- Nio released a winter test video of its ES9 SUV on Monday, highlighting the model's handling and agility ahead of an April 9 technology event.
- Nio is accelerating the launch pace of its flagship model, aiming to build market momentum for the upcoming Beijing Auto Show.
Nio released the first preview video of the ES9 on Monday, starting to build momentum for the large electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) ahead of a scheduled technology launch event on April 9.
The video shows behind-the-scenes footage of the flagship model undergoing winter testing in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia, which was completed in extreme cold environments with temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.
The short clip shows the ES9 successfully passing a blowout test while driving at a high speed of 150 km/h. Nio will also demonstrate an advanced version of a stability test featuring a champagne tower balanced on the front of the vehicle.
The video also compares the ES9 with the smaller Firefly EV navigating narrow roads, hinting that the large SUV will possess a turning radius and agility comparable to a compact car.
Nio is advancing the launch pace of its latest flagship model. Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li officially announced earlier this month that the ES9 technology event is set for April 9, slightly earlier than the company's previous expectation of around April 10.
The technology event aims to build anticipation for the upcoming Beijing Auto Show. The biennial auto show will open on April 24, where the ES9 is expected to make its public debut.
The ES9 is expected to be equipped with Nio's latest generation of core research and development achievements. This will likely include two in-house developed Shenji NX 9031 autonomous driving chips and the SkyRide chassis system, similar to the ET9.
There is currently no specific pricing information for the ES9. Nio's current highest-end model is the ET9 executive sedan, which starts at 768,000 yuan ($111,140).
When Nio launched the ET9 in December 2024, it demonstrated the model driving over bumpy roads with a champagne tower on its hood without spilling a drop, proving the capabilities of the SkyRide chassis.
The company also showcased the ET9's safety performance during a high-speed tire blowout at the time, drawing gasps from the audience.
While launching the new flagship, Nio is also actively consolidating its main market. The company's core "5566" lineup — comprising the Nio ET5, ET5 Touring, ES6, and EC6 — will receive minor upgrades this year to enhance market competitiveness.
($1 = 6.9102 yuan)
