Nio's third-generation ES8 model caught uncovered in real-world sightings, hinting at impending debut
Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced the regulatory filing of its third-generation ES8, set to join the market later this year. The new model is a significant upgrade from its predecessor and current flagship SUV, boasting improved specifications and features.
Key Features of the Third-Generation ES8
The third-generation ES8 is built on the NT3.0 platform, making it larger than its predecessor. It measures 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase extended to 3,130 mm. This makes it one of the largest pure-electric SUVs on the market.
The SUV's powertrain consists of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering a peak power output of 520 kW (707 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. This performance matches that of Nio's flagship sedan, the ET9.
The third-generation ES8 is equipped with a 100–102 kWh ternary lithium battery pack manufactured by CATL. This battery pack offers a CLTC range of approximately 635 kilometers (around 395 miles). The vehicle supports Nio's 900V ultra-fast charging platform with a peak charging power of 600 kW, allowing charging of 250 km range in about 5 minutes, and full battery swaps in approximately 3 minutes.
In terms of autonomous driving, the ES8 features the flagship "AQUILA Super Sensing System." This system includes three LiDAR sensors—one ultra-long-range LiDAR on the roof with a detection range up to 500 meters, plus two 120-degree wide-angle LiDARs on the vehicle's sides. It also uses Nio's NX9031 autonomous driving chip and the Nio World Model (NWM) hardware platform.
Luxurious Interior and Exterior Design
The interior of the third-generation ES8 offers configurable six-seat (2+2+2) and seven-seat (2+3+2) layouts. The SUV features luxurious features such as ventilated, heated, and massaging seats in all rows, over 120,000 embroidered stitches, aviation-style toggle switches, and a ceiling-mounted rear screen. The interior uses 52 square meters of soft-touch materials and features a full-width Hypervision display and a 1,000-Watt 23-speaker audio system with external sound projection.
The exterior design of the ES8 showcases sharper angles, redesigned lighting units, repositioned side air vents below the headlights, and a distinctive tailgate designed for improved practicality. The triple LiDAR setup is notably visible on the roof and front fenders.
Performance Improvements
The third-generation ES8 is expected to improve its acceleration to below 4.0 seconds for 0–100 km/h, an improvement from the previous 4.1 seconds, although official figures are not yet confirmed. The SUV also retains air suspension and multi-link rear axle, supporting four-wheel steering and active anti-roll to reduce pitch and body roll.
The Second-Generation ES8: Nio's Current Flagship SUV
The second-generation Nio ES8, currently Nio's flagship SUV, was launched on December 24, 2022. It features the same 102-kWh battery pack as the ET9. The predecessor of the second-generation ES8 measures 5,099 mm in length, 1,989 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,070 mm.
Deliveries of the third-generation ES8 are expected to start late September or early October 2025 following the vehicle’s debut event. The new ES8 maintains its position as Nio’s flagship electric SUV, targeting premium customers.
- Nio, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced the regulatory filing of its third-generation ES8, an upgrade from its preceding model and current flagship SUV.
- The third-generation ES8 is equipped with a 100–102 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, manufactured by CATL, which offers an approximately 635-kilometer CLTC range.
- The SUV supports Nio's 900V ultra-fast charging platform, offering a charging range of 250 km in about 5 minutes and full battery swaps in approximately 3 minutes.
- In terms of autonomous driving, the third-generation ES8 features the flagship "AQUILA Super Sensing System" with three LiDAR sensors for improved detection.
- The ES8's sophisticated interior includes luxurious features like ventilated, heated, massaging seats, aviation-style toggle switches, and a 1,000-Watt 23-speaker audio system.
- Nio's automotive technology advancements and finance innovations position the third-generation ES8 as a significant player in the transportation and automotive industry.
