Nio, a Chinese carmaker, is about to launch its new electric SUV, the EL8, in Europe. This stylish and eco-friendly vehicle is designed to offer European drivers a luxurious and high-tech alternative in the electric car market. With features tailored to European tastes, the EL8 aims to compete with top luxury brands, blending sustainability with sophistication.
This model is specifically tailored for the European market and will be available exclusively with six seats. The interior of the EL8 showcases a range of eco-friendly materials, including foam cushions crafted from soybean and a headliner made from plant-based woven suede. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a high-end 23-speaker, 2000-watt surround sound system, ambient lighting, and laminated glass, enhancing both comfort and aesthetics.
Buyers can customize the EL8 with second-row seats that are adjustable in 14 different ways, featuring an armrest for added convenience. Alternatively, customers may opt for the Executive Console package, which includes a fridge and a console for further luxury. Reflecting the trend in contemporary electric vehicles, the EL8 is equipped with multiple screens, such as a 12.8-inch infotainment display, a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a 6.6-inch screen positioned at the rear, ensuring that all occupants are well-connected and informed.
Although the EL8 is making its debut in Europe, it is not a new model globally, having been available in China for over a year under the name ES8. Like its Chinese counterpart, the European version of the EL8 is equipped with 33 high-performance sensors, including a LiDAR system, to facilitate advanced self-driving features. This positioning aims to compete with high-end SUVs like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The EL8 comes standard with a 75 kWh battery, providing a range of 463 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. For those planning longer journeys across Europe, the optional 100 kWh battery is available, extending the range to 508 kilometers.
All versions of the EL8 are equipped with a dual electric motor setup, featuring a 241 hp motor at the front axle and a 402 hp motor at the rear axle. This configuration produces a combined output of 643 hp and a torque of 850 Nm, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Despite its substantial dimensions—length of 5,099 mm, width of 1,750 mm, and height of 2,199 mm—Nio has not disclosed the exact weight of the vehicle, although it is expected to be quite substantial.
Nio has priced the EL8 starting at €82,900 in Germany. It will also be available in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, though the pricing for these markets has yet to be announced. The introduction of the EL8 is poised to expand Nio's footprint in the European electric vehicle market, offering a blend of luxury, technology, and sustainability.