As competition in the automotive market becomes increasingly fierce, car companies are intensifying their efforts in various aspects, from product quality to pricing. Many manufacturers have opted to trade volume for price, offering discounts and promotions in a bid to capture market share. After all, survival in the industry hinges on securing a slice of the market. However, some models have chosen to position themselves in the high-end luxury segment. Among these is NIO, a new player in the automotive industry, which has launched a series of models known for their strong product capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at one of their luxury mid-to-large SUVs, the NIO ES8. and explore whether its capabilities live up to expectations.
According to a search on Dongchedi, NIO currently offers eight models for sale, including the mid-sized sedans ET5 and ET5T, the mid-to-large sedan ET7. and the mid-sized SUVs ES6 and EC6. Their mid-to-large SUVs include the ES8. ES7. and EC7. These models generally have good reputations in the market. Today, we'll focus on the high-end luxury mid-to-large SUV, the NIO ES8. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price ranging from 498.000 to 598.000 yuan, we’ll take the 2024 75kWh model with an official price of 498.000 yuan as an example to evaluate its performance.
In terms of exterior design, the ES8 continues NIO’s family design language. The slim light strips on both sides of the front end rise slightly, with blackened edges that give a sharp look. The closed front design emphasizes its identity as a new energy vehicle, with a trapezoidal air intake at the bottom, adorned with thick black trim. The full and wide lighting groups on both sides are equipped with LED light sources. Standard features include daytime running lights, adaptive high and low beams, automatic headlights, cornering lights, front fog lights, headlight height adjustment, ambient lighting, and delayed headlight shut-off. The lighting features are comprehensive, providing excellent visibility at night, greatly enhancing driving safety. In my opinion, the overall exterior design of this vehicle is appealing at first glance. The heavy and textured front end exudes a strong sense of luxury.
From the side, the vehicle is stylish and aesthetically pleasing, with hidden door handles adding a sense of technology. The black window trim blends seamlessly with the roof, creating a floating roof effect that looks modern and upscale. The rear glass features a privacy design, and the slightly sloping rear end adds a sporty touch. The silver trim on the side skirts and the thick black underbody cladding, along with the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, present a harmonious and luxurious appearance, well-suited to the positioning of a high-end mid-to-large SUV. The vehicle includes numerous technological features, further enhancing its luxury appeal.
At the rear, the design is simple and neat, with a wide base that gives a sense of breadth. The top-mounted camera and large spoiler emphasize a sporty look, while the hidden rear wiper ensures a clean rear window. The through-type taillights are a common design feature in new energy vehicles, and the black rear bumper is similarly understated. To me, the overall design of this car is highly recognizable, making its identity and positioning immediately apparent.
Upon entering the interior, I believe most people will be captivated by the interior’s quality. The ES8 continues the design style of previous models but with enhanced details. The interior features extensive use of genuine leather and wood grain trim, with a soft touch in almost every place you can reach, offering a very comfortable feel. Additionally, there is hardly any noticeable odor, which is a significant advantage. The contrast between the white seats and black dashboard creates a fresh and bright interior ambiance, while the hidden air vents contribute to a more streamlined and luxurious design.
The 10.2-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch central control screen offer clear and detailed displays, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip with 256GB of onboard memory. The vehicle also includes a 16.3-inch AR-HUD augmented reality head-up display system, enhancing its modern and technological feel. Moreover, the ES8 is equipped with the N-Box enhanced entertainment system, supporting plug-and-play AR/VR experiences, with upgraded in-car entertainment and performance. After hands-on experience, it’s clear that this system delivers a high-end smart experience, with quick response times—voice commands are executed almost immediately, which aligns well with its luxury car positioning.
In terms of space, the NIO ES8’s dimensions are 5099x1989x1750mm, with a wheelbase of 3070mm, adopting a 2+2+2 seating arrangement. The over 5-meter length and 3-meter wheelbase provide a spacious interior. The entire vehicle features Nappa leather-wrapped seats with soft padding. The front seats offer multiple electric adjustments, including a “Queen’s Seat” for the front passenger, ensuring high comfort and ample space. The front seats also include heating, ventilation, memory, and massage functions, ensuring a comfortable ride.
The second-row seats are independently designed, with adjustable settings for front and rear position, backrest angle, lumbar support, and leg rest angle. Features such as seat heating, ventilation, massage, and memory are also available, making the second-row seating highly comfortable. Notably, an executive middle island and onboard refrigerator can be optionally added, catering to both household and business needs.
For the third row, which often concerns users, a 180cm tall individual can sit with about two fists of legroom and one fist plus four fingers of headroom. The space is satisfactory, and the third-row seats also include heating functions. Cup holders on both sides, along with large windows and a panoramic sunroof, ensure a comfortable ride.
In terms of performance, the ES8 is equipped with a 653-horsepower electric motor, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.1 seconds, with a pure electric range of 465km, powered by a 75kWh battery. The motor’s maximum power is 480kW, with a peak torque of 850N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission for electric vehicles. The overall performance is strong, offering smooth acceleration from standstill, with responsive mid-to-late acceleration. This makes it suitable for both family outings and daily commuting. Additionally, NIO’s unique battery-swapping architecture and convenient battery swap service significantly enhance daily usability, alleviating range anxiety.
After a test drive, the ES8 offers easy starting with a strong push-back feeling when you press the accelerator, and the acceleration process is smooth. The air suspension, along with adjustable suspension stiffness and height, contributes to excellent cornering and steering performance. In urban driving, the agile steering allows for easy maneuverability, while on the highway, switching to sport mode provides continuous power output, making overtaking effortless.
Overall, the NIO ES8. as a mid-to-large SUV, combines stylish design with sufficient range, strong technological features, and excellent space utilization, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market. It is well-suited for family outings, offering high comfort. Additionally, the convenience of the battery swap system, similar to refueling, meets the demand for intelligent features while addressing range anxiety. However, the price of this vehicle suggests it is not aimed at the average consumer and is unlikely to be a high-volume model. What do you think of its performance? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
