Nio just pulled the wraps off its all-new 2026 ES8 at Nio Day 2025, and this big battery-electric SUV is here to shake things up. Positioned as the brand’s flagship, it’s storming into the Chinese market as the largest pure-electric SUV you can currently buy. Deliveries kick off on September 21st, and Nio is aiming to churn out 40,000 units by year-end.
At 5,280 mm long, 2,010 mm wide, and 1,800 mm tall, with a generous 3,130 mm wheelbase, this SUV makes a serious statement. You can snag it in either a six-seat or seven-seat setup, with flexible pricing that includes both full purchase and a battery rental (BaaS) option.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 3.97 | s | Achieved with dual-motor system |
| Peak power | 520 | kW | Dual-motor system output |
| Peak torque | 700 | Nm | Instant electric torque |
| Range (CLTC) | 635 | km | CLTC rated range |
| Battery capacity (usable) | 102 | kWh | Future models to support 120 kWh 5C battery |
| High-voltage platform | 900 | V | Provides fast charging capability |
| Average consumption | 16.6 | kWh/100 km | |
| Length | 5,280 | mm | |
| Width | 2,010 | mm | |
| Height | 1,800 | mm | |
| Wheelbase | 3,130 | mm | |
| Luggage capacity (min/max) | 777 / 3,240 | L | Expandable with folded seating |
| Starting Price (BaaS, USD) | 42,000 | USD | Approximate price with battery-as-a-service |
| Starting Price (Purchase, USD) | 57,130 | USD | Approximate full purchase price |
Design and Interior Comfort, Redefined
The 2026 ES8 showcases a fresh exterior, featuring distinctive split diamond-cut running lights, enhanced lighting effects, and sleek hidden door handles that give it a clean, modern look. Buyers can pick from six exterior colors and four interior themes to truly make it their own. Inside, the cabin is all about luxury and tech. You get the impressive Skyline panoramic display, a redesigned horizontal central touchscreen for all your controls, a new three-spoke steering wheel, and the smarter, upgraded Nomi assistant. It’s a beautifully crafted space, blending real wood, brushed metal accents, and intricate embroidery with 120,000 stitches.
Practicality is key here. The ES8 boasts a cargo capacity of 777 liters, front and rear combined, which expands to a massive 3,240 liters with the seats folded flat. That gives you a cabin floor area of 3.7 square meters. All three rows offer segment-leading shoulder room, ensuring everyone rides comfortably. Six-seat models even come with zero-gravity seats featuring leg support, while the seven-seat version gets heated, foldable armrests in the second row.
Long journeys or even just daily commutes are fantastic thanks to a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos certification. Paired with a powerful 2,600 W “Tianqin” audio system, boasting 27 speakers, it creates an immersive experience. Plus, there are folding tables, a refrigerator, and electrochromic privacy glass for that extra touch of luxury.
Performance and Technology Under the Skin
The ES8 isn’t just about looks. It packs a serious punch with a dual-motor system kicking out 520 kW and 700 Nm of torque. This beast hits 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.97 seconds. Built on a cutting-edge 900 V high-voltage platform, it houses a 102 kWh battery pack, delivering a CLTC range of 635 km with an efficient 16.6 kWh/100 km average consumption. And get this, future models are set to support Nio’s in-house 120 kWh 5C battery, promising even more range and faster charging.
The chassis technology is equally impressive, featuring adaptive dual-chamber air suspension with a 100 mm range and CDC dampers to smooth out any ride. With a 41-degree front wheel steering angle, the ES8 has an agile 5.7-meter turning radius, making it surprisingly maneuverable for its size. A new intelligent wet-surface driving mode also boosts stability when roads get slick.
Safety is paramount, with 11 airbags, 72 crash-test verifications, and 65 active assistance features. The car is powered by Nio’s own Shenji NX9031 chip and Qualcomm’s 8295 processor, enabling advanced driver assistance and augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) functions. There’s even an “intelligent guardian” mode that can raise the suspension if it detects flood conditions and alerts the owner remotely. It’s technology like this that keeps China at the forefront of EV development, with companies like Nio constantly pushing boundaries, much like the innovation seen with China’s new steering standard and advancements in Huawei-backed automotive tech.
Pricing and Market Position
Perhaps the biggest news is the pricing. The 2026 ES8 starts at roughly 121,200 yuan (about $17,000 USD) less than its predecessor, which launched at 528,000 yuan (around $74,200 USD). Nio’s founder, William Li, openly acknowledged that this aggressive pricing strategy might impact existing customers. However, he emphasized that this move is crucial to keep the ES8 competitive in China’s bustling large SUV market, a testament to the fierce competition and rapid innovation that defines the Chinese EV sector. This strategy aligns with trends where Volkswagen has also aggressively cut prices on its ID.4 in China, and new models from Li Auto are focusing on affordability. The continuous evolution of pricing and technology means brands like Nio are constantly working to deliver more value, making the Chinese EV scene one of the most exciting and dynamic in the world. With record sales weeks recently reported, it’s clear this approach is resonating. Just like how Nio broke records with 10,000 weekly sales recently, the ES8 looks set to continue this positive trend.
