Buying an EV has never been more difficult, especially now when there are so many Chinese EV manufacturers that deliver some excellent EVs. Two of these models are the EC6 and ES6 by NIO.
Many people don’t know the difference between the two and this is why we prepared this article where we explain everything in detail. We compare the specs, price, design, practicality, powertrains and batteries, safety, and a lot more.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Specs
First, let’s take a look at the specs of these NIO models and compare them side by side and see which model performs better.
| Model | NIO EC6 | NIO ES6 |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Sporty | Standard |
| Price | $51,150 | $49,760 |
| Battery (kWh) | 70 kWh | 70 kWh |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 430 km | 420 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 320 kW | 320 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.4 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 7/140 | 7/140 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 510 liters | 668 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | No | No |
| Length (mm) | 4,849 mm | 4,850 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,995 mm | 1,965 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,697 mm | 1,758 mm |
| Running Clearance | 160 mm | 160 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,915 mm | 2,900 mm |
| Tow Rating | 500 kg | 500 kg |
| V2L | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years/120,000km | 3 years/120,000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/120,000 km | 8 years/120,000 km |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Yes |
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Price
Price is one of the most important aspects that makes or breaks a deal, the price has to be right in order for you to consider a certain model. That’s why knowing how high these two models are valued is really a priority for you as a future buyer. So, how much do they cost?
Well, we can say that both of these vehicles are very expensive. The NIO EC6 starts as low as $51,150 in China. While the NIO ES6 is a bit cheaper and starts at $49,760. This makes the ES6 a bit of a better deal.
But for some people who have so much to spend, $1,000 will not make a huge difference when deciding which model to buy. If you want to get a fully loaded NIO EC6, you will have to spend up to $73,110 and for a fully loaded NIO ES6 you will have to spend up to $76,170.
As you can see, both of these models are similarly priced even at the higher end of the spectrum. What you should also consider is that these are the prices in China.
So, on top of these prices there will be import fees that you have to pay to your authorities. And the amount can depend from country to country.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Design and Interior
The exterior design is the thing that attracts us to the product at the first glance. This is the main thing that sells vehicles besides the price. So, how do these two models perform in this area?
From an exterior standpoint, both the EC6 and ES6 look rather stunning. This is the pinnacle of automotive design these days. Both of these models basically share the same front end, with sleek lines.
The whole approach to the design can be described as highly functional. That’s why with these two models you don’t have a massive grille but cooling only for the batteries.
The headlights are separated in two, on top you have the daytime running lights and on the bottom you have your high beams. And this is the feature that makes NIO stand out even more and offer something different and unique.
The side profile is excellent for both cars and the door handles sitting flush to the body. Meaning that the handles are fully retractable and this helps with aerodynamics.
The rear is the area where these two models differentiate. The EC6 is a model that implements a sloping roofline. While the ES6 is your regular SUV.
The bottom portion below the rear glass is pretty much similar for both of these models. The interior in both of these models is really nice looking. The cabins are spacious and the materials used in these models are incredible.
There are a lot of screens and the usability is really good on a day-to-day basis with the help of NIO’s incredible software. Overall, the exterior and interior for both of these models is great 9.5/10.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Power and Performance
Power and performance is really important. Especially when it comes to EVs that are so expensive like the EC6 and ES6. These cars need to have a strong 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in order to be considered as a good purchase. So, how do these two models perform in this area?
Well, they are real powerhouses, even the base models are some of the quickest EVs on the roads right now.
The base model of the EC6 produces 320 kW, which is about 429 hp and you also have a massive 610 N-m of torque. All this is possible by the dual motor setup that gives you AWD capability.
The ES6 on the other hand makes the same amount of power as the EC6. So, in order not to repeat ourselves we can simply say that they are both the same.
However, the ES6 has a bit slower acceleration of 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h compared to the 5.4 seconds of the EC6.
The high-performance versions of these two models produce up to 400 kW or 536 hp and 725 N-m of torque. These are absolutely massive numbers that reduce the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h to up to 4.7 seconds.
This is why if you are after a performance SUV model, both of these models are one of the best choices in the EV industry right now.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Battery and Range
Battery and range should be one of your top concerns when it comes to choosing your future EV. Range anxiety is a real problem these days with many people struggling to find a range for their everyday needs and this is why you should consider this aspect.
