This year might be the year that station wagons spark a buying frenzy.
Originating in the United States and popularized in Europe, station wagons entered China in the 1980s and 1990s. At that time, brands like Peugeot, Volkswagen, and Mazda introduced station wagon versions, becoming a nostalgic memory for many who grew up in the '80s and '90s.
Entering the 21st century, the rise of tourism, coupled with increased middle-class family incomes, improved transportation networks, and more refined travel conditions, has made self-driving tours a favored way to travel. As a result, station wagons, which balance aesthetics, handling, and space, have gradually gained attention. Additionally, the post-pandemic revival of tourism has sent a strong positive signal to the station wagon market.
In this context, on June 15. the NIO ET5T, the world's first smart electric station wagon, was officially launched. In the month since its release, many owners have praised it for combining high aesthetics with high performance. So, what options are worth choosing for the ET5T?
Battery
As we all know, all NIO models support battery swapping, and the ET5T offers two battery capacities: a 75kWh standard range version and a 100kWh long range version. The latter requires an additional payment of 58.000 RMB when purchasing the entire vehicle.
Of course, if you choose NIO’s battery rental service, you can save 70.000 RMB on the purchase price, but you’ll need to pay a monthly rental fee of 980 RMB (75kWh) or 1.680 RMB (100kWh).
This means that renting a 75kWh standard range battery for 71 months will equal the original vehicle purchase price, while the long range version will take 41 months. Therefore, if you don't plan to change cars within 3-5 years, battery rental may be a good option; otherwise, buying the full vehicle is recommended.
Exterior and Interior
The ET5T is available in 10 body colors, with one new addition, Dawn Gold, compared to the original ET5. Four basic colors—Cloud White, Star Gray, Deep Space Black, and Stratosphere Blue—come at no extra cost, while six other colors—Cloud Primrose Yellow, Mirror Pink, Dawn Gold, Sunset Orange, Aurora Green, and Astronaut Blue—add 10.000 RMB.
The standard interior comes with a fabric headliner and Haptex synthetic leather. Upgrading the headliner to ultra-fine velvet costs 6.500 RMB, and upgrading the Haptex synthetic leather to Nappa leather increases the price by 22.500 RMB. There are six interior color combinations: Black+Black, Black+Gray, Black+Gold, Black+Green, Black+Orange, and Black+Purple. The last three color combinations require an additional 4.800 RMB.
With so many combinations, how to choose your ideal interior depends on each owner's personal preference.
Wheels
The ET5T comes standard with 19-inch five-spoke sharp sail wheels. Multi-size, multi-spoke silver shine wheels are available for 3.500 RMB. Both wheel options come with Michelin 245/45R19 E-PRIMACY tires.
For a larger visual appearance, the wheels can be upgraded for 9.500 RMB to 20-inch multi-spoke silver wheels or 20-inch five-spoke racing wheels, fitted with Michelin 245/40R20 E-PRIMACY low rolling resistance quiet tires. The five-spoke racing wheels can also be paired with Pirelli 245/40R20 P ZERO quiet tires, which come with a repair function.
A special reminder for users concerned about range: when choosing the 20-inch five-spoke racing wheels paired with Pirelli 245/40R20 P ZERO tires, the combined range compared to the other four options will decrease from 680 km to 610 km!
Optional Features
There are also several optional features to choose from. As the "soul of NIO," the NOMI onboard smart companion provides great convenience to owners. It allows voice control of the entire car, increasing the fun of traveling and reducing the risks associated with manual operation while driving. NIO has also launched many owner events, such as organizing DIY outfits for NOMI, adding a fun element to ownership.
The newly introduced Comfort Package is very practical. It includes extended front seat cushions, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and an intelligent fragrance system. This greatly enhances the driving comfort for owners.
The intelligent dimming panoramic sunroof of the ET5T is also a major highlight among the optional features. Especially in summer, the intelligent dimming sunroof effectively addresses the common complaint of heat from panoramic roofs, aligning with NIO's design philosophy for a more premium and tech-filled experience. It’s particularly recommended for female users. It’s transparent yet not overly sunny, ensuring elegant travel.
Personalization
In terms of personalization, the ET5T is similar to the ET5. offering the 4.500 RMB Moon theme exterior package and 3.500 RMB calipers.
The MOON theme package includes front and rear emblems, four wheel emblems, front and rear bumper trim strips, side skirt trim strips, model tail emblems, and roof rail guides. Compared to the ET5. there are many changes, but the price remains the same.
The vibrant orange calipers are the same as those on the ET5 and have not been changed. For users seeking a sporty feel, this is worth trying.
Key
The key is an UWB smart key and NFC card key, available in black and white. Both have the same functionality and do not require additional payment, so users can choose based on their personal aesthetic preference.
NIO has always been praised as a car company that "listens." It highly values user feedback. Although changes from the ET5 are limited, NIO has made adjustments based on user needs, such as body color options, interior color options, and addressing the sunroof’s sun protection and insulation issues, especially with the sunroof, which is a standout improvement!
Conclusion
For NIO, unlike the popular ES6. EC7. and other models, the birth of the ET5 and ET5T is more geared towards a younger consumer group. Especially with the launch of the ET5T, it has not only reignited the domestic station wagon trend but also provided the younger demographic with a solid option in the 300.000 to 400.000 RMB price range.
