NIO has just unveiled its
ES8, a brand new 7-seater performance SUV built specifically for China. NIO
intends on starting deliveries of the ES8 in 2018 and will build it alongside
the flagship EP9 electric supercar.
The NIO ES8 features a body and chassis made
entirely from aluminum and measures 196 inches long and has a wheelbase of just
over 118 inches. This allows for a spacious 2-3-2 seating arrangement in a
cabin that includes a large, tablet-like display in the center console, a
fully-digital gauge cluster, a two-spoke steering wheel and contrasting black
and white elements.
The automaker has yet to divulge many details about
the ES8's drivetrain but says it has electric motors at both the front and rear
and an advanced air suspension system. It also has a battery that can be
swapped to virtually eliminate charging times in a way similar to Tesla's
defunct battery-swapping service.
The electric SUV bares some
similarities to the EP9 supercar, particularly at the rear. From the front, its
headlights remind us of the Citroen C4 Cactus but for the most part, it looks
quite unique and should have a decent amount of road presence thanks in part to
the clear character lines above both the front and rear wheel arches.
