Over the past decade, many EV manufacturers have started serious manufacturing of different electric care models. NIO, a Chinese-based automaker, is one of these brands that have risen within a few years.
The company has the best cars when it comes to aesthetics. Further, it has a wide range of EVs.
Beginning
NIO automaker has one of the most excellent electric cars on the market today, named NIO ES8. The NIO ES8 is a battery-electric luxury SUV with a 6 or 7 seat capacity.
In this article, you’ll learn its full specs, the prices, and other necessary details.
Overview
What is It?
The NIO ES8 is a full-size luxury SUV. The first generation of battery electric ES8 was unveiled in December 2017, and the production started in 2018. The ES8 is powered by swappable 70 kWh or 84 kWh lithium-ion batteries. The batteries were upgraded to 100kWh in 2019.
The car’s body chassis is completely aluminum and comes with an all-wheel drive drivetrain as a standard. However, another revised first-generation ES8 was released in 2020. The model combines 160 kW permanent magnet and 240 kW induction magnet motors.
Later, in 2022, the second generation ES8 was unveiled. It rides on an NT2.0 platform and features a 180 kW front motor and a 300 kW rear motor, delivering a combined maximum power of 480 kW and 850Nm.
NIO? Say What?
This awesome luxury SUV is manufactured by NIO, which boasts of releasing well-designed, smart, and high-performance electric vehicles to the market.
Also known as NIO Inc., the company is based in Shanghai. The NIO brand was launched in 2016 and was given the Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit.
What About the Looks?
NIO ES8 comes with 7 color options inspired by the sky. Looking at the SUV from a distance, you’ll notice it has a larger body that denotes more interior comfort. The ES8 has unique exterior features like side view cameras, invisible rear wiper, and side mirror turn signals.
ES8 integrates Smart Matrix LED and LiDAR technology in headlights for enhanced visibility. The fascia is a true definition of what a masculine car should look like. It also has over 60 aerodynamic improvements that lower the drag coefficient to 0.250.
The SUV’s fluid lines on the bonnet run smoothly through the belt molding to the boot. It has more pronounced shoulders for a seamless transition from the side to the car’s rear.
NIO ES8 has an excellent seat platform that supports various features and adjustments for more comfort. The first and second-row seats have independently ventilated and heated cushion backrests.
On the upper side of the console is the fast wireless charging area for more than one phone. Inside, you also have a refrigerator to cool your drink as you enjoy the trip.
And to Drive?
NIO ES8 has driver assistance and intelligent driving capability. NIO specialized Assisted and Intelligent Driving assists the driver in expressways, parking, driving in urban areas, and battery swaps for a better driving experience.
The watchtower sensor layout in the ES8 improves safety in complex road and weather conditions. There are seven 8 MP high-resolution cameras that work with the sensor for better visibility with finer details.
The car also has four 3 MP light-sensitive surround-view cameras as well as an Advanced Driver Monitoring System.
Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?
The car has a sleek and futuristic design that will catch your attention. Entering the car, you’ll notice the interior is very accommodating with modern features like the voice assistant. The car motors perform very well, and the batteries have impressive range.
However, what’s more interesting is the fact that you can swap your battery at NIO stations. With all these features offered by NIO, you’ll definitely fall in love with the luxurious ES8 SUV.
What’s in a Name?
The ES8 was developed by NIO, and the name means sky-blue coming motor vehicles in Chinese. On the other hand, the ES8 name comes from NIO’s easy naming scheme. All the models that the NIO brand sells start with the letter E.
The second letter depends on the type of vehicle. For instance, T is for regular vehicles, C is for SUV models with sloping rooflines, and S is for standard SUV models.
Finally, the numbering at the end refers to the size of the car. In this matter, the 5 is the smallest while 8 is the biggest. So E stands for NIO products, S stands for standard SUV, and 8 means it’s the biggest SUV in the series, therefore the name NIO ES8.
You Mention High-Tech?
Yes. Firstly, you can adjust the NIO ES8 seats for diverse sitting positions to meet different comfort needs. The first and second-row seats in the car also have independently heated and ventilated cushion backrests.
