Nio's electric Mini arrives in Europe!

Big gap during Nio Day, since the Chinese manufacturer unveiled both the final version of its ET9 luxury sedan, but also its new Firefly brand. This city car takes on the Mini, Smart and other Renault 5 head-on.

To expand, Nio developed a strategy based on three brands. Nio, the “parent” brand with a premium positioning, was launched in 2018. Onvo put its first model on the market last summer 2024 and is targeting price segments more central to the market. Firefly will finally specialize in more compact vehicles. But be careful, this is not at all a low-cost brand.

During the presentation, William Li explained that the Firefly would be more “Smart” than the Mini and more “Mini” than the Smart. The targets are clearly identified. The price of 148,800 RMB (19,700 €) is almost identical to that of the Mini Cooper E or the Smart #1. When it comes to Europe, where it will also cross swords with the Renault 5, its price should also align with that of its rivals, around €30,000.

Very quickly in Europe

Because it will arrive in Europe. Initially, it was to be launched on our continent even before China. The launch will finally take place first in China in the spring, and in Europe in the fall of 2025. It is with the Firefly that Nio intends to expand its presence in other regions such as South America or South Asia. Southeast.

To enter this market, Firefly chose an easily identifiable design, which is characterized by a triple circular optic framing a capsule-shaped headband. The theme is found both front and rear. The dimensions have not yet been communicated, but according to William Li's statement, it will be smaller than the Smart#1. We can estimate its length between 4.10 and 4.20 m. A sign that it was designed for the European customer, Nio highlights the turning radius of 4.7 m (lower than that of competing targets) and shows the trunk rather than the interior of its car. The Firefly thus boasts of offering a frunk of 92 liters and a rear trunk, with autoclave tailgate, of up to 1250 liters. Of course, this last value refers to the seat folded, but it is already higher than that of the Smart #1 under the same conditions.

Also readDo you want a Chinese electric car at the price of a Porsche?

Battery swap

Nio has not yet communicated the technical data, motors and batteries, of its new small electric vehicle. But he does insist on one point: its compatibility with the battery exchange system which is the basis of the Nio user experience. The announced price could also be that with battery acquisition. The choice of battery rental, with access to the exchange system, could thus significantly reduce the final price.

The Firefly will be one of the big news at the Shanghai show in April. Will it be presented in Europe at the Munich show?