Buying an EV is a real challenge these days, especially with the rise of the Chinese EV makers like NIO.
NIO offers some of the most premium EVs that money can buy. Their models are flooded with luxury and advanced features that many can only dream of. So, if you consider the ES6 or ES8 models, this article will be perfect for you.
We will compare these two models in many aspects, including their specs, price, performance, range, practicality, and more.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Specs
First, let’s take a quick look at the specs of these two models by NIO. We created a small table with the specs where you can compare them side by side, so you get a clearer perspective.
| Model | NIO ES6 | NIO ES8 |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Standard | Regular |
| Price | $49,760 | $62,270 |
| Battery (kWh) | 70 kWh | 75 kWh |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 420 km | 465 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 320 kW | 480 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.6 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 7/140 | 7/140 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 668 liters | 654 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | No | No |
| Length (mm) | 4,850 mm | 5,099 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,965 mm | 1,989 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,758 mm | 1,750 mm |
| Running Clearance | 160 mm | 170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 3,070 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 ES6 vs NIO ES8: Price
Price is probably the factor that makes us buy a certain model. The visuals is the aspect that attracts us but the price is the thing that determines whether or not we are able to afford a certain product.
When it comes to these models it is really important to tell you that these models cost a lot of money.
The ES6 starts at $49,760, while the ES8 starts at $62,270. This makes the ES8 more than $12,000 more expensive compared to the ES6.
But as you load these models with options prices can rise significantly more. For example, the highest trim of the ES8 starts at $76,170.
So, as you can see, only the sky’s the limit when it comes to these two NIO models. But in our opinion the price is totally worth it considering the product that you get. These are fully premium cars and are basically top of the line.
And another thing to add is the fact that these prices are only if you buy these cars from China. Because with import fees, these costs will rise significantly more depending on where you live.
There are some countries that have zero import fees on these Eco-friendly EVs and some places do not offer such opportunities. That’s why it is your task to do a good research on the possible costs you will have to pay in order to import the ES6 and ES8.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Design and Interior
The exterior and interior design plays a very big role when it comes to buying a certain vehicle. The design is the first thing that we are attracted to at first glance. So, how do these two models perform in this area?
Well, both of these models can be described as beautiful and futuristic. NIO is basically one step ahead of everyone in the industry. Their designs are simply incredible.
Both of these models are bulky SUVs, they carry the SUV concept throughout. But the design is simply 10 years or 20 years ahead of anything else offered right now for sale.
We love the front end with the thin DRL lights on the top and the high beams at the lower portion of the front end.
NIO models are all electric, so there is no need for massive grilles. So, the front end of both models is paint matched as the rest of the car.
The design is primarily focused on aerodynamics and achieving the best range possible for this type of application.
Both the ES6 and ES8 share the same approach when it comes to their design, with the major difference being the overall size.
The interiors in both models are really nice. The cabins are filled with soft touch materials and the design is excellent.
The seats are comfortable with a ton of adjustability, so you will be able to find your perfect position without a problem.
There is also an abundance of technology with massive screens that are running the latest hardware and software. The usage on a day to day basis is very good.
Overall, both of these models are pretty good with the major difference between them being the size. The ES8 is a bit larger and has more high-quality materials than the ES6.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Power and Performance
Power and performance are really important, especially when you are spending so much money on an EV. These models are very expensive and they just have to deliver the acceleration and of course, to put a smile on your face. So, how do these models perform in this area?
And we can tell you that both of these models are fully worth it when it comes to performance. These models are very very quick.
The NIO ES6 is equipped with a dual motor setup that produces up to 320 kW or 429 hp and 620 N-m of torque. This powertrain allows the ES6 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds.
While on the other hand the NIO ES8 is even more powerful. This model also comes with a dual motor setup but this time this model produces up to 480 kW, which is 643 hp and 840 N-m of torque.
And these levels of torque are really massive. It allows the NIO ES8 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds. Making it the fastest Chinese full size luxury SUV.
This is why when it comes to performance, the ES8 simply outperforms the ES6 and is a lot quicker, even though it is a larger and heavier vehicle overall. So, if you have the budget, we really recommend the NIO ES8 without a doubt.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Battery and Range
Battery and range is really important when it comes to shopping for a new EV. A model has to deliver a proper range. If you don’t have an EV that meets your requirements, you will struggle with range anxiety and you definitely don’t want that to happen!
