NIO officially confirms that the third-generation ES9’s 900V architecture supports 5C ultra-fast charging, capable of adding 250 km of range with just 5 minutes of charging.
The starting price for the all-new ES8 under the BaaS (Battery as a Service) scheme will begin with a “3,” indicating a price in the RMB 300,000 ($41,800) range.
Display vehicles have now arrived at over 300 stores across China.
On August 21st at 7:30 PM, NIO will hold a product technology launch event for the all-new ES8 in Chengdu, and simultaneously begin pre-sales.
According to official sources, to provide a better immersive experience, this launch event will adopt a theater-style setting and is expected to last for three hours, which gives a clear indication of the substantial amount of information to be presented.
With less than 3 hours to go before the new car’s unveiling, we have briefly summarized the highlights of the third-generation ES8 to get an early look at NIO’s new flagship model.
Dimensions and Space Design
The third-generation NIO ES8 measures 5280mm in length, 2010mm in width, and 1800mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3130mm.
Compared to the current model, the new vehicle is 181mm longer, 21mm wider, 50mm taller, and has a 60mm longer wheelbase. When compared to competing models in the same class, such as the AITO M9 (5230mm) and the Li L9 (5218mm), the new ES8 offers superior overall dimensions.
Built on the NT 3.0 platform, the new car will offer both six-seat and seven-seat layouts. The 60mm increase in wheelbase over the current model significantly expands rear passenger space.
Autonomous Driving Hardware Configuration
Autonomous driving is a standout feature of the all-new ES8. The vehicle is equipped with the flagship AQUILA Super Sensing System. Hardware-wise, it features a long-range front lidar on the roof, complemented by dual wide-angle side lidars and a 4D imaging radar.
The complete system also includes 4D imaging radar, 11 cameras, and 5 millimeter-wave radars, working together to create a 360° perception network. The hardware is powered by NIO’s self-developed Shenji NX9031 chip, which delivers a computing power of 1000 TOPS.
Interior and Comfort Design
The interior of the third-generation NIO ES8 has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with every detail meticulously refined.
It features the same “Skyline” center console layout as the ET9, consisting of a over 1.4-meter-long Mini-LED continuous screen and a double-layer OED floating horizontal center screen, paired with an AR-HUD and a Touch-Bar control island. Additionally, the three zero-gravity seats for the front passenger and second row all support 22-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
The entertainment system includes a 21.4-inch Mini-LED ceiling-mounted screen and a 23-speaker audio system. Practical features also include second-row dual LED folding vanity mirrors and an electric refrigerator capable of cooling to -2°C.
Powertrain Performance and Range
The all-new ES8 is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system (front 180kW + rear 340kW), delivering a combined power output of 520kW (697 horsepower) and a peak torque of 700Nm.
The vehicle comes standard with a 100kWh ternary lithium battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 635 km. According to Ted, NIO’s Vice President of Product, the new car’s 900V architecture supports 5C ultra-fast charging, capable of adding 250 km of range in just 5 minutes of charging.
Price Expectations
As the launch approaches, the price has become the biggest suspense of this event. According to Yang Bo, NIO’s Head of User Operations, the starting price for the all-new ES8 with the BaaS (Battery as a Service) option will begin with a “3,” indicating a starting price in the RMB 300,000 ($41,800) range.
Combined with NIO’s August 19 announcement of a RMB 20,000 ($2,790) price cut for its 100kWh battery pack—lowering the outright purchase price from RMB 128,000 ($17,830) to RMB 108,000 ($15,040)—the all-new ES8 is expected to be priced below RMB 450,000 ($62,670) when opting for outright purchase.
For comparison, the current second-generation ES8 starts at RMB 498,000 ($69,350). With the comprehensive upgrades in the new generation, pricing is expected to fall in the RMB 450,000–520,000 ($62,670–72,440) range.
According to the plan, after the official debut, the all-new ES8 will move into the pre-sale phase and will be officially launched at the NIO Day 2025 event in late September. Display vehicles have already arrived at over 300 stores nationwide.
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