Nio delivered its 20,000th third-generation ES8 EV Suv

The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker announced this milestone today, 70 days after this model was launched, saying the new ES8 is the fastest pure-electric model priced above 400,000 yuan ($56,540) to surpass 20,000 units in China's auto market 

Nio delivered its 20,000th third-generation ES8 today, 70 days after the large EV SUV model was launched. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker announced this milestone today, saying the new ES8 is the fastest pure-electric model priced above 400,000 yuan ($56,540) to surpass 20,000 units in China's auto market. Nio officially launched the third-generation ES8 at Nio Day 2025 on September 20, with deliveries commencing the following day on September 21. 

The three-row electric Suv offers six- and seven-seat configurations, with a starting price of 406,800 yuan ($57,500) including the battery pack, making it one of Nio's most expensive models. On the second day after the new ES8's launch, its 2025 production capacity sold out, extending delivery wait times into 2026. 

The ES8 is Nio's first mass-produced model, and the first generation based on the NT 1.0 platform was launched on December 16, 2017, at Nio Day 2017, making it one of the first high-end cars from a local Chinese automaker. The second-generation ES8 was launched on December 24, 2022, at Nio Day 2022, transitioning to the NT 2.0 platform. The model is Nio's current flagship Suv. 

The third-generation Nio ES8  offers both six-seat (2+2+2) and seven-seat (2+3+2) configurations and measures 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm. Its predecessor measured 5,099 mm in length, 1,989 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,070 mm. In the six-seat version, the second row provides up to 1,407 mm of legroom, with a total cabin length of 2,757 mm. 

The new ES8 is equipped with a 102-kWh battery pack with a CLTC range of 635 kilometers. The battery pack is the same one currently used in Nio's executive flagship sedan, the ET9. The new ES8 has a curb weight of 2,630 kilograms, with the battery pack weighing 545 kilograms. This translates to an energy density of 187 Wh/kg. 

The new ES8 introduces a new exterior with split diamond-cut running lights, upgraded lighting effects, and hidden door handles. Six exterior colours and four interior themes are available. Inside, the vehicle features the Skyline panoramic display, a redesigned horizontal central touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel, and the upgraded Nomi assistant. 

The cabin integrates real wood, brushed metal, and embroidery with 120,000 stitches. Practicality is emphasised with a luggage capacity of 777 litres across the front and rear trunks, expandable to 3,240 litres with folded seating. 

The cabin floor area reaches 3.7 square meters, and all three rows of seating provide shoulder room at a level among the best in the segment. Six-seat models include zero-gravity seats with leg support, while the seven-seat version offers heated foldable armrests in the second row. 

Infotainment is supported by a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos certification, paired with a 2,600 W “Tianqin” audio system comprising 27 speakers. The vehicle also provides folding tables, a refrigerator, and electrochromic privacy glass. 

Power comes from a dual-motor system delivering 520 kW and 700 Nm of torque, achieving 0–100 km/h in 3.97 seconds. The ES8 is built on a 900 V high-voltage platform and fitted with a 102 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 635 km and an average consumption of 16.6 kWh/100 km. Future models will support Nio’s in-house 120 kWh 5C battery. 

Chassis technology includes adaptive dual-chamber air suspension with a 100 mm range and CDC dampers. With a 41-degree front wheel steering angle, the ES8 achieves a turning radius of 5.7 meters. A new intelligent wet-surface driving mode enhances stability on slippery roads. 

Safety systems include 11 airbags, 72 crash-test verifications, and 65 active assistance features. The vehicle is powered by Nio’s self-developed Shenji NX9031 chip paired with Qualcomm’s 8295 processor, enabling advanced driver assistance and AR-HUD functions. Additional safety innovations include an “intelligent guardian” mode that can raise the suspension in flood conditions and notify the owner remotely.