Chinese carmakers have already proven they can dominate the affordable car market, but now the real contest begins. Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have long defined prestige driving, yet they’re facing fresh competition from the East. At the 2025 IAA Mobility show in Munich, AITO , a young but ambitious Chinese luxury brand , showcased its latest SUVs, making it clear that the Middle East is at the top of its expansion plans.
From China to the Gulf: AITO’s Meteoric Rise
Founded in late 2021, AITO has been making waves at home with remarkable speed. In less than four years, the brand has sold over 770,000 vehicles in China, with its flagship AITO 9 SUV becoming a dominant force in the ¥500,000 luxury segment. Since its launch at the end of 2023, more than 230,000 units of the AITO 9 have already been delivered , an achievement that puts long-established premium brands on notice.
Now, the brand is looking outward, and the Middle East is a natural next step. With a market that values both prestige and performance, AITO has unveiled regional versions of its AITO 5, AITO 7, and AITO 9 SUVs, each tailored specifically for Gulf buyers.
The AITO Lineup for the Middle East
- AITO 5 – A sporty, compact crossover with design cues reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. It’s positioned as the entry point into the brand while still offering luxury finishes and high-tech appeal.
- AITO 7 – A mid-size SUV aimed at growing families who don’t want to compromise on comfort, space, or status.
- AITO 9 – The flagship. A three-row SUV with indulgent details , from sliding rear shelves with pop-out seats and champagne holders to a fridge and multiple entertainment screens , designed for those who want both practicality and a VIP experience.
Although AITO also revealed the slightly smaller AITO 8, for now, it will remain exclusive to the Chinese market.
Tech, Luxury, and Localisation
Step inside any of these SUVs, and it’s clear AITO is serious about luxury. The cabins blend leather, suede, and wood with cutting-edge tech. In the AITO 9, a wall of three digital displays dominates the dashboard, while rear passengers can even enjoy a cinema-style projector screen.
Underneath the design flair lies some serious engineering. Built on the AITO MF Platform, the lineup supports three powertrain options:
- Battery Electric (BEV)
- Super Range-Extended Electric (thanks to Seres Group’s fifth-gen SERES extender tech)
- Ultra Hybrid
For Middle Eastern buyers, AITO has gone further by stress-testing its cars in extreme desert conditions to ensure cooling, durability, and efficiency in high heat. The infotainment system includes Arabic language support, and connectivity features have been integrated into local digital ecosystems for seamless compatibility.
Preparing for the Middle East Market
AITO isn’t just bringing cars , it’s building infrastructure. The brand has already confirmed a Dubai-based subsidiary, local warehousing, and supply chains to ensure strong after-sales support. Advanced driver-assistance systems, already tested extensively in China (with over 3.45 billion kilometres of real-world usage), will also be available in regional models.
A Serious New Player
In just a few short years, AITO has gone from an unknown newcomer to a brand capable of unsettling luxury stalwarts. For Middle Eastern buyers, the combination of status, luxury, and advanced EV technology makes these SUVs a compelling proposition.
Whether AITO can carve out lasting prestige in a region dominated by German and Japanese luxury marques remains to be seen , but with the AITO 5, 7, and 9 set to hit UAE showrooms soon, the challenge is about to get very real.
