Multiple bloggers have reported sightings of the uncamouflaged prototype of HONGMONG Smart Travel’s 2026 AITO M9 on public roads. Based on the images, it seems that the door handles may incorporate the same 'Nine Heavens Stars' design as seen on the ZUNJIE S800, enabling hands-free door operation through gesture control. The side and rear profiles have undergone modifications, contributing to a more robust and commanding overall appearance. On March 13th of this year, the ‘official photos’ of the updated AITO M9 were unveiled, confirming that the vehicle will continue to offer both pure electric and extended-range powertrain choices. The exterior details have been refined, and the vehicle is outfitted with Huawei’s cutting-edge dual-light-path image-grade LiDAR technology. The door handles have been redesigned to a non-hidden, larger format. Optional features include a variety of wheel designs, electric side steps, and a rear tow hook. The extended-range model is propelled by a 1.5T range extender, with varying WLTC fuel consumption rates depending on the vehicle’s curb weight. The pure electric variant maintains front and rear motor power outputs that match those of the extended-range version. Earlier in March, Yu Chengdong revealed that the ZUNJIE S800 and AITO M9 would be the pioneering models to feature Huawei’s Qiankun next-generation dual-light-path image-grade LiDAR.