Good Stuff
Looks great and is well-equipped out of the gate, with lots of technology gizmos for futureproofing, a comfortable ride with decent range, and battery-swap technology is a bonus.
Bad Stuff
The sheer width can be too much on some European roads, reliability is yet to be proven, and there are rivals that top up their battery cells faster and go further on a single charge.
Overview
What is It?
The ET7 is the flagship sedan of a rising Chinese EV maker that you might not have heard of, yet – NIO. It is cut from the same cloth as the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS, and is set to take the challenge to the biggest players in the game with a unique mix of technology and comfort.
NIO? Say What?
Yes, you heard that right. NIO is one of the biggest names in the Chinese EV industry, a plucky underdog whose origin dates back to 2014.
Originally called NextEV, the company reinvented itself to its current form in 2016 and has been making futuristic, electrified automobiles that have taken the world by storm.
In addition to making some of the wildest looking EVs we have seen to date, NIO has also had at other sectors in the automotive landscape.
The company had its own Formula E operation (which has since been rebranded to ‘ERT Formula E Team’) and has also held the EV lap record around the Green Hell for two years with their 1000+ horsepower EP9 hypercar which conquered the nearly 21 km circuit in just 6 minutes and 45 seconds.
So, it is safe to say that NIO knows a thing or two about making a great electric car, and you bet the ET7 lives up to that standard.
What About the Looks?
The NIO ET7 looks like a million bucks, despite not even costing a tenth of that. Fast and elegant is the name of the game here, with NIO giving the ET7 a swooping coupe silhouette despite it having four full-sized doors.
Oh, and those doors are frameless, we might add. NIO has been bold with the design, going against the norm and integrating sensor units that stick out at the top of the windshield.
Despite looking like three distinct horns, these don’t impact the aerodynamics one bit, giving this futuristic sedan a drag coefficient of just 0.208.
Don’t be fooled by the looks, as the ET7 is one of the roomiest vehicles of its segments, giving lucky passengers ample head and leg room to stretch out and enjoy the drive.
The “Double Dash” dual-beam LED headlights will light the darkest of nights, with the 3D heartbeat taillight acting as a great conversation starter no matter where you pull up to silently.
And to Drive?
Depending on your mood, the ET7 can either be an all-wheel-drive monster or a front-wheel-drive econobox, and this can all be selected from the high-definition screen.
In the most performance-oriented setting, the ET7 will blast past the 100 km/h barrier in just 3.8 seconds, while it will take 12.9 seconds to do the same in the most efficient mode.
The breaks could use some loving though, as the response starts to feel inconsistent after being thrashed around for a while. This won’t be a problem during everyday driving though, as the brakes are perfectly capable of bringing this nearly 2.5-tonne machine to a stop in seconds.
Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?
Love a sleek, stylish, and technologically advanced EV and don’t mind whether it comes from a name-brand manufacturer? Then, you’ll adore the ET7.
Not only does it come from a brand on its way up, but the reputation for build quality that NIO has built up over the short time since its inception is unlikely to be matched by a brand like Tesla in the coming years.
With electric cars being the way of the future, what’s to stop NIO from becoming a global leader in high-tech automobiles by 2025?
What’s in a Name?
ET7, sounds alien, right? We thought that too, until we got a hang of NIO’s naming convention. The ‘E’ stands for electric, and in NIO’s world, ‘T’ means you’ve got your hands on a sedan.
Where some manufacturers use letter-driven designations to show off a certain model’s place in the range, NIO goes against the norm and uses numbers.
With this being the brand’s current flagship sedan, it gets the number 7, which is the highest number so far. If the brand releases a higher-spec model someday in the future, you can bet it will be called the ET8 (or ET9, maybe, who knows!)
You Mention High-Tech?
If you want tech, the ET7 will put a massive grin on your face. This alien spaceship is one of the first vehicles in the world to make the magical promise of battery swapping a reality. This sedan has creature comforts at the top of its priority list, too!
While the inside of a Tesla Model S looks like a barren wasteland, the ET7 takes things to a whole new level by balancing minimalism with premium materials and features.
The NOMI AI assistant is a headline grabber, and other features like the 5G connection, two large OLED screens, a high-definition Heads Up Display, and the 23-speaker audio system put the ET7 leagues ahead of its rivals.
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What’s the Verdict?
The NIO ET7 is a game changer in every sense of the word, and although it has a few shortcomings, what it offers is more than adequate to make it deserve a place among the biggest players in the game.
While the ET7 might not be a canyon carver for the weekend getaway, those who are on the hunt for a high-tech and comfortable family cruiser will be delighted with this swoopy sedan from the Land of the Dragon.
Price and Specs
How Much Does NIO ET7 Cost?
The ET7 has a starting MSRP of $62,749 for the base model powered by the 75 kWh battery while opting for the 100 kWh battery pack takes the starting price up to $68,800.
Those who are looking to save a buck should consider the NIO Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) subscription. Although you’d have to pay a monthly fee of either $129 or $184, this subscription lowers the starting price of this luxury sedan to just $54,100.
Specs:
| Price: $62,749 | Engine: Permanent Magnet Motor |
| 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds | Torque: 850 Nm |
| Release Year: 2022 | Top Speed: 200 km/h |
| Power: 644 hp (480 kW) | Range: 1000 km (621 miles) |
Driving
What is It Live to Drive?
