Eighty thousand. That’s the number Nio just hit with its third-generation ES8. And get this, they did it less than a month after crossing the 70,000 mark. This isn’t just some arbitrary milestone; it tells a story about Nio’s comeback. This flagship SUV is clearly hitting a sweet spot with buyers, especially after the Chinese New Year lull.
Just to put it in perspective, Nio announced the 70,000th delivery on February 27th. Fast forward, and they’re already at 80,000. It means the ES8 is on track to easily push over 10,000 units again in March. That kind of sustained momentum is exactly what a company needs, and frankly, it’s been a huge part of Nio’s recent financial turnaround. We’re talking about their first-ever quarterly profit reported earlier this month – a GAAP operating profit of 807.3 million yuan ($117 million) for Q4 2025. That’s not a small feat in this hyper-competitive market.
Even with the usual slowdown during the Spring Festival, the ES8, which kicks off at 406,800 yuan, still managed to move 11,260 units in February. That’s over half of Nio’s total deliveries for the month. Qin Lihong, Nio’s co-founder and president, mentioned that order books have been filling up nicely since late February. It seems the ES8 is really finding its groove, and its sales dominance isn’t just a fleeting trend.
Promotions to Keep the Momentum Going
To keep this party rolling, Nio’s rolling out some incentives in March. We’re talking a 10,000 yuan purchase tax subsidy for the new ES8, and they’ve even added a new ‘Nebula Red’ paint option. Little touches like that can make a difference, especially in attracting buyers who want something a bit more unique. It’s smart marketing, for sure, but it also shows they’re serious about maintaining the ES8’s sales velocity.
Looking Ahead: The ES9 and Q1 Projections
Nio’s Q1 2026 delivery forecast is pretty ambitious: 80,000 to 83,000 units. This suggests March deliveries could hit anywhere from 32,021 to 35,021 vehicles. That’s a staggering double from March of last year. It underlines how much the ES8 is pulling its weight. But Nio isn’t just resting on its laurels. They’re gearing up to launch the ES9, a new flagship SUV, in the second quarter. This move aims to solidify their position in the premium segment even further, especially with the Beijing Auto Show coming up. It’s clear Nio is playing the long game, using the ES8’s success as a springboard for future growth. This strategy mirrors what we’re seeing with other players, like how Li Auto’s i6 is also hitting significant production numbers.
For buyers considering the ES8 right now, it’s a compelling package. It’s Nio’s halo product, driving their financial recovery and showcasing their premium EV capabilities. If you’re in the market for a high-end electric SUV and appreciate advanced tech and a strong brand presence, the ES8 is definitely worth a look. But keep an eye on that upcoming ES9 too; it might just redefine what Nio offers in the luxury space. Plus, with Nio’s push for more deliveries, you can bet they’re keen to keep service and charging infrastructure top-notch, a concern for many looking at new EV brands. The overall market is seeing a rebound, and Nio seems poised to capitalize on it, building on successes like their strong January.
($1 = 6.8895 yuan)
