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AITO New M7, NIO EC6, Geely Galaxy L6 Launch; Li MEGA Road Test Footage Leaks

James

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01 AITO New M7 Launches, Starting at RMB 249,800

On September 12, AITO announced the pricing for the new M7, starting at RMB 249,800. The vehicle’s most significant improvements lie in its driver assistance capabilities and safety features.

The new M7 is equipped with Huawei ADS 2.0 for driver assistance, the same system found in the already-launched AITO M5 Intelligent Driving Edition. This enables high-level intelligent driving that works nationwide without relying on high-definition maps. On the safety front, the new M7 uses submarine-grade hot-formed steel, which accounts for 24.4% of the entire vehicle body. High-strength steel and aluminum alloys make up 80.6% of the body structure. Additionally, CBS composite body materials have been introduced to the A-pillars and B-pillars. This material enhances body durability, stiffness, and crash safety performance while reducing overall weight.

In terms of body structure, the AITO new M7 adopts a cage-type body structure. The front end of the body uses a dual anti-collision beam design, and the sides of the battery pack are reinforced with hot-formed steel nested within aluminum profiles. This way, when a collision occurs, the body can better disperse the impact force absorbed by the main body structure, which reduces the risk to passengers and also lowers the risk of secondary disasters caused by the battery being impacted. Finally, inside the cabin, the AITO new M7 comes standard with eight airbags for the entire vehicle, including driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, left and right curtain airbags, and second-row side airbags. It is also equipped with high-performance dual pre-tensioning seatbelts for the front seats.

Editor’s Comment:

From the perspective of key highlights, the new AITO M7 addresses two major shortcomings of the previous model: insufficient driver assistance capability and A-pillar deformation during the 25% offset crash test. With enhanced product strength, the new M7 secured 15,000 orders on its launch day, seemingly validating the brand’s claim of being 'far ahead' in the fields of driver assistance and smart cockpots.

02 NIO EC6 Launches, Starting at RMB 358,000

NIO released its all-new smart electric coupe SUV, the EC6, on September 15. The new EC6 is available in two trims: the version equipped with a 75 kWh battery pack starts at RMB 358,000, while the version with a 100 kWh battery pack starts at RMB 416,000. If customers opt for the Battery as a Service (BaaS) subscription plan, the starting price drops to RMB 288,000.

The new EC6 has achieved further evolution in design, performance, and intelligent features. Externally, the new EC6 measures 4,849 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and 1,697 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,915 mm. It features split-structure daytime running lights for the first time, enhancing the tension of the front hood's curves. The new EC6 offers nine exterior color options for users.

Inside, the new EC6 shares a similar minimalist design language with other models built on the NT2.0 platform.

In terms of power performance, the new EC6 comes standard with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a combined output of 360 kW and a maximum torque of 700 N·m, enabling acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in just 4.4 seconds. Additionally, the new EC6 is equipped with a dual-mode active rear spoiler that optimizes aerodynamic drag by up to ten percent, improving vehicle stability during driving.

In terms of intelligent systems, the all-new EC6 is equipped with NIO’s self-developed Banyan 2.1 system, featuring new NOMI voice assistant capabilities and an application ecosystem that continues to expand in connectivity. For driver assistance, it shares the same hardware as other currently available NIO models, utilizing four NVIDIA Drive Orin X chips for a total computing power of 1,016 TOPS.

Users can now visit NIO showrooms for test drives, with new car deliveries launching simultaneously.

Editorial Comment:

The NIO EC6 further expands NIO’s product lineup and stands out as one of the few coupe SUVs offered by automakers in the current market. Clearly, the EC6 demonstrates distinct advantages in design, performance, and intelligent features, which are expected to attract more consumers seeking sporty SUVs.

03 Geely Galaxy L6 Launches

On September 16, the Geely Galaxy L6 officially launched, offering five trim levels: the 60km pure-electric range AIR, PLUS, and 125km pure-electric range PLUS, MAX, and Starship editions. Prices range from RMB 115,800 to RMB 149,800.

Geely Galaxy L6 adopts the Shield Battery Safety System and is built on the e-CMA intelligent electric hybrid architecture. In terms of performance, powered by the new-generation Thor Electric Hybrid 8848 engine, Geely Galaxy L6 achieves a combined range of 1370km under WLTC conditions. Regarding cabin comfort, all trims of Geely Galaxy L6 are standard-equipped with "cotton candy seats." In terms of intelligence, Geely Galaxy L6 is equipped with the Qualcomm 8155 chip and achieves seamless interaction between the interior and exterior of the vehicle through AI large models, making smart operations more convenient.