When it comes to the range of these two models, we can say that they perform fairly good for their price range.
The base range that you get with the NIO ES6 is about 420 km. While with the ES8 this range is a bit higher at 465 km. But these ranges are probably not enough for you and you should definitely go for the higher end models.
Especially with the 150 kWh battery pack, the ES6 can travel up to 900 km. Which is almost double the base version.
The ES8 on the other hand also packs a lot of range in the higher end version, about 900 km as well.
Overall, these models are pretty equal in terms of their range. It really depends on what battery you go for.
Considering that these are very large vehicles, we recommend that you go for a long range model. This way, you will not struggle with range and you can enjoy driving a bit more.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Autopilot and Other Tech
One of the main things that people associate EVs with is the Autopilot. So, what is the autopilot, does the car drive itself?
Well, sort of, these cars are implementing something that is known as Level 2 autonomy. So, what Level 2 autonomy is?
This is the type of autonomy that gives you the ability to drive almost hands free on the highway. The feature behind this autonomy is the adaptive cruise control. This feature allows your car to adjust the speed and distance from other cars on the road.
Browse More:
And the adaptive cruise control is a part of the ADAS system. This is the Advanced Driving Assistance System. This system packs powerful hardware such as cameras, lidars, and sensors and also powerful software that is able to evaluate up to 8GB of data every second.
This autopilot also comes with a whole palette of features besides the adaptive cruise control. Other features that come with the ADAS system include blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, parking assists, traffic sign recognition, and a lot more other features.
Basically, with both of these models, the possibilities are pretty much endless. It really depends on your budget and how much money you have to spend in order to activate all of these features.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Size and Body
Size and body are also very important when it comes to choosing a future vehicle. You need a car that will fit your needs and will allow you to accommodate yourself and the passengers. So, how do these two models perform in this area?
In these two models everything is about comfort. These models are using some of the most quality seats and materials that are available in the automotive industry.
There is plenty of headroom and legroom in both of these vehicles, so you will never feel cramped and struggle for room. Which is a big pro when it comes to these models.
But the more spacious model is definitely the ES8. This model is a proper three row SUV that is able to seat up to 6 people comfortably. While in the ES6, you only have the chance to seat up to 5 people.
The ES8 is the perfect model for people with large families who need more seating space. That’s why we strongly recommend choosing this model instead of the ES6 if you need that extra room.
Besides the interior room, these models also have huge luggage compartments. With more than 650 liters of space, you will never struggle for room.
And even if you need more, you can just fold down the seats and release more space. When it comes to practicality, these two models are probably some of the best vehicles that money can buy!
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Safety
Vehicle safety should be one of your top priorities when it comes to vehicle shopping. A car needs to meet your demands in terms of safety and deliver a good score.
What we noted previously is the fact that both of these models implement a powerful ADAS system. This system has a whole palette of safety features that you can have. Blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control are some of the most important ones that you can get.
On top of that, these two models were rigorously crash tested by many vehicle safety agencies across the world.
Specifically, the NIO ES8 was tested both in China and Europe. It scored 5/5 stars overall on both the C-NCAP and the Euro NCAP tests.
While the NIO ES6 was only tested in China and this model scored great scores as well.
Overall, when it comes to safety, both of these models perform similarly. They have the same level of safety and features that you can get.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Warranties
Vehicle warranty is also very important when it comes to shopping for a new car. You need to have good coverage in order not to pay expensive repairs if something pops up.
So, the warranty for the NIO models is unlimited in China. This is because over there you have a battery swap service by NIO that allows you to swap a new battery every time, you don’t have to struggle with battery degradation.
While in Europe, you have a warranty of 8 years or 120,000 km, which is a pretty decent amount of coverage.
When it comes to vehicle warranty, you get up to 3 years or 120,000 km overall vehicle warranty with both models.
NIO ES6 vs NIO ES8: Additional Considerations
When it comes to the NIO ES6 and NIO ES8, there are no important additional considerations that you need to make when it comes to buying one of these models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, both of these models are really good. They offer an incredible premium performance for the driver and passengers.
It really depends on what type of model you need. If you need a larger SUV, go for the ES8, while if you need a smaller one go for the ES6.
And most importantly, go for a larger battery pack because with these heavy SUVs, you will definitely struggle with some of the entry level versions.
