Nio Unveils China’s Largest Electric SUV

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Nio has unveiled the first official images of the cabin in its completely redesigned ES8, a flagship full-size electric SUV, as anticipation builds for its pre-sale debut on August 21. Measuring an impressive 5,280 mm in length and boasting a wheelbase of 3,130 mm, the latest ES8 takes the title of the largest fully electric SUV currently available in the Chinese automotive market.

2026 Nio

The new model will be offered with a variety of interior themes, one of which—a vivid, deep red—has been highlighted in the newly released photographs. This bold color treatment isn’t limited to the passenger compartment; it continues seamlessly into the cargo area and behind the third row of seating, creating a unified, high-end visual effect. The cabin design draws on an aviation aesthetic, with toggle switches crafted using a straight-grain knurling process, paired with satin-brushed trim for a refined tactile experience. On the door panels, a “Cosmic Orbit” brushed metal grille conceals a newly engineered speaker system, forming part of the upgraded infotainment and audio package. Nio has also emphasized premium materials, covering the cabin with 52 square meters of soft-touch surfaces, while the seats display intricate embroidery work incorporating more than 120,000 precision stitches.

Nio ES8

From the outside, the updated ES8 adopts a sharper, more angular front profile. The headlight assemblies have been reworked, while the air intakes have been relocated to sit just below them. The lower grille surround has also been reshaped, giving the SUV a more sculpted, three-dimensional look. Technologically, the new ES8 is fitted with three LiDAR sensors—one centrally positioned on the roof and two located on the front corners—alongside advanced 4D imaging radar, matching the hardware setup found on Nio’s ET9 flagship sedan.

Dimensionally, the ES8 has moved up from the mid-to-large category to a true full-size SUV. Its proportions now stand at 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a generous 3,130 mm wheelbase. The model will feature a six-seat configuration, and thanks to its extended body length, it offers the most spacious interior Nio has produced to date.

Nio

Performance remains a key selling point. The ES8 continues to use a dual-motor setup, delivering an impressive maximum output of 697 horsepower. Power is supplied by a ternary lithium battery from CATL, integrated with Nio’s advanced 900V ultra-fast charging and battery swap technology. This system supports peak voltages of up to 925V, enabling 5C charging rates—enough to add more than 250 km of range in just five minutes—or a complete battery exchange in approximately three minutes. With a peak charging power of 600 kW and a peak current of 765 A, the new ES8 blends luxury, performance, and cutting-edge charging convenience in a package aimed at setting new benchmarks for electric SUVs.

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