NIO announces the third generation of its ES8 SUV in China

NIO has just unveiled in China the third generation of its large electric SUV, the ES8, known in Europe as EL8. The company has also opened pre-sales in this market, with prices starting at 416,800 yuan. At the current exchange rate, that works out to roughly 50,000 euros.

The first generation of the ES8 marked NIO’s official debut as an electric vehicle manufacturer in 2017, and eight years later the company already has the third generation of this family electric SUV ready.

Visually similar to its predecessor, though with a slightly more angular design, the new ES8 debuts the NT3.0 platform, which promises technological improvements and a significant reduction in production costs. At 5.28 metres long, the new ES8 is 18 cm longer, 2.1 cm wider and 5 cm taller than the previous generation, with a wheelbase extended to 3.13 metres.

Two configurations to choose from

The third generation of this family electric SUV is available in six-seat (2+2+2) or seven-seat (2+3+2) configurations, with a 547-litre boot that can be expanded to 3,230 litres by folding the seats. In addition, there is also the compartment under the bonnet, which adds another 230 litres of extra storage.

The NT3.0 platform features a 900-volt architecture, seen for the first time in the flagship ET9. Equipped with two 180 kW motors on the front axle and 340 kW on the rear, the vehicle delivers a combined total of 520 kW, with a peak torque of 700 Nm.

The battery pack, on the other hand, has a capacity of 102 kWh and has the distinctive feature of being swappable in a matter of minutes at any of NIO’s Power Swap stations distributed across China. When this battery pack is fully charged, the announced range is 635 km, under the excessively optimistic Chinese CLTC homologation cycle. It is also worth noting the high charging power this vehicle supports, reaching 600 kW, which makes it possible to recover 250 km of range in just five minutes.

For those who won’t settle for anything

The ES8 is positioned as a premium SUV focused on comfort and the generous interior space it offers. The model also has some unique features, such as its dual-chamber air suspension, which can lower the vehicle by 5 cm to make access easier. It also comes with advanced driver assistance systems, relying on several LiDAR sensors, 4D radar and multiple cameras.

The NIO ES8 is sold in the Chinese market with the battery pack included from 416,800 yuan, roughly just over 50,000 euros at the current exchange rate. Alternatively, it can also be purchased with the battery pack on a rental basis from 308,800 yuan. Around 37,000 euros at the current exchange rate. Some outlets claim, however, that this last price could be reduced even further at the official launch, during NIO Day, which will be held at the end of next September.