out updated vehicle models with new or improved smart features.

At a Huawei event yesterday, the latest iteration of the Aito M9 -- co-developed by HIMA and Seres Group -- made its debut. This premium sports utility vehicle boasts cutting-edge upgrades, including gesture-controlled door opening and the Huawei Advanced Driving System 3.3, all while maintaining a price range of CNY469,800 to CNY569,800 (USD64,830 to USD78,630).

“In the third quarter of 2025, we will upgrade the advanced intelligent driving system of all versions of the new M9 to Huawei ADS 4,” Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei's intelligent auto solutions unit, said at the event.

Shenzhen-based Huawei also took the wraps off the latest Aito M5, now upgraded with advanced intelligent driving capabilities. Despite the enhancement, CNY20,000 (USD2,760) has been shaved from its starting price compared with last year’s model. Deliveries are set to begin next month.

In addition, Huawei revealed that presales of the Aito M8, which kicked off on March 6, have already exceeded 70,000 units. Shipments are also expected to begin in April.

Priced at around CNY300,000, the extended-range Stelato S9, a premium sedan co-developed by HIMA and BAIC Bluepark New Energy Technology, kicked off presales yesterday. Yu said it is equipped with Huawei ADS 3.3, becoming the first mass-produced vehicle to support L3 autonomous driving. 

For the Luxeed brand, a partnership between HIMA and Chery Automobile, Huawei announced that popular actress Liu Yifei has become its brand ambassador. It also confirmed that orders for the Luxeed R7 have exceeded 80,000.

This latest wave of intelligent upgrades across HIMA’s EV brands signals an escalating battle for dominance in China’s automotive market, the world’s largest, where smart car features are becoming the new battleground.

At least 10 carmakers have set out plans to equip their 2025 lineups with smart driving systems. For example, BYD said on Feb. 12 that it would this year equip all of its new energy vehicle models with God's Eye, the company’s recently launched advanced self-driving system, including those priced as low as CNY69,800.

"HIMA has made substantial research and development investments in intelligent driving technology," Yu said previously. "If a car equipped with Huawei ADS is priced below CNY300,000, it is being sold at a loss.”

As China’s auto industry races toward making smart driving technology more widely available, HIMA faces mounting challenges. Last month, the alliance delivered 21,500 NEVs, down from 35,000 in January, causing it to slip out of the top 10 for retail sales.

Editor: Futura Costaglione