Because if you get an EV that performs poorly, you might struggle achieving your daily tasks or end up stranded somewhere. So, how do these two models perform?
Well, these two models perform similarly. The least powerful battery pack that you can get is about 70 kWh.
With this 70 kWh battery you can get up to 430 km of range in the EC6 and 420 km in the ES6. The ES6 has slightly worse range because this model is a bit heavier compared to the EC6.
What is good is that in the more expensive models of the EC6, you have the ability to get a longer range version. This version has a 100 kWh battery pack and will be good for 615 km. Which is one of the best performances for a vehicle of this size.
While with the ES6, things are a bit different. With this model, you will get up to 84 kWh battery pack and this battery pack will be good for 510 km.
So, as you can see, when it comes to the more advanced models, the EC6 delivers more range. With 615 km the EC6 is one of the best EVs in terms of range overall.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Autopilot and Other Tech
One of the things that people most often associate EVs with is the autopilot. Tesla popularized this term but they are still struggling in developing proper self-driving cars. But does NIO have this capacity? Well, let’s find out.
NIO has invested heavily into autonomous driving systems and their models pack an ADAS system that is known as Aquilla.
This system is the Advanced Driving Assistance System that packs powerful cameras, sensors, and Lidars across the car that deliver 360 degree monitoring of the surroundings of the car.
When it comes to its performance, this system can deliver Level 2 autonomy. So, what Level 2 autonomy gives you as a driver?
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Well, this means that you have adaptive cruise control for highway driving. Which means that the vehicle adapts its speed and distance from other cars automatically on the highway and makes decisions on its own. However, the driver has to place his hands on the steering once in a while to prove that he is in control.
Other features besides the adaptive cruise control include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and parking assists.
Overall, both of these models have the same features and perform pretty much the same. So, it is difficult to name one that is better from the two in this aspect.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Size and Body
Size is really important when it comes to choosing your future vehicle. A vehicle has to be practical and meet your demands. Every driver has different requirements and this is why you should make sure that these cars are meeting yours.
These are large SUVs that means that there is plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and passenger.
While in the rear with the EC6, taller passengers might struggle for headroom because this is the model with a sloping roofline.
On the other hand, with the larger ES6, you will not struggle with headroom or legroom. This means that the ES6 is far more practical for carrying passengers in the rear.
When it comes to the trunk space, the ES6 is also roomier than the EC6. The ES6 allows up to 668 liters in volume, while the EC6 only allows up to 510 liters. So, overall, with the ES6, you have 150 liters more space compared to the EC6.
This is why when it comes to practicality, the ES6 wins this duel pretty easily. If you want a more practical EV, this is the model that you need.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Safety
When buying a car, safety should be one of your top concerns. A solid car will make sure that any threat to you and your passengers is neutralized. Because of this, these models were equipped with powerful sensors, cameras, and lidars that are part of the ADAS system.
Specifically, the system in the NIO models is evaluating up to 8GB of data per second. And you can imagine just how powerful computers these models have.
This system makes sure that any threat is avoided, especially on the highway where driving can be pretty dangerous with so many cars around you.
Besides these systems, these NIO models meet all of the conditions by the highest Chinese regulatory body, the C-NCAP. These models were rigorously crash tested and made sure that they are perfectly safe for the roads.
These cars were also crash-tested by the Euro NCAP, where both models scored 5/5 stars overall, making them some of the best in their categories.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Warranties
Warranty is an integral part when it comes to buying a new EV. A car has to have a good warranty coverage in order to be considered as a good purchase.
In China, people who use BaaS, battery replacement as a service get a 10 year unlimited warranty on the battery.
While in Europe where there are no services by NIO like this one, you get only 8 years or 120,000 km warranty on the battery.
While you get 3 years or 120,000 km an overall vehicle warranty.
Warranties are the same for these models since they are made by the same company.
NIO EC6 vs NIO ES6: Additional Considerations
There are no important considerations that you need to take when it comes to buying the NIO EC6 and the ES6.
Final Thoughts
Both of these models are really good, they have similar performance because the basis of each one of them is the same.
They have the same front end and most of the other interior and exterior designs are shared with each other.
The only major difference is the sloping roofline that you get with the EC6, while with the ES6, you don’t have that option.
This is why we think that it is more of a matter of taste which model you like better. If you like sloping rooflines, go for the EC6, if you are a fan of regular SUVs go for the ES6.
