Presented 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 to 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 “. The proof: Nio presented this week a new model for the Old Continent.
The Chinese manufacturer is preparing to market its large SUV EL8. Called ES8 in China, the company was forced to comply with a decision by the German courts and change the name of its model. Audi had initiated proceedings against the Chinese because of the letter “ S “. The German believes that the naming of the Nio ES6, ES7 and ES8 may lead to confusion with its own sports models, the S6, S7 and S8.
Already marketed in China and Norway (since 2021), the EL8 is now available in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Refreshed in 2023, this luxury SUV measures 5.09 m long by 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 point of view, it is quite close to the Nio ET7. Both models are based on the NT2.0 platform.
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Charging power at 240 kW
Like the electric sedan, the EL8 is offered with two battery options: 100 or 75 kWh. It also has the same 480 kW engine. On the other hand, it will be more efficient in terms of charging power. The model is capable of handling up to 240 kW of direct current and therefore going from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes. This is only true for the Long Range version. On the entry level you will have to make do with 125 kW.
Nio is not specifically looking to push the limits of charging power like other manufacturers do. The company has always relied on another technique, “ swap battery “. But during the presentation of the model in Frankfurt, a brand manager still declared “ that it was reassuring for buyers to know that their vehicle could be recharged quickly at a terminal “.
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Depending on the battery chosen, Nio estimates the range of its large SUV between 390 and 510 kilometers (in the WLTP cycle). It is capable of going 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 that separates the second row seats is replaced by a center console with a small refrigerator.
When the rear seats are folded, the trunk increases 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 wanted to prioritize passenger comfort by making the journey as comfortable as possible. In particular, there is a wide range of adjustment and massage options for the seats.
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Starting price: 82,900 euros (without battery)
Price-wise, Nio offers the EL8 from 82,900 euros without the battery. You then have to pay 168 euros per month to equip yourself with 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 at 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 tonnes.
The first deliveries are expected in September. For the moment, Nio is only content with 5 markets in Europe. If France is a priori in the manufacturer’s sights, we do not know when this will be effective. On the other hand, the company has announced its desire to establish itself in the United States by 2025.
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