On July 9, 2026, Nio dropped something that’s bound to turn heads: the five-seater version of its ES8 SUV. This new model ditches the third row, aiming to give passengers more space and comfort. It’s available in two trims: the Executive Luxury Edition and the Executive Signature Edition.
Pricing starts at 382,800 yuan (around $56,300) for the full purchase option, going up to 422,800 yuan ($62,200). If you prefer a subscription model, Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) lets you snag the SUV starting from 274,400 yuan ($40,400). That’s a smart move for buyers who want to keep costs down without sacrificing the latest tech.
Under the hood, the ES8 is no slouch. It rides on Nio’s NT3.0 platform, boasting a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This setup includes a 180 kW (241 hp) front motor and a beefy 340 kW (456 hp) rear motor, giving a combined output of 520 kW (697 hp). To put that in perspective, that’s about double what a Tesla Model 3 Performance cranks out. Acceleration is impressive, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 3.97 seconds.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Output | 520 kW (697 hp) | Combined output from dual motors |
| Torque | 700 N·m | Powerful for quick acceleration |
| Battery Capacity | 102 kWh | Ternary lithium battery |
| Range (CLTC) | 655 km | Real-world range may vary |
When it comes to comfort, this SUV doesn’t disappoint. The ES8 features a 2+3 seating layout with front seats that recline 180 degrees and rear ones that go back 138 degrees. Plus, it’s loaded with tech powered by a Qualcomm 8295P chip. The four-screen setup includes a stunning 21.4-inch Mini-LED “Sky Screen” and a 15.6-inch 3K AMOLED center display, making it feel like you’re in a luxury lounge rather than an SUV.
For audio lovers, the ES8 comes with a 27-speaker “Lyra” 8.1.4.2 immersive sound system pumping out a whopping 2,600 watts. And if you’re someone who enjoys a cold beverage on the road, an onboard fridge keeps things cool, with temperatures adjustable between -6°C and 50°C.
Safety is also a priority. The ES8 sports a cage-style body with 89% aluminum alloy and high-strength steel, translating to impressive torsional rigidity of 40,136 N·m/deg. It’s equipped with nine airbags and comes with Nio’s “World Model” (NWM) for intelligent driving. This includes features like high-speed and urban NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) and automated parking capabilities.
So, should you buy the ES8 or hold out for something else? If you’re in the market for a spacious, tech-heavy SUV that can handle both city and highway driving while providing a premium experience, the ES8 checks a lot of boxes. However, if you’re looking for something more compact or don’t need the luxury features, you might want to consider other options.
This launch certainly adds to the growing competition among luxury EVs in China. With players like BYD also pushing boundaries, it’ll be interesting to see how this impacts consumer choices moving forward. For those interested in broader trends, check out our piece on China’s full-size SUV wave.