The car cabin offers space for wireless charging and a refrigerator to cool the drinks when traveling.
When it’s time to drop the seats, press the button, and the backrests will recline. The car also has assisted and intelligent driving features, which add to the driving experience. In addition to the driving assistant systems, there are the watchtower sensor and other systems that add to the safety.
On the other hand, you can use the NIO App to perform some activities. For instance, you schedule car maintenance with the app since it shows the nearest dealers, check the car location, park the car, and unlock the doors.
The car supports AC and DC charging, which can fill the battery in less than one hour.
NIO ES8 has smart matrix LED Headlights with LiDAR Smart matrix that enhance visibility and the car’s beauty. You can control the LED’s independently.
The car also has a panoramic sunroof, comprehensive noise-cancellation technology, and a smart 5-zone climate control. Additionally, it has a 12.8-inch AMOLED display.
What’s the Verdict?
NIO ES8 will offer you an impressive ride and advanced safety features. You can also have the entertainment on the display as you drive along. It’s an ideal SUV for family, comfort, and luxury.
Price and Specs
How Much Does NIO ES8 Cost?
NIO ES8 is the most expensive car produced by NIO. As of now, you can consider the cost of the latest model in the second generation ES8 released in 2023. A new ES8 model with a 150 kWh battery will cost you $72,172.
Specs:
| Price: $72,172 | Engine: Permanent magnet motor & Induction motor |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds | Power: 480 kW |
| Torque: 850 Nm | Range: 900 km |
| Top Speed: 200 km/h | Release Year: 2023 |
Driving
What is It Like to Drive?
NIO ES8 luxury SUV has a full-stack NIO Assisted and Intelligent Driving system. This system has a control strategy, localization capability, perception algorithms, and platform software. These systems will cover expressway driving, car parking, urban area driving, and battery swaps.
The car has a sensor system that enhances safety even in bad driving conditions. There are high-resolution cameras and other light-sensitive surround-view cameras for a better driving experience. You can also park the car using a special App from the company.
With NIO ES8, you don’t have to worry while behind the wheel. The aluminum body and numerous safety features stay active to ensure you’re safe in an accident. The car handles very well, even in wet and snowy conditions.
What About the Steering?
NIO ES8, a luxury car, features a multifunctional steering wheel with controls to ease your job in the cabin. The steering feels light, but it is well-balanced according to standards.
Some will tell you the steering is hyper-sensitive since you can zip into gaps around the streets and negotiate sharp corners comfortably.
Talk to Me About the Ride
The ES8 has a high-efficiency electric drive system, which gives it a perfect balance for long-range and high performance. The dual electric motors also provide intelligent all-wheel drive, so the ES8 has superb off-road capabilities.
The car’s suspension is raised, and the adaptive air springs will deliver the smoothest ride ever. At high speeds, the car will lower to improve stability, and when parked, it can lower the back side to enable easy loading.
You’ll also notice something interesting as you drive the NIO ES8. It has no gear stick but a simple toggle switch on the center console for reverse and drive.
Additionally, there is a button on the side for parking mode. Other functions like the massage seats and the climate control have voice activation, so you don’t have to shift your attention when driving as you search for activation switches.
And the EV Efficiency?
NIO ES8 supports 10 driving modes to cover different terrains. As such, you can have the best power consumption or, at times, the worst depending on the driving conditions and your personalized driving standards. However, the average consumption is 14.9 kWh per 100 km.
What About Steering the NIO ES8 Yourself?
Generally, the NIO ES8 SUV is the car you’ll enjoy driving. The car’s air suspension and two electric motors combine to ensure a perfect ride. When stopping the car, the four-piston Brembo brakes will reduce its speed from 100km/h to 0 in 34.3 meters.
The car’s driving position is impressive since the driver seat has a 20-way power adjustment with rare in-class shoulder bolsters and power headrests to keep you more comfortable. The quirky drive selector protrudes from the center console with 10 drive modes.
