Did you know that Nio just delivered its 120,000th ES8? That’s a huge milestone for the third-generation model, and it’s not just a number—it’s a testament to how far electric SUVs have come in China. This model is quickly becoming a staple in the market, and there’s plenty for buyers to consider.
The delivery ceremony took place at Nio’s Nanxiang center in Shanghai, a mere 275 days after the first ES8 of this generation rolled out. That’s impressive momentum, especially for a vehicle that’s been around for less than a year. Nio is expecting deliveries this month to exceed 10,000 units again, which isn’t surprising given that the ES8 has been consistently strong in sales. Just last month, it broke the 10,000-unit mark for the seventh month in a row, with a total of 11,475 units delivered in May alone.
Let’s talk about what makes the ES8 so appealing. Ms. Ye, the owner of that milestone vehicle, moved from a gasoline-powered SUV. She values the ES8’s spacious layout, comfortable ride, and its smart tech. But here’s the kicker: she also appreciates Nio’s battery swap system, which alleviates the range anxiety that often comes with electric vehicles. This system allows drivers to swap out their batteries in under five minutes, making long trips much less stressful.
The third-generation ES8 hit the market back in September 2025, starting at 406,800 yuan (around $60,100). It’s a high-margin vehicle for Nio and has been a major player in their recent financial turnaround. The latest sales figures from the China Passenger Car Association show that the ES8 not only led the large SUV category but also took the top spot in the 400,000-yuan class for six consecutive months. This is no small feat, especially in a market that’s becoming increasingly competitive.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deliveries (May) | 11,475 units | Seventh month over 10,000 units |
| Starting Price | 406,800 yuan | Approx. $60,100 |
| Market Penetration in Shanghai | 63.81% | Two out of three large SUVs sold |
Nio’s success isn’t just about the ES8. The brand is gaining traction across the board, topping sales in cities like Shanghai and Hefei. They’ve managed to secure the top spot in the large SUV market for seven months straight, which gives them a firm foothold in the Yangtze River Delta region. To put it in perspective, for every three large SUVs sold in Shanghai, two are from Nio, with the ES8 making up nearly half of all large SUV sales.
Looking ahead, Nio is gearing up to expand its ES8 lineup. A five-seat version is set to open for pre-orders soon, promising to lead the charge in premium large five-seat SUVs. While pricing and specs are still under wraps, we know this version aims to cater to a growing demand for families looking for spacious electric vehicles without the three-row layout. Nio president Qin Lihong has hinted at a launch in early July, so keep your eyes peeled.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the ES8 stands out as a strong option for buyers looking for spaciousness and innovative tech. If you’re considering an electric SUV, this model should definitely be on your radar. With Nio’s aggressive push for new models and their robust battery swap technology, waiting for something else might not be necessary—especially if you’re in the market for a large SUV.
For more insights on Nio, check out our articles on theNio’s updated ES8 set to reach 120,000th delivery milestoneand howNio ES9 delivers 3,108 units in last four days of May. If you’re curious about Nio’s financial outlook, our piece onanalysts’ expectations for Nio’s profitabilitywill give you the numbers you need.
