NIO unveils the brand's new flagship model for the European market

NIO has just revealed its new flagship model for Europe. The EL8 is a luxurious six-seat SUV that can already be ordered in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, with first deliveries scheduled for September. To avoid any confusion, this model is the same one that receives the name ES8 in other markets, which has been replaced in Europe by EL8 due to a trademark dispute with Audi.

This new luxury electric SUV from the Chinese manufacturer is priced in Germany at 82,900 euros without the battery pack -to which a monthly rental payment for the battery must be added-; and is also available from 94,900 euros with the battery pack included. The first units will be exported from China to begin deliveries in September.

The EL8 shares many technical specifications with the ET7 Premium saloon from the brand; both are based on the NT2.0 platform, with battery options of 100 or 75 kWh and dual motors with a combined output of 480 kW. The EL8 is an all-wheel-drive vehicle and will have a maximum DC charging power of 240 kW for the extended-range version, requiring in this case only about 20 minutes to increase the battery charge from 10 to 80 percent. On the other hand, the maximum DC charging power of the standard-range version is 125 kW.

With this luxury electric SUV, NIO aims to challenge the German Premium manufacturers

The EL8 measures 5.10 x 2 x 1.75 metres and has a wheelbase of 3.07 metres. With 480 kW, this SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and has a WLTP range of 390 or 510 kilometres, depending on the battery pack chosen. The interior has three rows of seats, offering a total of six seats. The EL8 Executive version also includes a central console with a refrigerator and heating function.

The design of the EL8 follows the same line we have already seen in other electric models from the Chinese manufacturer, with narrow front headlights, flush door handles and a minimalist, aerodynamic look. The chassis includes dual-chamber air suspension and continuous damping control for greater comfort. In addition, it features 5-zone climate control, a surround sound system and 20-inch wheels, with 21- and 22-inch wheels also available as an option.

As for the interior equipment, the EL8 includes an enhanced 16.3-inch head-up display, a 12.8-inch central screen and a 6.6-inch screen in the rear. It also features the NOMI Halo voice assistant system and Premium equipment options such as a Comfort package that adds seats with massage function.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, the base price of the EL8 is 82,900 euros, applicable to both versions with different battery packs, since it is the rental price that will vary depending on the one chosen. Renting the smaller-capacity battery pack costs 168 euros per month, while customers who opt for the larger-capacity one will face a monthly payment of 289 euros. If you prefer to buy the vehicle with the battery pack included, as is usual, the price of the standard-range version starts at 94,900 euros and rises to 103,900 euros for the extended-range version.