Car enthusiast "KMJ" asks, "Is the NIO ES7 worth buying? Is its configuration worth the price?" The NIO ES7 is the first SUV on NIO's NT2.0 platform, currently available in three models, with prices ranging from 468.000 to 548.000 RMB. It sits between the ES6 and ES8 in the lineup, but the ES7 has several unique features. How does this car perform? Let’s discuss:
At first glance, you might expect the ES7 to follow the design language of the ES series, but it actually resembles the ET series more. It features the multi-layered X-Bar closed front design of the ET7. with a sleek and simple appearance. The side profile boasts a sharp waistline that runs from front to back, complemented by a floating roof. The ES7 abandons the spoon-shaped taillights of the ES series in favor of a clean, continuous light strip with a central siphon light source, making it more visually appealing when illuminated. Another standout feature is the three horns at the front of the roof, housing the ES7’s lidar and lookout cameras, indicating its enhanced intelligence. This design gives the ES7 a drag coefficient of Cd 0.263. surpassing previous ES models.
The NIO ES7 introduces the concept of a "second living room," offering a visual sense of an enveloping cabin. It comes standard with a panoramic digital cockpit, featuring a 10.2-inch instrument panel, a 12.8-inch vertical central control screen, a 6.6-inch rear control panel, and a HUD (Head-Up Display). It is powered by an 8155 chip, supporting multi-screen interconnectivity, with a smarter NOMI system. The interior is equipped with a 23-speaker Dolby sound system, 256-color waterfall ambient lighting, and electrically adjustable and heated rear seats, with materials made from renewable rattan wood. The cabin offers a good balance of technology and comfort, creating a cozy mobile living room. The ES7 measures 4912mm in length, 1987mm in width, and 1720mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2960mm, placing it between the ES6 and ES8. It features a spacious five-seat layout.
The ES7 is currently the fastest SUV in NIO's lineup, equipped with the same second-generation high-efficiency electric drive platform as the ET7. with dual motors front and rear. It delivers a maximum power of 480 kW and a peak torque of 850 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds. It comes standard with air suspension and a CDC intelligent dynamic damping system. There are three available driving ranges: 485 km, 620 km, and 575 km, with a rumored 930 km version to follow.
The NT2.0 platform offers significant improvements over the NT1.0 platform, incorporating NIO’s NIO Aquila super-sensing system and NIO Adam supercomputing platform. With the aforementioned three horns, the ES7 can achieve NIO’s highest level of NAD assisted driving functionality.
A major highlight of the new model is its towing capability. It is equipped with a hidden electric tow hitch, supporting a maximum towing capacity of 2 tons, and it can supply power to towed equipment. Additionally, it supports 3.3 kW external power output, providing electricity for portable appliances such as mini-fridges, coffee machines, and barbecue grills. NIO is targeting the increasingly popular camping lifestyle, which could be a promising feature.
NIO has always positioned itself as a premium brand, and the ES7 is currently its most intelligent SUV, with a price point in the 400.000 RMB range, as expected. NIO's customer service is quite thorough, fostering a sense of community. If you're concerned about battery degradation, you can opt for their battery swap service, bringing the starting price of the car down to 398.000 RMB. What do you think of the ES7? Is it worth the price? Share your thoughts in the comments!