The Sport Modes offer the fastest 0 to 100 km acceleration in just 3.8 seconds. You can also take advantage of the NIO Pilot, which makes the ride smooth and keeps the car on the lane.
On the other hand, NIO dealt with the wind and tire noise, but not entirely. However, it doesn’t cause any much disturbance.
Browse More:
Is the Range Good?
NIO ES8 has three battery options, but they all offer reasonable ranges. The first one is the 75 kWh battery with a range of 465 km. The second one is the 100 kWh battery with a range of 605 km, and the last option is the 150 kWh battery with a range of 900 km.
Interior
What is It Like on the Inside?
NIO ES8 has a modular seat platform that allows different adjustments to suit personal needs. The first and second-row seats are also heated and ventilated on the cushions. The cabin offers several features, like fast wireless charging for several phones.
On the other hand, you have a small refrigerator to store your food or drinks. You’ll perform most of the activities inside the car with minimal effort. For instance, you can lower the second-row seats with a button to access the third-row seats.
Moreover, the interior has 7 airbags to protect you and the passengers from all sides in an accident. The interior has five themes inspired by the Earth.
Also, there is a panoramic sunroof with up to 1 m2 daylighting area, comprehensive noise cancellation technology, and smart 5-zone Climate Control. Around the dashboard, there is a 12.8-inch AMOLED display. The car interior is well designed for the family and personal needs.
Is the NIO ES8 Easy to Use?
NIO ES8 is an easy-to-use car unless you’re so much used to the older car models with manual controls. But you can learn how to use it very fast because as you walk around with your phone key, the lights will turn on, and the door handles will pop out automatically.
Inside the car, you have the voice assistant and some buttons to perform activities like dropping the back seats. The car has numerous other features you can enjoy.
But Where’s the Instrument Panel?
NIO ES8 has a 9.8-inch Instrument panel behind the steering wheel. The screen is raised from the dashboard for better visibility, so you don’t struggle to monitor the performance data while driving.
Is It Spacious?
The ES8 is spacious, with a smart layout, sophisticated details, and comfortable seats. The car will give you an immersive experience since it’s perfect for family, work, and all other scenarios like camping and long trips.
What else? It has an impressive length of 5,099 mm, a width of 1,989 mm, a height of 1,750mm, and a wheelbase of 3,070 mm. The boot also offers a space of 552L with the three-row seats up.
How’s the Build Quality?
The build quality is good. NIO ES8 is a mass-production SUV with the highest aluminum alloy of 90.5%. The car comes with the most advanced safety systems, and it’s very spacious for different activities.
Buying
What Should I Be Paying?
Note that NIO ES8 is the most expensive product from NIO. It’s one of the best-looking cars with advanced systems for better safety and driving experience.
The second-generation NIO ES8 can cost you an average of $72,172. Note that the costs may change depending on the battery package you choose.
What Does Charging Cost?
You’ll be surprised that China offers the lowest electricity costs worldwide. The charges average $0.12 per kWh in China, but you’ll pay more if you’re in a different country. For instance, Europe’s cost is $0.30 per kWh, while the US’s range is between $0.30 and $0.60 per kWh.
How Long Will Charging Take?
With the DC charger, you can charge the battery from 10 to 80% in 45 minutes. However, if you’re using the AC home charging, you can wait 11 hours and 30 minutes to get the battery to 100%.
What About Rivals?
The Tesla Model X is one of the ES8’s top competitors, but numerous other rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi E-Tron exist.
Below is a comparison of the four models:
| NIO ES8 | Tesla Model X | Jaguar I-Pace | Audi E-Tron |
| Engine: 480kW | Engine: 568kW | Engine: 295 kW | Engine: 370kW |
| Battery: 150kWh | Battery: 100kWh | Battery: 90kWh | Battery: 106kWh |
| Top Speed: 200 km/h | Top Speed: 210 km/h | Top Speed: 200 km/h | Top Speed: 220 km/h |
| Charge: 45 minutes | Charge: 30 minutes | Charge: 40 minutes | Charge: 23 minutes |
| Price: $72,172 | Price: $79,990 | Price: $73,275 | Price: $71,995 |
