On the road, the Hongqi E-HS9 delivers acceleration befitting its flagship status—composed, confident, and never hurried. Despite boasting dual electric motors with a combined peak output of 405 kW, its throttle response is meticulously calibrated to avoid abrupt surges, offering instead a linear, deeply rooted sense of power. This “reserved yet formidable” character stands in stark contrast to performance-oriented, sports-car-inspired SUVs. When the accelerator is pressed firmly, the Hongqi E-HS9’s ample torque reserves propel its 2.6-tonne mass with unwavering authority, maintaining strong mid-to-late-stage acceleration even at highway speeds.

By comparison, the all-electric AITO M9 adopts a more immediate and responsive tuning philosophy. Its pedal feel is sharper and more intuitive—a hallmark of many new-energy brands—striking a deliberate balance between its substantial size and agile dynamics. In terms of range, the Hongqi E-HS9 offers battery options from 84 kWh to 120 kWh, achieving up to 690 km under the CLTC cycle. The AITO M9, equipped with a 100 kWh pack, delivers approximately 630 km—placing both vehicles squarely in the same premium segment, where alleviating range anxiety for discerning users remains paramount.

Urban driving highlights the Hongqi E-HS9’s air suspension system, which filters out minor road imperfections with near-perfect refinement. The cabin feels insulated by an invisible cushion, delivering class-leading ride smoothness and acoustic serenity. Over speed bumps, the suspension absorbs impacts with grace; only a muted “thud-thud” reaches the cabin—an embodiment of understated luxury. At cruising speeds, the Hongqi E-HS9 excels: its sheer size translates into exceptional high-speed stability, while wind and road noise are effectively suppressed, ensuring a tranquil cabin environment.

The AITO M9, meanwhile, pairs CDC adaptive dampers with air suspension to deliver a comfort-oriented foundation enhanced by greater adjustability and faster response. On undulating roads, its chassis control can feel more decisive, blending traditional luxury with a distinctly tech-forward character.

When it comes to handling, expectations must be tempered with the Hongqi E-HS9. It is not engineered for cornering thrills. Steering is deliberately weighted, with noticeable play and a large ratio—responses are commensurate with its dimensions: stable, dignified, but not nimble. Body roll in fast corners is evident yet progressive and well-contained. Every dynamic trait serves one goal: composure. The AITO M9, by contrast, leverages rear-wheel steering to significantly enhance maneuverability, reducing turning radius and easing urban navigation—a clear effort to inject agility into a full-size SUV. Both feature robust AWD systems for safety, yet their driving philosophies diverge: the Hongqi E-HS9 is a stately “flagship cruiser,” while the AITO M9 is a “tech-command vessel.”

“Driving the Hongqi E-HS9 doesn’t spike your adrenaline—it grants you a profound sense of calm and gravitas. Through near-absolute smoothness and silence, it redefines the driving essence of Chinese luxury EVs, offering a value proposition as compelling as it is distinct from European rivals.”— Zhou Dingxuan, Luxury Automotive Critic

From the driver’s seat, the Hongqi E-HS9 commands attention. Its elevated seating position, wraparound cockpit design, and expansive center console create a commanding, ceremonial presence. The seats—wide, plush, and upholstered in supple Nappa leather—offer full electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The AITO M9 matches this comfort while pushing further into innovation, notably with its zero-gravity rear seats—a testament to its tech-driven approach to wellness.

Visibility benefits from the high seating position, though the long hood requires acclimatization. While A-pillars are thick, their design minimizes blind spots. Rearward visibility is limited by substantial C-pillars, but a high-resolution streaming rearview mirror and comprehensive radar-camera suite compensate effectively. The AITO M9 takes a more radical stance here, potentially integrating digital side mirrors and advanced electronic vision systems for a fully digitized field of view.

The Hongqi E-HS9’s cabin is where Hongqi’s heritage shines brightest. It masterfully fuses traditional Chinese aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Genuine wood trim, premium leather, brushed metal accents, and landscape-inspired inlays adorn the interior, all executed with meticulous craftsmanship. A quartet of screens spans the dashboard—digital instrument cluster, central infotainment, front passenger entertainment display, and climate control panel—imbuing the space with digital sophistication without sacrificing grandeur.

In contrast, the AITO M9 champions a “smart cockpit” ethos. Its minimalist design emphasizes seamless HarmonyOS integration, flexible screen configurations, and soft, sustainable materials. Where the Hongqi E-HS9 evokes an imperial “palace hall,” the AITO M9 cultivates a futuristic “living room”—warm, intelligent, and human-centered.

Material quality in the Hongqi E-HS9 borders on obsessive. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and every switch, knob, and dial exhibits precision-tuned tactile feedback—a standard that rivals legacy ultra-luxury marques. The AITO M9 also uses high-grade materials but leans toward tech textiles, eco-friendly composites, and smart surfaces, favoring restrained elegance over opulent layering.

