Introduced for the first time in 2017 in China, Nio is launching the EL8 (or ES8 in China) in Europe. Refreshed in 2023, this large 6-seater SUV is now available for order in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Nio unveils the EL8 for Europe
Despite the measures taken by the European Commission to try to cool down Chinese manufacturers, Nio is stepping up its game in Europe. William Li’s company assures that “customs duties are not a problem”. According to a spokesperson for the brand, “Nio’s commitment to the European electric car market remains unwavering”. To prove it, Nio presented a new model for the European market this week.
The Chinese manufacturer is preparing to launch its large SUV EL8. Named ES8 in China, the company was forced to comply with a decision from German courts and change the name of their model. Audi had filed a lawsuit against the Chinese company due to the letter “S”. The German automaker believes that the naming of Nio ES6, ES7, and ES8 models could be confusing with its own sporty models, the S6, S7, and S8.
Already available in China and Norway (since 2021), the EL8 is now available in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Refreshed in 2023, this luxury SUV is 5.09 m long, 1.96 m wide, and 1.75 m high. It will be a serious competitor for the Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, and Tesla Model X. From a technical standpoint, it is quite similar to the Nio ET7. Both models are based on the NT2.0 platform.
A 240 kW charging power
Like the electric sedan, the EL8 is offered with two battery options: 100 or 75 kWh. It also has the same 480 kW motor. However, it will be more powerful in terms of charging power. The model is capable of handling up to 240 kW in direct current and can go from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes. This is true only for the Long Range version. On the base model, you’ll have to settle for 125 kW.
Nio is not specifically aiming to push the limits of charging power like other manufacturers. The company has always relied on another technique, the “swap battery”. But during the presentation of the model in Frankfurt, a company representative still stated that “it was reassuring for buyers to know that their vehicle could recharge quickly at a charging station”.
Depending on the chosen battery, Nio estimates the range of its large SUV between 390 and 510 kilometers (WLTP cycle). It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Inside, the model offers three rows of seats, each with two seats, for a total of six seats. With the EL8 Executive version, the aisle between the second-row seats is replaced by a central console with a small refrigerator.
When the rear seats are folded down, the trunk goes from 265 to 810 liters. This shows that the EL8 is not designed as a vehicle intended to carry a lot of luggage. The brand prioritized passenger comfort by making the journey as comfortable as possible. There is a wide range of seat adjustment and massage options available.
Starting price: 82,900 Euros (excluding the battery)
In terms of price, Nio offers the EL8 starting at 82,900 Euros without the battery. Then, you will need to pay 168 Euros per month for the small battery or 289 Euros per month for the large one. It is also possible to purchase the model directly with the battery. Starting price is 94,900 Euros for the version with the small battery and 103,900 Euros for the Long Range version. Finally, the EL8 has a towing capacity of 2 tons.
The first deliveries are expected in September. For now, Nio is focusing on just 5 markets in Europe. While France is presumably in the manufacturer’s sights, it is uncertain when this will take effect. However, the company has announced its intention to establish a presence in the United States by 2025.