Nio files ES9 flagship SUV with a range of up to 620 km ahead of April launch

The Chinese EV maker has filed MIIT regulatory documents in China for its upcoming ES9 flagship electric SUV, confirming a maximum CLTC-rated range of 620 km with a 102-kWh battery pack, ahead of a technical launch tentatively scheduled for around April 10, 2026 

Nio ES9

Nio‘s upcoming flagship electric SUV, the ES9, has been spotted in China’s regulatory filings. According to the latest regulatory filing, the vehicle will feature a 102kWh battery pack with CLTC pure electric range options of 580km, 600km, and 620km. For reference, Nio's current flagship SUV, the third-generation ES8, achieves a CLTC range of 635 kilometers with the same battery pack. 

The ES9 is equipped with a 102-kWh battery pack weighing 545 kilograms, representing an energy density of 187 Wh/kg, according to a vehicle model catalog eligible for purchase tax reductions released on Monday by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). 

Side of the Nio ES9

The filing lists the ES9 with official dimensions of 5,365 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm. The size positions the ES9 as larger than Nio’s third-generation ES8, currently its largest electric SUV in China at 5,280 mm long, 2,010 mm wide, 1,800 mm high, with a 3,250 mm wheelbase. These measurements position it as China’s largest electric SUV, even surpassing the size of the ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan (5341mm × 2000mm × 1837mm). 

The ES9 is intended to strengthen Nio’s presence in China’s large, premium SUV segment, where the Li Auto L9 and Huawei-backed AITO M9 have accumulated more than 250,000 combined deliveries. Nio founder, chairman and CEO William Li has stated internally that the 500,000 yuan SUV market is not limited to Li Auto and AITO. 

Regulatory data shows the SUV's curb weight, depending on configuration, is listed at 2,845/2,870/2,915 kilograms. Technical highlights of the ES9 include three LiDAR sensors, Nio’s AQUILA sensing system, and an adaptive chassis system capable of automatic height adjustment. Chinese reporting also indicates the ES9 may offer rear-wheel steering to improve maneuverability for a vehicle exceeding 5.3 meters in length. 

Rear of the Nio ES9

The vehicle adopts Nio’s latest family design language, featuring a “Sharknose” front fascia, a full-width taillight, and options for two-tone body colors and large wheel designs up to 23 inches in diameter. 

On the powertrain front, the ES9 will be equipped with dual motors manufactured by Nio Power Technology (Hefei) Co., Ltd.’s Xinqiao branch. The front motor produces 180kW (241hp) while the rear motor delivers 340kW (456hp), combining for a total output of 520kW (697hp). The vehicle’s maximum speed is rated at 220km/h. 

The model has completed the Tooling Trial (TT) manufacturing phase and would enter Pre-Production (PP), Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li told media outlets on January 6. He also said that all new technologies deployed on the ET9 sedan would be applied to the ES9, and that the SUV is positioned to be more suitable for business use than the ES8. 

Nio co-founder and president Qin Lihong said at a January user engagement event that the ES9’s technical launch is planned for around April 10, though the date may change. The timing suggests the model will make its public debut at the 19th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2026), which runs from April 24 to May 3, 2026. 

Pricing has not been announced. Market estimates place the ES9 in the 500,000 to 600,000 yuan range (approximately $72,400 to $86,800), with the potential for a lower upfront price if Nio applies its Battery-as-a-Service subscription model. For reference, the third-generation ES8 launched on September 20, 2025, with a starting price of 406,800 yuan (c. $58,900) including the battery.