NIO has released official images of its all-new flagship large SUV, the ES9

The Chinese Electric Vehicle (EV) maker unveiled the interior design details of the full-size Sport Utility ahead of its official debut and pre-sale launch scheduled for April 9. The upcoming event will start at 7 pm Beijing time on Thursday, aiming to build market momentum for the model ahead of the Beijing auto show 

Cockpit of the NIO ES9

NIO has officially released several images and the interior design details of its new flagship SUV, the Nio ES9, ahead of its official debut and pre-sale launch scheduled for April 9. As the largest and highest‑positioned full‑size SUV in NIO’s lineup, the ES9 not only surpasses the ES8 in exterior dimensions but also introduces significant innovations in interior design and smart cockpit interaction. 

According to the official images, the NIO ES9 adopts the ‘Skyline’ cockpit design language first seen on the ET9, while the overall design tone remains consistent with NIO’s third‑generation platform’s minimalist style. 

NIO ES9 adopts a dual skylight

The driver’s position features a two‑tone rectangular steering wheel paired with a column‑mounted gear selector, which enhances forward visibility. The center console is dominated by a large landscape‑oriented touchscreen, complemented by a Skyline digital display strip, creating a highly tech‑forward ambiance. The center tunnel area includes dual wireless phone charging pads and a hidden cup holder, keeping the layout clean and uncluttered. 

The interior of the NIO ES9 makes extensive use of landscape‑inspired embroidery on the seats and door panels. In addition to the wrap‑around concealed ambient lighting, this time the speaker grilles also incorporate ambient lighting elements. 

Notably, the all-new flagship large SUV ES9 adopts the same design as the ES8, integrating the seat control panel into the door panel, striking a balance between digitalization and practicality. 

NIO ES9 rear row

The rear cabin is one of the biggest highlights of the ES9’s interior design. Unlike the central ceiling‑mounted screen used in the ES8, the ES9 adopts a dual independent screen design, with one screen placed behind the driver’s seat and another behind the front passenger seat. Additionally, the new car retains the ‘Sky Island’ design from the ET9-a center console island featuring an adjustable‑angle control screen, a hidden folding table, and cup holders. 

The headliner incorporates the same ‘Sky Bridge’ design as the ET9: a physical structural beam running from front to rear is fitted with ambient light strips, while individual sunroof sections remain on both sides. It is also noticeable that the second‑row seats and door panels continue to feature extensive embroidery and physical buttons. Regarding third‑row space, the company has not revealed detailed design specifics. However, the teaser images show generous armrests on both sides of the third row, along with retained sunshades. 

The all-new flagship EV SUV ES9 features a 2+2+2 six-seat layout with zero-gravity seats in the second row that support large reclining angles. Rear seats include ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The second and third rows are equipped with flexible electrochromic privacy windows offering three modes: privacy, heat insulation, and transparency. 

NIO officially positions the ES9 as a “tech‑executive flagship.” Compared with the ES8, which is more family‑oriented, the ES9’s overall design leans more toward business and executive travel scenarios. Beyond the luxurious treatment of exterior and interior, the new car will also be equipped with a suite of NIO’s core technologies, including steer‑by‑wire, a full‑vehicle 900V architecture, the Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip, and the SkyOS operating system. 

Front of NIO ES9

The ES9 measures 5,365 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width and 1,870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm, according to a regulatory filing in January. The dimensions are larger than the third-generation ES8, which is already one of the largest electric SUVs. The new model will be the largest pure electric SUV in China by size, said Yang Bo, head of user operations at NIO. 

Power comes from dual electric motors. Front motor: 180 kW (241 hp); rear motor: 340 kW (456 hp). The vehicle is powered by a 102 kWh battery pack, offering CLTC pure electric range options of 580 km, 600 km, and 620 km.

The ES9 adopts NIO’s latest “Shark Nose” design language, featuring angular split headlight assemblies – officially named “Ultra Pure Crystal Diamond” daytime running lights. The headlight system supports three welcome light effects, three welcome projections, and two projection light shows capable of displaying 20-30 second videos with music on surfaces approximately 10 meters ahead. The intelligent high-definition projection headlights (HDPL) extend coverage to six lanes, utilising multiple sensors to detect distant vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles for enhanced nighttime safety. 

The upcoming launch event will start at 7 pm Beijing time on Thursday, aiming to build market momentum for the model ahead of the Beijing auto show. The biennial Beijing auto show will open on April 24, where the ES9 is expected to make its public debut. The ES9 will be officially launched at the end of May, with deliveries expected to begin on June 1.