In November 2025, China’s three-row SUV market sees fierce competition, led by the AITO M8 and NIO ES8.
If there were to be an annual summary of market attention in China’s auto industry for 2025, large new-energy SUVs would undoubtedly claim a prominent place. In more popular terms, the battle for three-row SUVs is now in full swing.
From the premium battlefield above RMB 500,000 ($70,000) to the mass market below RMB 200,000 ($28,000), both established and new players are launching products at a rapid pace.
The market is quickly shifting from an early “blue-ocean” exploration phase to intense red-ocean competition.
According to sales data disclosed by platforms such as Yiche and Autohome, AITO M8 claimed first place in November with an absolute lead of more than 16,000 units.
Following closely was the NIO ES8, which cut its price by RMB 120,000 ($16,800) compared with the second-generation model and exceeded 10,000 units, setting a new record for pure-electric full-size SUVs.
Meanwhile, the Zeekr 9X, priced similarly to the AITO M9, surpassed the latter in sales, marking a shift in leadership in the RMB 500,000-plus SUV segment.
At the same time, the Chery Fulwin T11 and the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 entered the Top 10 thanks to their sub-RMB 200,000 ($28,000) starting prices and niche off-road positioning.
A similar storyline unfolded in the RMB 300,000 ($42,000) segment. The launch of the Denza N8L put pressure on the Lynk & Co 900 and ONVO L90, both of which saw varying degrees of sales decline in November.
The pursuit and disruption by latecomers continue.
No. 1 AITO M8: 16,284 units
Huawei-backed AITO M8 was the only large NEV SUV to enter the overall Top 10 NEV SUV rankings in November, placing seventh overall.
It was also the highest-priced model on the list, with a price range of RMB 359,800–449,800 ($50,372–$62,972).
Although its monthly sales of 16,284 units narrowed slightly month-on-month, the AITO M8 still led the second- and third-ranked NIO ES8 (10,689 units) and Zeekr 9X (8,121 units) by 5,595 units and 8,163 units, respectively.
Beyond sales volume, the AITO M8’s pure-electric mix deserves particular attention.
In November, the AITO M8 sold 8,074 pure-electric units and 8,210 range-extended units, with BEVs accounting for 45.6%—the highest BEV share across the AITO lineup.
According to CPCA data, from June to October, the sales share of range-extended vehicles fell from parity with BEVs to 26%. Improvements in average driving range and charging infrastructure have expanded the appeal of pure-electric models.
As a representative player in the range-extended segment, will AITO make more pronounced moves in the pure-electric space in 2026?
No. 2 NIO ES8: 10,689 units
As a pure-electric model, the NIO ES8 has carved out a path among large SUVs that typically offer both BEV and range-extended variants.
Priced at RMB 406,800–446,800 ($56,952–$62,552), the NIO ES8 delivered 10,689 units in November. Prior to the launch of the new-generation ES8 on September 20, monthly sales hovered around—or even below—1,000 units.
This marks a new monthly sales record for pure-electric full-size SUVs.
The third-generation ES8 benefits from a dedicated BEV platform, NIO’s BaaS financing solution, a growing battery-swap network, and a starting price that is RMB 120,000 ($16,800) lower than the second-generation model, significantly improving competitiveness.
As usual, NIO did not disclose large-order reservation figures. However, Kang Kai, NIO’s Vice President of Product Marketing, said in late November that the ES8 is “the fastest ramping model in NIO’s history,” with December capacity targeted at 20,000 units.
Whether NIO can deliver on that capacity target in December—and translate it into higher deliveries—remains to be seen.
No. 3 Zeekr 9X: 8,121 units
With sales of 8,121 units in November, the Zeekr 9X overtook the AITO M9’s 7,804 units, ranking third among large NEV SUVs for the month.
Priced at RMB 465,900–599,900 ($65,226–$83,986), the Zeekr 9X operates in a similar price band to the AITO M9 and ended the latter’s more than 20-month reign as the top-selling SUV above RMB 500,000 ($70,000). Its average transaction price reached RMB 538,000 ($75,320).
Some observers attribute part of the Zeekr 9X’s success to initial-launch momentum. Launched on September 29, November marked only its second full delivery month, with order backlogs yet to be fully digested.
Nevertheless, features such as a full-stack 900V hybrid high-voltage architecture, Haohan AI digital chassis, 70 kWh 6C battery, dual Thor-U chips, and dual-chamber air suspension with dual-valve CCD dampers clearly contributed to its November outperformance versus the AITO M9.
While overtaking the AITO M9 represents a phased win for Zeekr’s upmarket strategy in an otherwise subdued 2025, it is far from a moment to declare victory.
No. 4 AITO M9: 7,804 units
After the launch of its 2025 model update in March, monthly sales of the Huawei-backed AITO M9 continued to narrow.
The AITO M9, priced at RMB 469,800–589,800 ($65,772–$82,572), sold 7,804 units in November, down 2.7% month-on-month and 52.4% year-on-year. This marked the model’s lowest monthly sales in 2025, well below its May peak of 15,481 units.
At the same time, the AITO M9 faces growing pressure from newer rivals such as the Zeekr 9X and IM LS9, whose pricing and configurations are eroding its dominance in the large SUV segment.
Clearly, the 2025 AITO M9 is now at a transition point between outgoing and upcoming generations.
AITO is expected to launch an updated M9 and the rumored M9L in 2026.
