a compact EV that punches above its weight

Nio‘s Firefly may be Nio’s smallest electric vehicle to date, but don’t let its 4-meter footprint fool you—this compact EV blends upscale comfort, intelligent tech. The Firefly isn’t just a basic entry-level commuter, but provides a mature driving experience. Instead, it’s a strategically positioned model aimed at young professionals and middle-class families seeking refinement in a small package, supported by a starting price of 119,800 yuan (approx. 16,500 USD).

This launch price is 30,000 yuan less than the pre-sale figure, aligning with Nio’s ambitions for Firefly to represent 10% of its total sales volume. With over a thousand orders reported within the first hour of its live-stream launch, the vehicle is already showing strong early momentum.

Exterior

The Firefly’s minimalist exterior reflects Nio’s design DNA, from its flush door handles and smooth surfaces to its distinctive triple-ring lighting at both ends. These circular clusters create a memorable light signature that balances character with brand recognition. Optional animated light sequences add a touch of playfulness, though they may not appeal to all.

Paint options currently include white, dark grey, and the signature “Firefly Green”—a cool, subdued hue. However, more expressive colour choices like bright blue or bold red would better reflect the Firefly’s youthful, tech-forward identity. One usability concern: the asymmetrical, press-and-pull door handles look sleek but less intuitive and ergonomic than the powered handles offered by rivals.

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The tri-headlights/ tri-taillight design takes some getting used to. They do not remind us of the eyes of a firefly but the appearance of a particular “smartphone” brand with a tri-camera system.

Interior

Step inside, and the Firefly immediately elevates expectations for a compact EV. Nio’s design philosophy is evident in the soft materials, ambient lighting, and clever layout. Despite its small size, the interior feels like a lounge—calm, warm, and surprisingly spacious.

The standout feature is the tatami-style bench seating, which allows the driver or occupant to shift across the front row easily. This effect depends on perfectly aligned seats, which may require some adjustment.

Dashboard-mounted magnets and a deep under-seat storage cubby add functional charm, while the 6-inch digital instrument ring (housing driver monitoring cameras) is futuristic, if slightly cramped.

Behind the Wheel

Despite its modest specs, the Firefly drives with quiet confidence. A single rear motor producing 105 kW (141 hp) delivers smooth, linear power. In Standard mode, the car glides comfortably; Sport mode sharpens throttle response for urban overtakes. Nio’s one-pedal driving is among the best in the class—firm but predictable.

The ride prioritises comfort. Mild body roll and slightly firm impacts over broken pavement are acceptable trade-offs in this segment. Steering is featherlight at low speeds but firms up on the move, making the Firefly feel planted even in fast corners. With a class-leading turning radius of 4.7 meters, tight manoeuvres are a breeze.

What truly surprises me is the cabin’s quietness. Foam-lined arches, strategic insulation, and a well-damped chassis create a serene driving experience that easily rivals pricier models.

Nio’s NOP (navigate on pilot) system performs admirably on mapped roads, with smooth adaptive cruise and subtle lane-keeping. In dense urban conditions, it avoids the abruptness seen in rival systems like Tesla’s. The 360-degree camera is crisp, and the auto-park works well, albeit slowly. A clever “transparent hood” function aids tight parking by rendering a view under the front bumper.

However, the infotainment experience is less customizable than expected.

Verdict

The Nio Firefly is a refreshing take on the entry EV. Beyond its sleek shell and budget-friendly pricing lies a surprisingly refined and livable city car, rich in thought-out details and comfort-focused engineering. It’s not built for thrill-seekers but stands out for those who prioritise urban agility, quiet confidence, and subtle sophistication. Firefly will support Nio’s fifth-generation battery swap starting August 1 in China, further reducing initial costs by allowing customers to rent the battery.

Beyond China, Firefly is headed to 16 global markets this year, from the Netherlands and Norway to Costa Rica and Singapore. Nio’s ambitions are clear: Firefly isn’t just a “cheap EV”—it’s a global statement about what a premium compact can be.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.