Discover the Nio ES9, the biggest Chinese electric SUV, its specs, pricing and launch date. Read the full breakdown now!
Nio is gearing up to unveil its latest flagship SUV, the ES9, with deliveries slated to start on June 1. Building on the success of the ES8, the ES9 is larger, more luxurious, and poised to become the biggest mass‑produced electric SUV in China.
Dimensions that Rival the Biggest Luxury SUVs
The ES9 measures 5,365 mm long, 2,029 mm wide and 1,870 mm high, sitting on a 3,250 mm wheelbase. At just 17 mm shorter than the American giant Cadillac Escalade, it even boasts a wheelbase 179 mm longer, giving it a commanding road presence.
Cutting‑Edge Design and Sensor Suite
True to Nio’s latest design language, the ES9 features a sharp front end with matrix‑style separated headlights. The roof is crowned by Nio’s signature “three horns” that house a central LiDAR sensor and two high‑resolution cameras. Buyers can choose from two‑tone body colors, while integrated LiDAR sensors in the front bumper eliminate blind spots. The rear is finished with a full‑width light bar and hidden wipers for a sleek profile.
Technology Borrowed from the ET9 Sedan
As Nio’s flagship model, the ES9 inherits the most advanced tech first seen on the ET9 sedan, including:
- Electronic steering system
- Fully active air‑suspension
- Rear‑wheel steering
- Three LiDAR sensors, Nio‑developed Shenji NX9031 chip and Aquilla super‑sensor suite
- 900 V high‑voltage architecture
- Adaptive chassis that automatically adjusts ride height
Powertrain and Performance
The all‑wheel‑drive system pairs a 241 hp front motor with a 455 hp rear motor, delivering a combined 697 hp and 700 Nm of torque. This enables a top speed of 220 km/h (136 mph).
Battery and Range
Energy comes from a 102 kWh CATL battery pack, offering three CLTC range options: 580 km, 600 km and 620 km. The ES9 also supports Nio’s rapid 3‑minute battery‑swap technology. It will be available in six‑ and seven‑seat configurations, with a curb weight of 2,915 kg.
Pricing Strategy
CarNewsChina estimates a starting price of around 500,000 CNY (≈ $72,630 USD). Nio deliberately set the price higher than the popular ES8 to avoid internal competition and protect its premium positioning.
What’s Next for Nio?
Beyond the ES9, Nio has a packed 2026 lineup:
- Onvo L80 crossover – expected debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April.
- Upgraded versions of existing models, such as the ES7.
- Onvo L90 equipped with LiDAR.
- High‑performance Firefly variant.
How the ES9 Stands Among Rivals
Other Chinese SUVs exceeding 5.3 m in length include the Wey V9X (5,299 mm) and BYD Great Tang (5,302 mm). However, the Wey is a plug‑in hybrid, and the BYD model is still in the registration‑only stage, giving the ES9 a clear edge as the longest fully electric SUV in mass production.
With its impressive size, tech‑rich cabin, and rapid‑swap battery system, the Nio ES9 is set to challenge established luxury EVs worldwide.