Nio has announced the start of user test drives for its ET9 executive flagship sedan. Deliveries to customers across China are scheduled to begin on March 29th.
The ET9 is priced from 788,000 yuan (109,445 USD). Nio positions it to compete with premium German automakers, including Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach, Audi, and BMW. Domestic rivals also include Huawei’s Aito brand and its Maextro S800 sedan.
”Nio has upgraded the benefits package for ET9 buyers. The “Worry-Free Power” benefit previously offered 20 free battery swaps per year for five years. It now provides six free swaps per month for ten years. The “Worry-Free Smart Travel” benefit initially included five years of free NOP+ (Nio Pilot Plus) full-domain navigation-assisted driving. This has also been extended to ten years.“
These enhancements are in addition to existing benefits. These include three years of all-scenario driver service and three years of ET9 business travel pick-up and drop-off service. Customers get five years of free maintenance and vehicle pick-up/delivery for maintenance. Lifetime free on-site tire repair and roadside assistance are included. The vehicle comes with a six-year/150,000 km warranty. The electric powertrain has a ten-year unlimited mileage warranty. The total value of these benefits is stated to exceed 200,000 yuan (27,800 USD).
The Nio ET9 measures 5325/2017/1621mm and has a wheelbase of 3250mm. It will be available in eight exterior colors, including the exclusive “Midnight Ceramic Blue.” Other options are Cloud White, Deep Space Black, Moonlight Silver, Antarctic Star Blue, Dawn Gold, M42 Nebula Red, and Star Green.
The ET9 features intelligent high-definition projector headlights that can project zebra crossings for pedestrians. The rear cabin includes a 360° infinitely adjustable executive table that can be moved to any desired angle. An electrically operated refrigerator is integrated into the “Executive Bridge” center console. For rear passengers, there are two 14.5-inch OLED-connected executive screens with adjustable tilt angles.
The Nio ET9 is powered by a front 180 kW (241 hp) induction asynchronous motor. It also has a rear 340 kW (456 hp) permanent magnet synchronous motor. This delivers a combined power output of 520 kW (697 hp). The total torque is 700 Nm. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The ET9 uses Nio’s self-developed 46105 large cylindrical battery cells. Its 900V platform boasts a peak charging power of 600kW and a peak charging current of 765A, allowing a claimed 255 km of range to be added in just five minutes.
