Nio has been accused of cheating with its chassis comparison between its new ET9 and the Maybach S-class. The Nio ET9 launched on December 21, and the first edition, which is limited to 999 units, has already been entirely sold out.
Nio has attracted a lot of headlines with its Skyride intelligent chassis system. Most of these center around videos showing an incredibly smooth ride and undertaking various feats. Two of the best-known are the champagne test and the comparison between ET9 and Maybach S-class using wooden Jenga blocks.
The allegations center around the second video. In it, a nine-story Jenga tower Is built on the rear tray table of each car. In the case of the first eight levels, each consists of 2 wooden Jenga blocks, with each layer in an alternate direction. The final layer, the ninth, is topped off with three Jenga blocks.
In the video, the Nio ET9 and Maybach S-class can be seen driving in convoy at the same speed over speed bump obstacles. An internal camera monitoring the Jenga tower shows that in the case of Maybach, the tower soon collapses, whereas in the Nio, the tower remains unscathed. External video shows the Maybach undergoing considerable body movement, whereas with the ET9, it remained stable.
The cheating allegations center around the spacing of the speed bumps. Critics of the test say that the speed bumps were deliberately placed at the wheelbase length of the Nio ET9 so that ET9 would be able to remain stable.
Nio executives, including the CEO William Li, have dismissed the allegations. They say half the speed bumps were placed at the wheelbase length of the ET9 and the other half with the Maybach S-class wheelbase length. They have also challenged detractors to try it themselves if they donβt believe the test.
The Skyride intelligent chassis system is a fully active suspension system capable of 1000 torque adjustments per second and four-wheel independent control to meet the needs of different driving scenarios.
Deliveries of the new flagship Nio are set to begin in March 2025. Prices begin at 660,000 yuan (90,450 USD) for the car, where the battery is provided as a service for a 1,128 yuan (155 USD) monthly rental fee. Alternatively, the car can purchased, including the battery, for 788,000 yuan (108,000 USD).
Nio has already sold out of the limited First Edition, of which there are only 999 units. These have various upgrades in terms of materials and carry a 30,000 yuan (4,100 USD) premium. Deutsche Bank is, as a result, forecasting sales of 1,500 units per month of the ET9.
The Nio ET9βs dimensions are 5325/2017/1621 mm (length/width/height), and the wheelbase is 3250 mm. It is also the first Nio with a frunk, the capacity of which is 105 liters.
The ET9 uses a 120 kWh battery pack with an energy density of 292 Wh/kg. Due to the length of the wheelbase, the ET9 will not be compatible with first and second-generation Nio swap stations.
Powering the ET9 is Nioβs new, self-developed 900V Thunder electric drive system. This includes the worldβs first 925V W-Pin synchronous permanent magnet electric motor, which has a peak power output of 340 kW. Mounted on the rear axle, it weighs just 79 kg, resulting in a power density of 4.3 kW/kg. Meanwhile, the front axle has an asynchronous induction motor with a peak power of 180 kW and a power density of 2.6 kW/kg. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is in 4.3 seconds.
Source: Fast Technology