Market rumors suggest the 2026 AITO M9 could receive up to seven upgrades, including 520-line lidar, a 2.0T range extender with a 14-in-1 integrated system, dual-chamber air suspension, and rear-wheel steering.
No. 5 ONVO L90: 5,970 units
The ONVO L90 recorded a pronounced month-on-month decline in November.
Sales fell to 5,970 units, down 49.1% from October’s 11,722 units, marking its first drop below the 10,000-unit threshold after consecutive months above that level.
At launch, the ONVO L90 generated strong market interest with pricing of RMB 265,800–299,800 ($37,212–$41,972), a BaaS price as low as RMB 179,800 ($25,172), and generous interior and front-trunk space.
However, the launch of the third-generation NIO ES8 and similarly priced newcomers such as the Chery Fulwin T11 have created mounting pressure on order growth.
This pressure is increasingly reflected in ONVO President Shen Fei’s more frequent appearances across public accounts, livestreams, and social media platforms.
Still, much of the pressure stems from ONVO’s own high internal expectations.
Compared with rivals such as the Denza N8L, Lynk & Co 900, and Fulwin T11, the post-launch ONVO L90 has maintained fifth place among large three-row NEV SUVs, underscoring solid product competitiveness.
The next step for the ONVO L90 may depend on whether more efficient marketing execution can support stable sales and push it toward fourth—or even third—place.
No. 6 Denza N8L: 5,443 units
Launched on October 28, BYD‘s Denza N8L sold 5,443 units in its first full month on the market.
In its debut month, the Denza N8L, priced at RMB 299,800–329,800 ($41,972–$46,172), accounted for 41.1% of Denza brand sales.
Dealer visits by multiple media outlets indicate that over 70% of buyers chose the RMB 329,800 ($46,172) top-spec version, with roughly half coming from BBA trade-ins.
As a Q4 launch, the N8L is also affected by the gradual phase-out of purchase-tax incentives.
Denza has pledged that customers who sign contracts before 24:00 on November 30, 2025, and experience delayed invoicing for non-personal reasons may receive up to RMB 15,000 ($2,100) in tax compensation.
Denza has not disclosed large-order reservation figures, and the model’s longer-term performance will depend on December sales and steady-state demand.
No. 7 Chery Fulwin T11: 4,499 units
Launched just two days after the Denza N8L, the Chery Fulwin T11 sold 4,499 units in November.
Priced at RMB 189,900–249,900 ($26,586–$34,986), it was the only other model besides the Galaxy M9 in the Top 10 with a starting price below RMB 200,000 ($28,000).
At this price point, the Fulwin T11 offers a 5,205 mm body length and a 3,120 mm wheelbase.
Combined with its range-extended powertrain delivering up to 1,400 km CLTC range, as well as comfort and intelligent features, it meets most mainstream usage needs.
To broaden its lineup, MIIT filings show upcoming two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive lidar-equipped versions, potentially launching in the first quarter of 2026.
No. 8 Lynk & Co 900: 4,330 units
Amid growing crowding in the large SUV segment, the Lynk & Co 900, priced at RMB 309,900–416,900 ($43,386–$58,366), saw sales fall from 7,048 units in October to 4,330 units in November, a 38.5% decline.
Built on the SPA Evo platform, the Lynk & Co 900 initially attracted buyers seeking performance-oriented driving dynamics.
However, in an increasingly competitive segment, its more niche positioning is being challenged by models such as the Denza N8L, which emphasize comfort features and business-oriented appeal.
As choices diversify, Lynk & Co faces a test in sharpening the 900’s positioning—potentially through future updates that enhance comfort and technology.
No. 9 Li Auto L9: 2,208 units
The Li Auto L9 sold 2,208 units in November, roughly one-fifth of its peak volume and far behind the brand’s current best-seller, the L6, which sold 9,434 units.
Once a pioneer of the “family-focused SUV” segment, the L9 now faces pressure from similarly priced rivals such as the AITO M9 and Zeekr 9X, as well as value-focused alternatives like the Galaxy M9 and Fulwin T11. Its late-stage product cycle is becoming evident.
More critically, Li Auto’s updates to the L-series this year fell short of market expectations, while its pure-electric lineup remains in an early phase—contributing to overall sales pressure.
Facing a new competitive landscape, Li Auto appears poised to reset with a next-generation L-series.
At its Q3 earnings call, Li Auto President Ma Donghui said the 2026 L-series overhaul will simplify SKUs, retain classic design DNA, enhance luxury quality, and standardize 5C ultra-fast charging, potentially using Li Auto’s in-house 5C battery.
No. 10 Dongfeng M-Hero M817: 1,968 units
The off-road-focused Dongfeng M-Hero M817 sold 1,968 units in November, maintaining steady growth since its August 17 launch.
Alongside off-road credentials such as 237 mm ground clearance, a two-speed longitudinal 11-mode PHEV system, and distributed decoupled four-wheel drive, the M817—priced at RMB 301,900–369,900 ($42,266–$51,786)—also offers Huawei ADS 4 advanced driving, HarmonyOS Cockpit 5, and four-seat zero-gravity seating.
At the Auto Guangzhou 2025 on November 21, Dongfeng launched a more stripped-down Hero Edition without ADS 4 or Dynaudio audio, lowering the entry price from RMB 319,900 ($44,786) to RMB 301,900 ($42,266), further strengthening the M817’s competitiveness.
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