BYD vs AITO? Denza N9 vs AITO M8 Which One Is Better?
With the official launch of BYD’s premium brand Denza N9 on March 21, the popular large SUV market, including models like Li Auto’s L9 and AITO’s M9, is expected to face significant competition. While the core selling points of the L9 and M9 are “intelligence” and “comfort,” the newly introduced Denza N9 emphasizes advantages in “affordability” and “hardware.” This market strategy positions the N9 with inherent competitiveness in the segment.
A more direct competitor to the N9 is likely to be the AITO M8, which was unveiled on March 27 and is set to be released in April.
The M8’s pre-sale price ranges from 368,000 to 458,000 RMB, aligning closely with the Denza N9’s price bracket of 389,800 to 449,800 RMB. During the recent Huawei Pura event, Huawei announced that the M8 has already received over 70,000 pre-orders, demonstrating strong confidence in this yet-to-be-released model.
As these two new SUVs from China’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturers go head-to-head, a comparative analysis may help consumers determine which model better suits their needs.
Abandoning Long-Range Advantage: Denza N9 Relies on Technology to Break Through
For new energy SUVs priced around 400,000 RMB, consumers often desire comprehensive features. Therefore, vehicles must deliver substantial performance across various parameters and configurations.
Examining the powertrains, both models initially offer hybrid systems. Due to differing brand philosophies, the AITO M8 utilizes a range-extending system comprising a 1.5T engine paired with front and rear dual electric motors, while the Denza N9 employs a plug-in hybrid system with a 2.0T engine and three electric motors.
In terms of performance, with the engine and three electric motors simultaneously delivering power, the Denza N9 boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds—a figure virtually unmatched in the SUV segment at this price point.
The AITO M8’s performance metrics have not yet been disclosed. However, considering that the similarly powered AITO M9 achieves 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and given the M8’s slightly lighter weight, it’s reasonable to expect the M8’s acceleration to be just over 4 seconds.
Nonetheless, the Denza N9 exhibits certain differences in driving range. Historically, both BYD and Denza have emphasized technological advantages in energy efficiency. The new Denza N9 features a higher-capacity battery pack, but factors such as high-performance output and increased vehicle weight contribute to higher energy consumption. Even when compared to other large SUVs like the AITO M9, the N9 does not demonstrate a clear advantage in range.
Given BYD Group’s technological prowess, achieving greater energy efficiency in the Denza N9 is entirely feasible. However, the key focus appears to be on Denza’s E3 technology.
In the high-end new energy SUV market, consumers have stringent demands. Features related to intelligence and comfort, which are immediately perceptible to users, must be fully equipped. The Li Auto L series and AITO M series have attracted users by emphasizing these aspects. For the newcomer Denza N9, merely matching these configurations with improved energy efficiency may not significantly enhance user perception. Consumers are more likely to seek distinctive experiences within the same budget.
Denza’s E3 technology supports features like compass turns and automated parking, enhancing the vehicle’s maneuverability and stability—highly beneficial for drivers of large SUVs.
Currently, Denza has announced that “Denza N9 orders have exceeded expectations.” The sales growth of this high-end new energy SUV is closely linked to its E3 technology. Although the inclusion of three electric motors may reduce range advantages, the overall benefits appear to outweigh the drawbacks.
Battle for Intelligence: AITO M8's Perception Capabilities May Hold an Edge
Specific configurations for the AITO M8 have yet to be released. However, based on the 2025 AITO M9 and the current M7, the M8 is expected to feature the HarmonyOS cockpit, zero-gravity seats, and temperature-controlled storage, all of which are also available in the Denza N9. Therefore, in terms of passenger comfort, significant differences between the two are unlikely.
Notably, the AITO M8 does not adopt the four-lidar system found in the new AITO M9. Instead, it features a dual-lidar setup comprising one front-mounted lidar and one high-precision solid-state lidar, along with five 4D millimeter-wave radars (including three distributed front-facing radars). This positions its intelligent driving hardware between the M9 and M7. Based on official images, the high-precision solid-state lidar is mounted at the rear, enhancing rearward perception capabilities.
The “periscope-style” lidar is particularly noteworthy. Although the official specifications for the M8’s lidar have not been disclosed, considering the similarly priced AITO S9, it’s likely that the M8 employs the same 192-line lidar as the 2025 AITO M9, whereas the Denza N9 uses a 128-line lidar.
However, the Denza N9 comes standard with the DiPilot 300 advanced intelligent driving system, featuring one lidar and over thirty sensors. It offers comprehensive end-to-end navigation and intelligent parking functions.
Functionally, both models are expected to meet most user demands for intelligent driving. Nonetheless, the AITO M8 may have an advantage in perception capabilities.
Distinct Selling Points: How Will Users Choose?
Analyzing this, we can discern the strengths of the Denza N9 and AITO M8. At similar price points, the former emphasizes the technical experience brought by hardware, with consumers paying for features like the tri-motor system and the E3 technology; the latter focuses more on intelligence and comfort, with Huawei’s ecosystem, advanced intelligent driving, and a host of configurations that won’t disappoint.
Therefore, profiling the two models isn’t difficult. The AITO M8 appeals more to consumers seeking a sense of technology and intelligence, especially loyal users accustomed to Huawei’s ecosystem; the Denza N9’s target audience appreciates BYD’s “technology-first” product philosophy and has higher demands for driving control and performance.
Of course, the AITO M8 is still in the pre-sale stage, and before its official launch, Harmony Intelligent Mobility may have new developments. ChinaCarHub will continue to monitor the situation.
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