While the ET7 is no sports car, its driving characteristics are on par with the competition. Despite being heavier than a mountain, the way this luxury sedan controls its weight is commendable.
You’re bound to feel the weight on tighter corners, yet this is a characteristic most other EVs at this price point share amongst themselves.
The ET7 also has one of the lowest centers of gravities we have seen in a sedan yet, making the sensation of launching to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds feel like going into lightspeed.
What About the Steering?
The NIO ET7 comes equipped with dynamic steering as standard, which intelligently varies the steering ratio depending on the speed you are blasting down the highway.
Keep your expectations modest, and the ET7’s steering feel and performance will delight even the most enthusiastic drivers.
Talk to Me About the Ride
The Multilink suspension setups on both the front and back ensure that the ride quality is silky smooth, and minimum wind and road noise keep the cabin peaceful thanks to the thickly glazed windows.
Turn on the massaging seats for a dose of extra comfort, and the ET7 will make you understand what luxury transportation is all about!
And the EV Efficiency?
Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to the wild and wonderful world of EVs, and the ET7 delivers on NIO’s promise of ‘Blue Sky Coming.’
Built on a 400V architecture, the ET7 consumes 176 Wh/km, or in simpler terms, a vehicle fuel equivalent of 2.0 liters per 100 kilometers. The environmentally conscious among you will appreciate the zero CO2 emissions of the ET7, and if you’re in a hurry to head out of the house, the 140 kW maximum DC fast charging power will come in clutch.
What About Steering the NIO ET7 Yourself?
Steering the ET7 is one of the purest forms of joy you can get from driving. The feedback from the steering wheel does not feel numb like a Tesla and will give you an adequate feel for the road surface beneath.
Is the Range Good?
Long-distance drives won’t intimidate the NIO ET7, as the range-topping model comes with an unprecedented 600 miles of range.
Other variants have their combined ranges varying between 276 to 360 miles, more than adequate to commute from one state to the next without any range anxiety.
Interior
What is It Like on the Inside?
Inside the ET7 you’ll find a mindfully crafted passenger compartment that combines modern design elements with cutting-edge technology. The two-tone steering wheel adds a touch of class that the Tesla Model S is sorely missing, while the giant center display almost floats above everything else.
The air vents are hidden inside the dashboard, with the NOMI smart assistant keeping a constant eye on your driving habits.
14 individual tri pieces are lined with Karuun, a new, renewable material made from rattan sourced from tropical rain forests. Not only does it look unique, but the Karuun also gives a natural touch to the technology-filled cabin.
Is the Nio Et7 Easy to Use?
If you know how to use a smartphone, you already know how to operate the ET7. The 12.8-inch AMOLED screen puts every control at your fingertips, while NOMI keeps a constant eye on you, learning your driving habits with each drive.
The ET7 comes as standard with NIO’s state-of-the-art ‘AQUILA’ intelligent driving system, which has 33 different sensing units that constantly scan the environment around you to guarantee safety for all the occupants cocooned inside.
But Where’s the Instrument Panel?
The ET7 replaces the traditional gauge cluster with a 10.2-inch, high-definition Mini LED screen, equipped with HDR technology. It has individual dimming zones for maximum clarity and a high color contrast for the cleanest images even in direct sunlight.
Is It Spacious?
The NIO ET7 has ample space for 5 adults to travel in comfort. The winged headrests are as soft as a pillow, with each seat having heated, ventilated, and massage functions to take the stresses of a long drive away.
Find yourself always packing for a weekend’s getaway? The 364-liter boot at the back is more than capable of holding all your most precious belongings.
How’s the Build Quality?
In a day and age where the panel gaps on Teslas have become meme-worthy, the ET7, like all NIOs, has been built to the highest standard using nothing but the best. The company backs up its claims with an unprecedented ‘One Click Service’ solution.
Buying
What Should I Be Paying?
The nearly $63,000 starting price may seem steep for some, but things start to make sense when you take the prices of the ET7’s rivals into account.
If you want to save even more, opt for NIO’s battery subscription service and you’ll get your hands on a brand-new ET7 for only $54,100.
What Does Charging Cost?
Charging costs are in line with the rivals, with the ET7 being capable of being topped up with any CCS fast charger. It also supports Type 2 AC charging, letting you plug this next-generation EV into any 11 kW AC power supply.
On the other hand, if you would like to give NIOs Battery-as-a-Service subscription a try, prepare to part with either $129 or $184 every month for the privilege.
Sweet. How Long Will Charging Take?
Plug the ET7 into an AC outlet, and you’re looking at a 7-hour 45-minute charge cycle, otherwise called a good night’s sleep. On the other hand, a CCS fast charger will juice up the ET7 from 40 to 320 km in just under 30 minutes.
What About Rivals?
The NIO ET7 has chosen to battle with the crème de la crème of the EV sedans – the BMW i5, Lucid Air, Mercedes EQS and the Tesla Model S being a few that immediately come to mind.
The ET7 might be the most outlandish choice, but, open up your mind and you’ll quickly see that it is one of the best options out there for sale right now!
