All-New NIO ES8 flagship SUV hits market with upgraded design, tech, performance

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 20, the All-New NIO ES8, namely, the third-generation NIO ES8, officially went on sale in China, offered in three variants. Customers can either purchase the vehicle with the battery included at a price range of 406,800 yuan to 446,800 yuan, or opt for NIO's Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan, which lowers the upfront cost to between 298,800 yuan and 338,800 yuan.

Officially delivery will kick off on September 21.

The SUV retains NIO's signature "X-bar" design language but introduces refinements. Its daytime running lights adopt a new dual-layer cut design, with eight illuminated segments across both sides. The headlights have also been upgraded to intelligent HD projection units capable of pixel-level precision.

Buyers can choose from six exterior colors—Midnight Black, Cloud White, Antarctic Star Blue, Dawn Gold, Stellar Green, and Skywave Gray—all inspired by celestial themes.

Compared with its predecessor, the All-New ES8 has grown significantly in size, measuring 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase stretched to 3,130 mm. This makes it a true full-size SUV, with increases of up to 181 mm in length and 60 mm in wheelbase.

Inside, the new ES8 features a new three-spoke steering wheel and a horizontally oriented central display, replacing the previous vertical screen layout. Seat adjustment controls have been relocated to the door panels, aligning with the design approach of many premium brands.

The cabin adopts a six-seat configuration. The front seats can recline 180 degrees and connect with the second row to create a lounge-like, flat seating surface.

NIO claims the All-New ES8 is the only SUV in the segment to offer three "zero-gravity" seats, including the so-called Queen's passenger seat and two independent second-row chairs. These seats recline up to 151 degrees, with the right-side second-row seat also capable of sliding 150 mm laterally.

The second row is enhanced with a ceiling-mounted entertainment screen running an independent Android system with voice control. It links with the front display to enable multi-screen interaction, giving rear passengers convenient access to video streaming and music for a theater-like experience.

Amenities include a large refrigerator, completing what NIO dubs the "three essentials" of sofa, fridge, and screen. The front passenger seatback is fitted with a foldable table, while manual sunshades and privacy glass enhance comfort in the second row.

The expanded dimensions also bring generous cabin space, with longitudinal interior room of 2,757 mm. Rear legroom stretches to 1,407 mm, leading the segment.

Combined cargo capacity reaches 777 liters across the front and rear compartments, about double that of most rival three-row SUVs. This includes a class-leading 547-liter rear trunk, 132 liters of underfloor storage, and a 230-liter front trunk with power access.

Third-row seats can be folded flat at the touch of a button in the trunk, creating a 1,561-liter load space with a depth of 1,410 mm.

In total, there are 41 storage compartments inside the cabin. The SUV supports extensive onboard power supply, including 12V outlets in both trunks, a 220V socket in the center console, and a standard bidirectional AC port offering up to 6 kW for external power.

For driver assistance, the All-New NIO ES8 is equipped with NIO's AQUILA sensing suite, featuring 31 perception components including three LiDAR units, a forward-facing camera, and 4D imaging radar, powered by the in-house developed NX9031 chip.

The LiDAR setup includes a forward sensor with a 500-meter detection range and two wide-angle side sensors covering 120 degrees, strengthening the system's autonomous driving capabilities.

The NIO World Model (NWM) smart safety system integrates functions such as model-based AEB, automated emergency avoidance, intelligent rear-end collision prevention, and autonomous roadside parking in emergencies, including tire blowouts.

It also supports end-to-end navigation assistance across multiple scenarios, from urban roads and expressways to parking areas and charging stations.

Under the hood, the All-New ES8 features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system combining a 180 kW induction motor on the front axle and a 340 kW permanent-magnet motor at the rear. Together, they deliver 520 kW of output and 700 Nm of torque, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 3.97 seconds.

All trims come with a 102 kWh battery pack, offering up to 635 km of CLTC-rated range. Thanks to its 900V high-voltage platform, energy consumption is just 16.6 kWh per 100 km. The SUV supports 4C ultra-fast charging that can add 280 km of range in 10 minutes, while NIO's signature battery-swap technology enables a full "refuel" in around three minutes.