Notably, the Geely Galaxy L6 Starship and MAX trims will receive the Galaxy Butler Sentry Mode via OTA updates by year-end. This feature enables 24-hour, 360-degree real-time monitoring of the vehicle while parked and sends alert messages to users when necessary. Since its launch, the Geely Galaxy series has accumulated sales exceeding 30,000 units, with monthly sales breaking 10,000. The newly launched Geely Galaxy L6 has secured more than 20,000 reservation orders in less than a month since pre-sales began. In terms of channels, the Geely Galaxy series has established over 450 stores, with this number expected to reach 600 to 700 by year-end. Meanwhile, Geely's Linhai manufacturing base has completed rapid production planning to ensure immediate delivery upon launch. The Geely Galaxy L6 was already mass-produced and shipped nationwide earlier.

Quick Review:

The launch of the Geely Galaxy L6 marks an important attempt by Geely in the new energy sector. With its excellent performance, safety design, solid configuration materials, and innovative smart interaction features, this model offers a new choice for the A-class family sedan market. On one hand, the Shen Guard battery safety system and the unique cloverleaf force-dissipation structure demonstrate Geely's deep R&D and innovation capabilities in automotive safety design. On the other hand, a combined range of 1,370 km under WLTC conditions and the 1.5TD Thor electric hybrid engine with a thermal efficiency of 44.26% reflect Geely's strength in new energy technology.

04Multiple New Models Enter the MIIT's 375th Announcement Batch

On September 11, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the 375th batch of the Announcement of Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products, which included new models such as the AITO M9, Tesla Model 3+, and XPENG X9. The AITO M9 is positioned as a full-size SUV with dimensions of 5,230 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. Powertrain options include range-extended electric (EREV) and pure battery-electric variants. The EREV model is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 112 kW, paired with a dual-motor drive system featuring a front motor rated at 165 kW and a rear motor rated at 200 kW. The pure electric variant also utilizes a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, with the front motor rated at 160 kW and the rear motor rated at 230 kW.

The AITO M9 battery uses ternary lithium-ion batteries from CATL. The new car offers optional two-tone roofs (silver or black), front combination lamps, front grilles, electric doors, and wheel rim designs. The XPENG X9 is also large in size, with overall dimensions of 5,293 / 1,988 / 1,785 mm and a wheelbase of 3,160 mm. For powertrain, the XPENG X9 offers both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive options; for the four-wheel drive version, the front motor power is 135 kW and the rear is 235 kW, while for the two-wheel drive version, the rear motor power is 235 kW. The battery is supplied by Zhongchuangxinhang and is a ternary lithium-ion battery.

The recently updated Model 3 Refresh, which was just added to the official website, has also arrived, with the rear badge reading "Model 3+."

In terms of dimensions, the length, width, and height are 4,720 mm, 1,848 mm, and 1,442 mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,875 mm. Powertrain options include dual-motor all-wheel drive and single-motor rear-wheel drive. For the all-wheel-drive model, the front and rear motor power outputs are 137 kW and 194 kW, while the rear-wheel-drive model features only a 194 kW motor.

Quick Review:

As the year-end approaches, several major new vehicles are set to launch. Beyond catering to family and comfort needs, new energy vehicles are also moving toward personalization. Models such as the Lutesi EMEYA, positioned as a high-performance coupe, and the Fangchengbao Bao 5, positioned as a rugged off-roader, are both imminent. Clearly, competition in the new energy vehicle market in 2024 will be even more exciting.

04Li MEGA Camouflage Test Video Exposed

On September 13, an 11-second video of the Li MEGA undergoing road testing was exposed. Through frame-by-frame analysis akin to our 'Levenhuk' style scrutiny, we drew the following conclusions:

  • The interior retains the dual-screen combination of a central console and passenger display found in the Li L series;

  • The cabin has three rows of seats in a 223 layout;

  • Rear-wheel steering, which some enthusiasts had hoped for, will not be included;

  • There appears to be no rear wiper, suggesting the possible use of a digital rearview mirror.

Quick Review:

Everyone calls it the 'high-speed rail of the road.' For family or commercial use, would you choose the Li MEGA?

Written by: James Edited by: James