The reason why Hongmeng Smart Drive has quickly risen to the top of the new force sales list is largely due to the Ask M7 and Ask M9. These two models not only offer high comfort, but also feature advanced intelligent driving capabilities that attract consumers.

Currently, Hongmeng Smart Drive is seeking to expand its product lines under the Zhi and Xiang brands while also planning to unveil the first product under the Zun brand at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The hope is to further boost overall sales through popular products from other sub-brands.

However, based on the latest information, Hongmeng Smart Drive's expansion efforts are merely a strategy to divert attention, with reinforcing its strengths being the key to promoting sales. This year, the Ask M7 Pro and Ask M7 Ultra have undergone upgrades, and the Ask M9 has introduced a five-seat version. Meanwhile, spy shots of the Ask M8, positioned between the two, have also been exposed.

Source: Spy Home

The Ask M7 and Ask M9 have already captured significant market share from BBA models in their respective segments, and the introduction of the Ask M8 is likely to further boost AITO Ask's sales figures.

While the Ask M8 is still in the spy shot stage and more information is expected at the Guangzhou Auto Show in a month, it will take at least half a year for it to contribute significantly to brand sales. However, based on the spy shots, we can get a glimpse of the vehicle's basic capabilities.

Is the Ask M8 a "Mini Ask M9"?

Although not much information has been released about the Ask M8 at this stage, netizens generally expect it to resemble a "Mini Ask M9." The reason is simple: the Ask M9's lighting design appears more refined, and consumers are eager to purchase a more sophisticated product at a lower price.

Source: Spy Home

Based on current information, the Ask M8 is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV, similar to the Ask M7. From the spy shots, the Ask M8 gives the impression of being a "Mini Ask M9," mainly due to its similar front face and through-type taillights as the Ask M9, along with the same light language programming function.

Furthermore, the Ask M8 adopts a short front overhang design similar to the Ask M9, ensuring ample interior space despite its smaller dimensions. Notably, the test vehicle does not come equipped with the roof rack or LiDAR sensor found on the Ask M9.

Source: Hurricane Electric Society

It is worth mentioning that Hongmeng Smart Drive's products are generally equipped with "watchtower-style" LiDAR sensors, laying the hardware foundation for Huawei's ADS advanced intelligent driving system. As the cornerstone of Hongmeng Smart Drive in the domestic new energy market, this advanced intelligent driving feature is unlikely to be eliminated.

There are two possible explanations for why the Ask M8 test vehicle is not equipped with LiDAR sensors. Firstly, this test vehicle may not be a high-end version and is only testing the basic version of Huawei's Qiankun ADS SE, which does not require LiDAR sensors. Secondly, the Ask M8 may still achieve advanced intelligent driving without LiDAR sensors.

Electric Car News leans towards the first explanation. Although Yu Chengdong holds a radical stance on advanced intelligent driving and plans to introduce high-speed L3 autonomous driving next year, he has previously expressed his commitment to LiDAR sensors, citing safety concerns when cameras are blinded. It is virtually certain that even if multiple automakers remove LiDAR sensors, Hongmeng Smart Drive products equipped with advanced intelligent driving systems will continue to include them.

Source: Hongmeng Smart Drive

The Ask M8's interior adopts a triple-screen design similar to the Ask M9, with narrower black borders for a more technological aesthetic. Other notable details include a hollowed-out central armrest for increased storage space and sloped door armrests instead of horizontal ones, which expand the horizontal interior space.

Naturally, features like zero-gravity seats and the Hongmeng cockpit found in the Ask M7 and Ask M9 are expected to be retained in the Ask M8. Overall, while both the Ask M8 and Ask M7 are mid-to-large SUVs, they differ significantly in design, likely reassuring many netizens.

AITO Ask vs. Lixiang: A Clearer Competition

With about a month until the Guangzhou Auto Show, more details about the Ask M8 are expected to be revealed. Prior to that, it is foreseeable that the competition between AITO Ask and Lixiang will become more direct and clear after the launch of the Ask M8: the Ask M5 targets the Lixiang L6, the Ask M7 targets the Lixiang L7, the Ask M9 targets the Lixiang L9, and naturally, the Ask M8 will target the Lixiang L8.

From Lixiang's SUV lineup, the L8 does not differ significantly from the other three L-series models. Initially, Electric Car News found it challenging to distinguish between these four models, as they primarily differ in spatial performance and some comfort configurations due to their different positioning. However, there are no notable differences in intelligence, powertrains, or chassis among the four models, which all come equipped with features like air suspension and CDC shock absorbers.

As a result, consumers with less demand for space and comfort may prefer the more entry-level Lixiang L6 and Lixiang L7. Data shows that in September, over 25,000 Lixiang L6 units were sold, with over 12,000 Lixiang L7 units sold as well. In contrast, sales of the Lixiang L8 hovered between 7,000 and 8,000 units.

Source: Lixiang Auto

Turning to AITO Ask's sales figures, the brand's primary sales come from the Ask M7 and Ask M9, which sold 17,940 and 15,207 units in September, respectively. In contrast, the more entry-level Ask M5 contributed only 2,686 units that month.

The reason for this is that the Ask M7 significantly overlaps with the lower-priced Ask M5 in terms of pricing. Given the preference for larger vehicles, consumers naturally opt for the Ask M7. Meanwhile, the Ask M9, in addition to its outstanding performance in the field of intelligence, has gradually gained recognition from potential BBA consumers for its luxury and sophistication, contributing to its consecutive five-month sales championship in the luxury car market above 500,000 yuan.

Although AITO Ask and Lixiang have similar sales figures, AITO Ask's average transaction price per user is significantly higher. Based on previous speculations, the Ask M8 will continue to target the high-end new energy SUV market, with the Lixiang L8 as its primary competitor. However, from a user perspective, the Ask M8 has ample opportunities to capture more customers, as Lixiang's sales base primarily consists of the volume-oriented Lixiang L7 and Lixiang L6, while AITO Ask's sales base leans towards the more premium Ask M7 and Ask M9.

Source: Electric Car News Photography

While the Ask M8's introduction may cannibalize some market share from the Ask M7 and Ask M9, in the 300,000-500,000 yuan new energy SUV market, only the Lixiang L7 and NIO ES6 pose significant competition to AITO Ask. Other mid-to-large new energy SUVs like the Weiyue Blue Mountain, IM Motor LS6, and ARCFOX G318, while generating high buzz, have yet to achieve significant sales volumes.

Is 350,000-450,000 yuan a reasonable price range for the Ask M8?

Finally, regarding the pricing of the Ask M8, it is reasonable to assume that it will fall within the 300,000-450,000 yuan range, referencing the price bands of the Ask M7 (249,800-329,800 yuan) and Ask M9 (469,800-569,800 yuan).

Source: Hongmeng Smart Drive

Given the currently revealed configuration information about the Ask M8, we can conclude that it resembles a "Mini Ask M9." Electric Car News believes that the final guidance price of the Ask M8 will lean more towards that of the Ask M9, ultimately settling within the 350,000-450,000 yuan range.

Back in 2023, Thalys announced its clear goal of achieving annual production and sales of one million vehicles in partnership with Huawei by 2026. Since the current sales drivers for AITO Ask are high-end new energy SUVs like the Ask M7 and Ask M9, the Ask M8, positioned between the two, is undoubtedly poised to further stimulate brand sales growth and become a significant obstacle for Lixiang Auto in the future.

Cover Image Source: Hongmeng Smart Drive

Source: Lei Technology