Last year, NIO launched the ES8. which quickly became an "internet sensation" in the automotive world. A year later, NIO introduced its second pure electric SUV—the NIO ES6. This vehicle is positioned as a mid-sized SUV with a comprehensive range of up to 510 kilometers. The new model is available in three different configurations, with pre-subsidy prices ranging from 358.000 to 448.000 yuan (expected post-subsidy starting price to be under 300.000 yuan), and deliveries are scheduled to begin next June.
But how do these two "twin" models differ? If you're still confused about this trendy model, it's time to catch up!
Differences in Appearance
Of course! If you're new to NIO vehicles, it might be a bit difficult to distinguish between the two, as they look very similar. The ES6 retains a stable and straightforward front design but has removed the aluminum alloy trim and separate fog light design, integrating the front headlights and fog lights instead. Additionally, the aerodynamic decorations on both sides of the front have been entirely removed. The body is available in seven standard colors: Thermosphere Blue, Deep Space Black, Cloud White, Star Gray, Sky Blue, Mist Green, and Mars Red, with a special color, Nebula Purple, also available.
Different Body Dimensions
The NIO ES6's body dimensions are 4850/1965/1734mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm, making it 72mm shorter in length, 3mm narrower, and 22mm shorter in height than the ES8. with a 110mm shorter wheelbase. This gives the ES6 a more compact appearance. Both the standard and performance versions come with 19-inch wheels, while the launch edition comes with 20-inch wheels. In terms of braking, the front wheels are equipped with Brembo's four-piston brake calipers.
Different Power Systems
The NIO ES6 base model is equipped with a 160kW permanent magnet synchronous motor on both the front and rear axles. The performance version and the launch edition have a 160kW permanent magnet/synchronous motor on the front axle and a 240kW asynchronous induction motor on the rear axle. They all offer 70kWh and 84kWh ternary lithium battery packs. The 70kWh battery pack is the same as that in the ES8. with an energy density of 135kWh/kg, while the 84kWh battery pack has an energy density of 170kWh/kg. It's clear that the 84kWh battery pack will likely become the main offering for the ES6.
In terms of range, unlike the ES8's asynchronous induction motor, the ES6's permanent magnet synchronous motor offers better energy efficiency but has some drawbacks in performance. The ES8 has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.37 seconds and a NEDC range of 355 km, with the possibility of upgrading to an 84kWh battery pack in the future. The ES6 base model has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.6 seconds, with ranges of 410 km and 480 km for the 70kWh and 84kWh battery packs, respectively. The performance version and launch edition have a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, with ranges of 430 km and 510 km for the two battery versions. NIO positions the ES8 as a flagship, benchmark model, while the ES6 is marketed as a higher-value, mass-market model with long range and high performance.
Additionally, the NIO ES8 features hidden electric door handles that help reduce wind resistance and maintain the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The ES6 retains this design and also includes an electric switch for the charging port, with the left side of the front fender for slow charging and the right side for fast charging. In fast charging mode, the battery can be fully charged in 0.8 hours; in slow charging mode, the 70kWh battery pack takes 10 hours to fully charge, and the 84kWh battery pack takes 12 hours.
Differences in Interior
The interior of the ES6 hasn't changed much compared to the ES8. with only some adjustments in the details. The ES6 features an 11.5-inch central control screen, and the previously criticized black borders around the screen on the ES8 have been further reduced. The central control screen still uses an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster with the same UI interface, and the slim font display remains unchanged. The steering wheel has been redesigned into a three-spoke design, with more simplified multifunction buttons. Notably, the launch edition of the ES6 comes with a Microfiber ultra-suede roof lining, while this option costs an additional 6.500 yuan for the standard and performance versions.
The Biggest Difference: Price
The pre-subsidy price of the NIO ES6 ranges from 358.000 to 448.000 yuan, while the pre-subsidy price of the NIO ES8 is 448.000 yuan (for the 7-seater version) and 456.000 yuan (for the 6-seater version).
As the NIO ES8 continues to be delivered, consumer interest in this emerging brand is growing, and there is increasing recognition of NIO's various services. The NIO ES6. with its lower price compared to the ES8. is more accessible, slightly lowering the entry threshold for NIO. This is good news for consumers who like the NIO brand. Additionally, a more affordable model means higher sales volume, placing greater pressure and expectations on the brand's shoulders.
