The Nio Day 2023 wasn’t just a glitzy affair with champagne toasts; it marked the debut of the Chinese electric carmaker’s most premium offering to date, the flagship ET9 sedan. Positioned to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model S, Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i7, as well as their ICE counterparts such as the S-Class and 7-Series, the ET9 brings a new 900V architecture to the table, packing nearly 700 hp under the hood. It is poised to hit the Chinese market next year, with initial deliveries anticipated in early 2025.
The ET9
challenges traditional distinctions between coupe-crossovers and sedans. This
is evident not only in its design but also in its surprisingly high ground
clearance for a full-size sedan. The ET9 embraces a coupe-style fastback
roofline, retaining Nio’s signature (and not so signature) design elements.
These include a sharp front end with slim headlights and a rear end that
appears to be the lovechild of a Jaguar F-Type and Porsche Taycan. However, it
lacks the more athletic appearance of it smaller sibling, the BMW i4-sized ET5.
Instead, it leans towards resembling an extended version of Nio’s EC6 Coupe
SUV.
In terms of dimensions, the ET9 measures
5,324 mm in length, 2,016 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, with a generous 3250 mm long wheelbase.
For comparison, the Mercedes EQS measures 5,265 mm long, 1,520 mm tall, and 1,926 mm wide, with a 3,210 mm wheelbase. Other notable features include concealed door handles, a
retractable active rear spoiler, and 23-inch multi-spoke wheels with a floating
logo design reminiscent of Rolls-Royce that remains upright while the car is in
motion. Furthermore, Nio says that the ET9 boasts the distinction of having the
only touch-free electric opening and closing front trunk in its class.
While Nio has not yet revealed the
dashboard design in full, they’ve been quite generous in sharing the opulent
rear passenger compartment details. It’s evident that the company’s priorities
lean toward pampering those in the back seat. The ET9’s first class-style rear
seats offer a backrest adjustment angle of up to 45 degrees, a seat cushion
width of 582 mm, and 11 one-click adjustments. Plus, for that
touch of opulence, the car boasts 7 electric sunshades that can be activated
with a single press of a button. Among other amenities are an 8-inch
tablet-style screen placed between the seats, an electric opening and closing
smart refrigerator, and two 14.5-inch AMOLED screens mounted on the back of the
front seats. Instead of a traditional instrument panel, the ET9 relies on a
head-up display system and a 15.6-inch tablet-style AMOLED screen on the center
console. Nio also mentions a retractable steering wheel design that can be
stowed into the instrument panel when the smart pilot function is engaged. In
terms of safety and technology, the ET9 is equipped with three lidar sensors,
including one in the center and two high-definition cameras on the front edge
of the roof. Additionally, it features digital rear-view mirrors.
Under the skin, the ET9 is built on Nio’s
third-generation platform, featuring 900V Architecture, a first in China, that
operates at the highest voltage of 925V. This enables rapid charging with a
peak power of 600kW and a peak current of 765A. According to Nio, this
facilitates an ultra-fast recharge of the 120kWh battery with 46105 cells,
extending the range by 255 km with just a 5-minute charge. As
with other Nio products, the ET9 supports a full battery swap in just 3
minutes. The ET9 is equipped with Sky Ride, Nio’s intelligent chassis system,
which includes a drive-by-wire chassis, rear-wheel steering with a maximum angle
of 8.3 degrees. It also has a fully active suspension system where each shock
absorber is independently controlled by a dedicated hydraulic pump, and which
according to Nio, is more advanced than the one employed by the new
third-generation Porsche Panamera.
Powering the ET9 are two electric motors:
an asynchronous front motor producing 180 kW (241 hp) and a rear permanent
magnet synchronous motor generating 340 kW (456 hp). Together, they deliver a
combined output of 520 kW or 697 hp. Although Nio has not disclosed plans for
the availability of the ET9 in other markets, it is currently open for
pre-orders in China, with deliveries scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Pricing starts at 800,000 yuan (about US$ 112,800 at current exchange rates).
Early birds who pre-order the ET9 will enjoy a number of benefits, , including
a discount ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 yuan (US$ 705-US$ 1,410) and up to 100 hours
of complimentary chauffeur service, among other perks.