As a full-size SUV, spaciousness is non-negotiable—and both vehicles deliver. The Hongqi E-HS9 offers four-, six-, and seven-seat configurations. The four-seat variant transforms the rear into a first-class lounge: independent executive chairs with leg rests, multi-way adjustment, and massage functions create an unparalleled sanctuary. Even in six- or seven-seat layouts, the third row is genuinely usable for adults on medium journeys—far exceeding token “emergency seating.”

The AITO M9 matches this versatility with clever packaging and its signature zero-gravity second-row seats, optimizing family usability across all three rows. While both excel in space, the Hongqi E-HS9’s four-seater prioritizes sovereign-level exclusivity; the M9 balances luxury with holistic family practicality.Storage solutions reflect each brand’s ethos. The Hongqi E-HS9 combines ceremony with function: cavernous door bins, a generous center console, and—in four-seat models—a rear console integrated with controls and stowage. The trunk remains capacious even with all seats upright, and folding the second and third rows yields a vast, flat load floor. The AITO M9, meanwhile, introduces more inventive touches—such as a large open storage cavity beneath the center stack—prioritizing everyday convenience.

“The rear cabin of the Hongqi E-HS9, particularly in its four-seat guise, transcends mere transportation. It is a mobile ‘state reception lounge’—an enclave of privacy, reverence, and tranquility that no new-energy rival has yet replicated.”— Lu Yuan, Editor-in-Chief, Prestige Drive Magazine

Priced firmly in the ultra-premium bracket, the Hongqi E-HS9 commands significant brand equity and exclusivity. Standard features include soft-close doors, air suspension, premium Nappa leather, multi-screen interfaces, and rear-seat entertainment—hallmarks of its flagship positioning. The AITO M9, while similarly positioned, derives its core value from Huawei’s full-stack intelligent technologies: its HarmonyOS-powered smart cockpit and ADS 2.0 advanced driver-assistance system aim to redefine luxury through intelligence.

This rivalry encapsulates two divergent paths in China’s luxury EV evolution: one rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural identity; the other driven by technological disruption and experiential innovation.

Charging infrastructure reflects this duality. The Hongqi E-HS9 supports high-power DC fast charging but emphasizes exclusive charging networks and white-glove service experiences. The AITO M9 leverages Huawei’s broader energy ecosystem, promising deeper integration with next-generation ultra-fast charging solutions.

After-sales service further distinguishes the two. Hongqi offers first owners lifetime complimentary maintenance, roadside assistance, and warranty coverage (subject to policy updates)—a mature, prestige-focused program. AITO, backed by Huawei and Seres, emphasizes digital-first, remote-enabled services, showcasing greater agility in service model innovation.

      Safety remains foundational. The Hongqi E-HS9 employs a high-strength body structure and L2+ ADAS, leaving nothing to chance in passive and active protection. The AITO M9 counters with Huawei ADS 2.0 as a centerpiece, investing heavily in intelligent active safety to set new benchmarks in autonomous confidence.

“The Hongqi E-HS9 and AITO M9 represent the twin engines of China’s premium automotive ascent: one honors deep-rooted tradition by elevating Eastern aesthetics and artisanal excellence; the other embraces frontier technology to reimagine what luxury means in the digital age. Their coexistence is itself the strongest testament to the maturity and ambition of China’s auto industry.”— Liang Guodong, Automotive Industry Strategist

1.What is the Hongqi E-HS9?

The Hongqi E-HS9 is Hongqi’s flagship full-size all-electric SUV—a benchmark in China’s ultra-luxury EV segment. Available in four-, six-, and seven-seat configurations, it integrates the brand’s latest design language, engineering innovations, and manufacturing excellence.

2.What are the Hongqi E-HS9’s key strengths?

Its unmatched brand gravitas, ceremonial presence, exquisitely crafted interior, peerless ride comfort and cabin quietness, and the unique prestige associated with Hongqi’s “national car” legacy—complemented by exclusive ownership services.

3.How does the Hongqi E-HS9 differ from the AITO M9? Which should I choose?

The Hongqi E-HS9 excels in heritage, Eastern luxury design, artisanal interior detailing, and rear-seat opulence—ideal for buyers seeking status, traditional craftsmanship, and serene refinement. The M9 leads in Huawei-powered intelligence (smart cockpit and advanced driver assistance), versatile family-oriented packaging, and cutting-edge tech features—suited for those prioritizing digital lifestyle integration and innovation. The choice hinges on values: choose the Hongqi E-HS9 for legacy, artistry, and sovereign comfort; choose the AITO M9 for intelligence, adaptability, and future-facing functionality.