NIO has officially launched the ES9, its new flagship executive SUV, in China. The ES9 Executive Premium Edition is priced at RMB 498,000, or RMB 390,000 under NIO’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) subscription model. The Executive Signature Edition is available at RMB 558,000, or RMB 450,000 with BaaS, while the range-topping Horizon Edition is priced at RMB 628,000, or RMB 520,000 with the subscription plan.
The ES9 arrives at a defining moment for both the premium automotive market and the next chapter of battery electric mobility. Backed by NIO’s long-term investment and innovation in battery electric vehicles, as well as charging and swapping infrastructure, the advantages of battery electric vehicles continue to expand, while the compromises traditionally associated with charging convenience continue to diminish. This year, NIO plans to deploy more than 1,000 new Power Swap Stations and will begin large-scale rollout of its fifth-generation stations in the third quarter, making long-distance EV travel more seamless and convenient than ever. As a breakthrough product across every dimension of user experience, the ES9 is poised to accelerate the shift toward full electrification in the premium market and redefine the flagship executive SUV segment.
Pioneering a new category of smart electric flagship executive SUVs, the ES9 also represents the culmination of 11 years of innovation across NIO’s six core systemic capabilities: full-stack R&D, innovative supply chains, advanced manufacturing, lifecycle quality management, smart power, and comprehensive user services. Featuring more than 40 industry-first technologies, the ES9 sets a new benchmark for technology and experience in the smart electric flagship executive SUV segment.
At the launch event, NIO ES9 Chief Experience Officer Yao Ming shared his firsthand experience with the vehicle. Created for leaders of a new era, the ES9 is designed to accompany those with vision and action to explore beyond horizons.
NIO ES9: Key Highlights
The NIO ES9 is a new flagship electric executive SUV that combines Chinese-inspired design, luxury, advanced intelligence, safety and high-performance electric mobility.
Design & Space
- Measures 5,365 mm in length with a 3,250 mm wheelbase, making it one of the largest battery-electric SUVs developed in China.
- Features distinctive Double-Dash daytime running lights, HD projection headlights, and the segment’s longest taillight.
- Interior incorporates traditional Chinese craftsmanship, including Su embroidery with nearly 400,000 stitches.
- Offers class-leading cabin space with a 2,805 mm cabin length, over 1.5 meters of second-row legroom, and more than 1 meter of headroom across all three rows.
- Provides 816 liters of cargo capacity plus a 216-liter front trunk.
Premium Comfort
- Equipped with second-row zero-gravity executive seats featuring a 42-point full-body massage system.
- Includes the world’s first array-based liquid crystal smart dimming windows, capable of switching in 17 milliseconds.
- Features NIO’s Executive Console with dual 16-inch screens, conferencing capabilities, and a magnetic tea tray for executive travel.
Audio Experience
- Uses the LYRA 9.2.4.8 Sound System with 47 speakers and 3,020W output.
- Features diamond dome tweeters, Dolby-certified technologies, and advanced noise reduction systems for a premium in-cabin audio experience.
Intelligence & Connectivity
- Powered by the world’s first 5nm automotive-grade smart driving chip (NX9031).
- Runs on the AI-powered NIO OS operating system.
- Includes a mass-produced 5D immersive cabin and an upgraded NOMI AI assistant.
Smart Driving
- Equipped with 31 sensing units and the Cedar AQUILA Super Sensing platform.
- Powered by the NIO WorldModel (NWM) for enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.
- Supports advanced Navigate on Pilot Plus (NOP+) functions, including handling complex traffic situations.
Safety
- Features a super cage body structure and up to 12 airbags.
- Introduces industry-first model-based Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Automatic Emergency Steering (AES).
- Includes seven layers of safety redundancy covering key vehicle systems.
Performance & Chassis
- Built on NIO’s SkyRide Intelligent Chassis with the world’s first 48V integrated hydraulic fully active suspension.
- Features steer-by-wire technology and rear-wheel steering, enabling a compact 5.4-meter turning radius.
- Built on a 900V high-voltage architecture supporting 5C ultra-fast charging and 3-minute battery swapping.
- Delivers up to 620 km driving range and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
According to William Li, the ES9 represents the culmination of NIO’s 11 years of innovation and establishes a new benchmark in the smart electric executive SUV segment.
