Details regarding the all-new Nio ES8 have emerged from the latest Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announcement, revealing significant upgrades for the flagship SUV. The most notable change is a substantial increase in body dimensions, with the new ES8 measuring 5.28 meters (approximately 17.3 feet) in length, an increase of 179mm (7 inches) over the current model. The wheelbase has also been extended by 60mm (2.4 inches). These enhancements are expected to improve interior space, particularly for the third-row legroom.
The new ES8 will be built on the NT3.0 platform and will incorporate several advanced technological features from the ET9. These include the SkyRide Chassis, a 900V ultra-fast charging and battery swap platform, two LiDAR units, the Shenji self-developed chip, and the SkyOS full-domain system.
A closer look at the design details suggests the new ES8 will feature a front hood opening line similar to the Onvo L90, hinting at a potentially large front trunk (frunk).
Notably, the announcement confirms the availability of a 7-seater version, a less common option in its price segment and class, where competitors like the Li Auto L9 and Aito M9 primarily offer 6-seater configurations. This makes the new ES8 a more convenient choice for larger families.
The powertrain has been adjusted to compensate for the increased size and weight. While the front motor retains its 180kW (240 hp) output, the rear motor has been upgraded to 340kW (456 hp), boosting the top speed to 220 km/h (approximately 137 mph).
The all-new Nio ES8 is anticipated to officially debut in the third quarter of this year, with its market launch scheduled for the fourth quarter. The MIIT announcement highlights a comprehensive upgrade for the new ES8, encompassing a larger body, improved interior space, a new vehicle platform, an advanced operating system, and enhanced intelligent driving capabilities.
