New images reveal third-generation Nio ES8 undergoing road trials on public streets
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio has revealed the third-generation ES8, a significant upgrade from its predecessor in dimensions, battery technology, powertrain, and autonomous driving capabilities. The new model, which will be officially unveiled at Nio Day 2025, is currently available for pre-sale.
Dimensions and Cargo Space
The third-gen ES8 measures 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height. Its wheelbase is either 3,130 mm or 3,250 mm, depending on the source, representing an increase over the previous generation (exact predecessor dimensions not specified). Cargo space has expanded, with a standard 547 liters, expandable to 3,230 liters with seats folded, and a new 230-liter front trunk (frunk), a first for the ES8 line.
Battery Pack and Charging
The new ES8 offers a standard 100–102 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 635 km. A future 120 kWh battery option will support 5C fast charging, theoretically charging fully in about 12 minutes. It supports peak charging power of 600 kW at 925 volts, enabling a 5-minute charge to regain about 250 km of driving range. The vehicle also supports Nio’s quick battery swap system, requiring only 3 minutes to swap for a full battery.
Powertrain
Equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system similar to the Nio ET9 sedan, the third-gen ES8 delivers a combined peak power of 520 kW (707 horsepower) and 700 Nm of torque. The front motor is 180 kW and 300 Nm, while the rear motor is 340 kW and 400 Nm. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is about 3.97 seconds.
Autonomous Driving and Sensors
The third-gen ES8 upgrades from one to three LiDAR units: a main LiDAR on the roof with a 500-meter detection range plus two 120-degree wide-angle LiDARs on the sides, enhancing its autonomous capabilities. It uses Nio's in-house Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip with computational power equivalent to four Nvidia Orin X chips. Additional driver assistance sensors include 4D imaging radar and multi-camera arrays, integrated with Nio’s World Model (NWM) system.
Design and Features
The third-gen ES8 adopts a completely new design language with a notably different front face. It includes luxury features such as an in-car refrigerator, configurable seats (6 or 7 seats), and advanced suspension with dual-chamber air suspension adjustable by ±50 mm. Ground clearance is 165 mm with a maximum wading depth of 650 mm, and special modes like Easy Entry and Easy Load lower the vehicle for convenience.
Launch Details
Pre-sales opened in August 2025 with pricing starting around 416,800 yuan (~RM244k). The official launch event is scheduled for Nio Day 2025, though the exact date has yet to be announced.
The third-generation Nio ES8 represents a significant step up in both performance and premium SUV capabilities for Nio. With its larger dimensions, more powerful battery and powertrain, faster charging capabilities, and advanced autonomous driving hardware, it is poised to make a strong impact in the electric vehicle market.
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