Chinese electric-vehicle startup AIVA held the global debut of its first production model, the ME7, in Paris on September 28, 2026, during Paris Fashion Week. The event marked a milestone for the brand, which was formally launched in Beijing in June 2026 under the slogan “AI defines the car; first there is AI, then there is the car.”
The ME7 is built around a design philosophy called “beauty of life,” drawing inspiration from nature. Its front end features a “submersible” nose inspired by the streamlined heads of marine animals, while the shark-fin front bumper mimics the pectoral fins of sharks for both visual impact and aerodynamic efficiency. The side profile echoes the flowing curves of marine life, with ten air ducts integrated into the body to enhance airflow.
According to NetEase Auto, the car’s signature feature is the “Lively Light Eyes,” a set of headlights that use biomimetic structures to simulate the transparency and depth of biological eyes. The high-precision light matrix can express dynamic emotions, responding to gestures from onlookers. At the debut, AIVA president and product manager Li Bo approached the vehicle, and the headlights lit up in a welcoming pattern; guests then interacted with the car through hand gestures, receiving different eye expressions in return.
The ME7 also features distinctive wheel designs: one set inspired by the wishbone of birds, described as light yet strong, and another with a semi-transparent cover that mimics insect wing membranes to improve aerodynamics. Three body colors were shown in Paris—Sea Wolf Silver, Coral Purple, and Flamingo Red—each derived from natural organisms.
Backing and positioning
AIVA is the AI-focused mobility brand of Saidao Technology, a company jointly funded by state capital, Seres, CATL, and other industrial investors. It operates independently under modern corporate governance, focusing on product, technology, and business model innovation for the AI-car segment. The ME7’s debut signals AIVA’s ambition to compete in the premium EV space with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and design.
The company has not yet disclosed pricing, range, or battery specifications for the ME7. As a BEV (battery-electric vehicle), it will likely target markets where Chinese EVs are expanding, though no international launch plans were announced. The Paris debut aligns with a broader trend of Chinese automakers using European events to showcase their latest technology and design.
With backing from CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, and Seres, a partner of Huawei in other ventures, AIVA has significant industrial muscle. The brand’s independent operation allows it to move quickly in the fast-evolving AI automotive landscape, where features like advanced driver assistance and intelligent cockpits are becoming key differentiators.
The ME7’s global debut comes at a time when Chinese EV makers are increasingly looking to Europe for growth, despite trade barriers. Whether AIVA can carve out a niche remains to be seen, but its design-first approach and AI-centric positioning set it apart from more conventional offerings.
