by Nio ES9: Flagship electric crossover officially unveiled in China
A few months after the first photos and details of the Nio ES9 emerged, the massive SUV has been officially launched for sale and received its price in China. It is the automaker’s most luxurious model to date, which could make local buyers forget about European alternatives.
Technical specifications and powertrain
All versions of the ES9 use an advanced 900-volt electrical architecture and are equipped with a standard 102 kWh battery from CATL. Power is provided by a pair of electric motors that together produce 697 hp, allowing the ES9 to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The driving range will vary from 580 km to 620 km, depending on the trim level.
Importantly, the ES9 is designed to support Nio’s battery swap technology, meaning the 102 kWh pack can be replaced in just 3 minutes at one of the company’s stations. Buyers can take advantage of the battery rental program to reduce the starting price of the ES9 to 390,000 yuan (about $57,500 USD). Those who choose to purchase the ES9 with the battery will pay at least 498,000 yuan (about $73,500 USD). Either way, it’s quite cheap for what you get.
Dimensions and design
The ES9 has massive dimensions: 5,365 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm. Given its size, it’s no surprise that it sits on large 23-inch wheels. Overall, the SUV’s design is quite consistent with other Nio models, including simple split headlights, clean body lines, and an LED light bar at the rear.
Interior for maximum comfort
The most interesting part is inside the cabin. The dashboard features a large 15.6-inch central infotainment display and a 48-inch screen stretching across the entire panel. There is also a large heads-up display and plenty of premium materials. As in other premium SUVs, second-row passengers get a truly first-class experience.
Not only are there separate captain’s chairs installed, but also large entertainment screens and a 42-point massage system, including massaging footrests that fold out from the front seat backs. Nio has also added a panoramic glass roof and an audio system with 47 speakers.
All versions of the ES9 use an advanced 900-volt electrical architecture and are equipped with a standard 102 kWh battery from CATL. Power is provided by a pair of electric motors that together produce 697 hp, allowing the ES9 to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The driving range will vary from 580 km to 620 km, depending on the trim level.
This move by Nio demonstrates that Chinese automakers are not just catching up, but are already ahead of traditional luxury brands in terms of technology and comfort. The fast battery swap system solves one of the main problems of electric vehicles — long charging times — making the ES9 practical for long-distance travel. Given the aggressive pricing and abundance of features, the model could become a serious challenge for players like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi in the Chinese market, where competition in the premium electric vehicle segment is constantly growing.
