NIO ES8: what’s new about China’s first EV Suv to undergo three major iterations

The third-generation ES8 pure electric Suv has been upgraded in size and positioning compared with the previous generation, moving from the mid-to-large Suv segment to the large Suv category. The interior has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with every detail meticulously refined 

The third-generation ES8 EV Suv was officially launched in China on September 20th at Nio Day 2025 in Hangzhou – the first time the company has moved its annual event from year-end to autumn. Deliveries began the very next day. The new ES8 has been upgraded in size and positioning compared with the previous generation, moving from the mid-to-large Suv segment to the large Suv category. 

The new ES8 represents a milestone as “the first new energy intelligent vehicle in China to undergo three iterations,” according to Nio founder, chairman and Ceo William Li. The first-generation ES8, based on the NT 1.0 platform and launched at Nio Day 2017 on December 16, 2017, was among the earliest premium vehicles from a Chinese automaker. The second-generation ES8 was launched at Nio Day 2022 on December 24, 2022, transitioning to the NT 2.0 platform. Nio has since made minor updates to the model. 

The third-generation ES8 upgrades the Suv to the NT 3.0 platform, though Nio has downplayed references to vehicle platforms. Its dimensions are 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm. Compared to the previous model, this represents increases of 181 mm, 21 mm, 50 mm, and 60 mm, respectively. When compared to competing models in the same class, such as the AITO M9 (5230mm) and the Li L9 (5218mm), the new ES8 offers superior overall dimensions. 

Built on the NT 3.0 platform, the new car will offer both six-seat (2+2+2) and seven-seat (2+3+2) layouts. Autonomous driving is a standout feature of the all-new ES8. The vehicle is equipped with the flagship Aquila Super Sensing System. Hardware-wise, it features a long-range front lidar on the roof, complemented by dual wide-angle side lidars and a 4D imaging radar. The complete system also includes 4D imaging radar, 11 cameras, and 5 millimeter-wave radars, working together to create a 360° perception network. The hardware is powered by NIO’s self-developed Shenji NX9031 chip, which delivers a computing power of 1000 TOPS. 

The interior of the third-generation Nio ES8 has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with every detail meticulously refined. It features the same “Skyline” center console layout as the ET9, consisting of a over 1.4-meter-long Mini-LED continuous screen and a double-layer OED floating horizontal center screen, paired with an AR-HUD and a Touch-Bar control island. Additionally, the three zero-gravity seats for the front passenger and second row all support 22-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. 

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. The entertainment system includes a 21.4-inch Mini-LED ceiling-mounted screen and a 23-speaker audio system. Practical features also include second-row dual LED folding vanity mirrors and an electric refrigerator capable of cooling to -2°C. 

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 100 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, capable of adding 250 km of range in just 5 minutes of charging. 

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. 

The model offers three variants: the six-seat Executive Luxury Edition, seven-seat Executive Luxury Edition, and six-seat Executive Signature Edition. The first two both start at 406,800 yuan ($57,180), while the third begins at 446,800 yuan ($62,770). Under the BaaS (Battery as a Service) plan, the starting prices for these variants are 298,800 ($42,000), 298,800 yuan ($42,000), and 338,800 yuan respectively ($47,600). Currently, only the 100-kWh battery pack is available for the ES8, with a monthly BaaS battery rental fee of 1,128 yuan ($160,21). 

When asked about the future of electric vehicles, Li shared his view that intelligent electric vehicle product forms are converging. “It’s like the iPhone 4 – the difference between it and current models is just evolution, not radical change anymore,” he said. Li believes that while the technology roadmap, product form, and user experience values of smart EVs are beginning to converge, the transformation from quantitative to qualitative change is not yet complete. 

For intelligent driving, Li identified two key indicators: accident reduction ratio and usage duration percentage in urban areas. He estimates it will take another year or two before intelligent driving reaches the 60-70% usage ratio that would signal a qualitative shift. As for the ultimate form automotive companies will take, Li suggested it might require another decade to see the complete picture.