NIO launches its new flagship in its local market: the ES9 SUV

NIO has officially begun sales of its new flagship, the ES9, following its presentation at the Beijing Auto Show last April. This luxury SUV goes on sale in the Chinese market with a base price below 50 thousand euros at current exchange rates. Note that this excludes the battery pack. The price rises to 63 thousand euros if the latter is included in the vehicle configuration.

At 5.37 metres long and with a wheelbase of 3.25 metres, the ES9 is the largest electric SUV ever manufactured in China. These generous dimensions allow for a really spacious three-row cabin, with 2.81 metres of interior length, more than 1.5 metres of legroom in the second row and more than one metre of headroom in all seats. It also features a two-metre-long glass panoramic roof that reinforces the sense of space.

In terms of cargo capacity, it offers 816 litres in the main boot and a practical 216-litre front boot. Among the vehicle’s premium features, the electric doors and especially wide side steps that make getting in and out easier stand out.

First-class technical specifications

From a technical standpoint, the ES9 uses a 900-volt architecture with Onsemi semiconductors. Its all-wheel-drive system produces 520 kW and 700 Nm of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The 102 kWh battery offers a declared CLTC range of up to 620 kilometres. As with other vehicles from the brand, owners can recharge conventionally or swap the battery in roughly three minutes at NIO Power Swap stations.

The SUV also inherits advanced technologies from the ET9 saloon, such as the Steer-by-Wire steering system with variable ratio and an active suspension that adjusts ride height and stiffness according to conditions.

Inside, the ES9 stands out for its high-quality finish typical of an executive vehicle. It features three stacked double-layer AMOLED screens: a central 15.6-inch unit and two exclusive 16-inch screens for rear passengers, with resolution of up to 3.3K. The audio system, with 47 speakers and an output of up to 3,020 watts, promises an exceptional sound experience.

NIO ES9 2026 range

The model is offered in three versions. Prices start at 498,000 yuan – roughly 63 thousand euros at current exchange rates – for the Executive Premium Edition with battery, or 390,000 yuan – 49,500 euros – with the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) system. The higher-spec Signature and Horizon versions reach 628,000 yuan – 80 thousand euros – with the battery included.

Deliveries in China will begin on 28 May. In terms of assisted driving, the ES9 incorporates up to 31 sensors, including three LiDAR units, and supports the Navigate on Autopilot function, which enables semi-autonomous driving, with the driver remaining responsible for the vehicle at all times.

“The ES9 represents the culmination of 11 years of systematic innovation by the brand and sets a new standard in the segment of intelligent executive electric SUVs.”