- Exterior Design Reflecting NIO’s Modern Identity
- Luxury Cabin with Smart Features
- Seating and Spacious Options
- Entertainment and Comfort
- Powerful Electric Performance and Advanced Battery
- Comparison with the Previous Generation and Competitors
- Pricing and Market Outlook
On August 21, 2025, the Chinese market witnessed the official debut of the all new NIO ES8 2026, a full size luxury electric SUV. Built on the brand’s latest NT3.0 platform, the new generation brings a major leap forward in design, technology, performance, and interior space. Initial pricing is set to be announced later the same day, with the full market launch scheduled for NIO Day in September 2025.
This new model marks the natural evolution of the ES8, first introduced in 2017, and highlights NIO’s ambition to compete head to head with leading global players in the premium electric vehicle segment.
Exterior Design Reflecting NIO’s Modern Identity
The 2026 NIO ES8 arrives with a more contemporary and elegant design, adopting the signature Shark Nose front fascia that gives the SUV a commanding presence on the road.
The upgrades cover multiple aspects of the exterior:
New headlights featuring three welcome light modes, three ground projection patterns, and a front light show lasting up to 30 seconds with music.
Stylish color choices including Midnight Black, Polar Blue, Metallic Gray, and Crystal Green.
A front trunk with a 230 liter capacity, capable of holding 80–100 kg when stationary or 50 kg in dynamic use, opened via a ceramic touch logo.
Larger dimensions than its predecessor: 5280 mm long, 2010 mm wide, and 1800 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3130 mm, offering more interior space.
Aerodynamic improvements across 13 elements, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.256 Cd.
22-inch wheels fitted with 265/40 R22 tires for a sporty and stable stance.
Full width LED taillights made of 600 LED units and 480 SuperRed LEDs, providing strong brightness and even distribution.
A generous rear cargo space of 547 liters, expandable to 3240 liters, complemented by an additional 132 liter underfloor compartment.
Luxury Cabin with Smart Features
Inside, the NIO ES8 2026 has been completely redesigned to embody true luxury while integrating cutting edge technology. Key highlights include:
A Skyline panoramic display stretching across the cabin for a modern visual experience.
A 15.6 inch central AMOLED screen powered by SkyOS.
A 38 inch AR head up display for immersive driving information.
The NOMI Mate 3.0 intelligent assistant that interacts with the driver through voice commands.
Seating and Spacious Options
The ES8 offers two interior configurations, either six or seven seats, both equipped with advanced comfort technologies:
First row seats that recline up to 180 degrees.
Second row seats with 151 degree recline, 26 adjustable positions, and lateral movement of up to 150 mm.
Third row seats reclining up to 130 degrees.
All seats equipped with heating, ventilation, massage functions, heated armrests, and integrated airbag support.
Zero Gravity seating available in three positions, ensuring exceptional comfort during long journeys.
Entertainment and Comfort
A massive 21.4 inch rear entertainment screen with MINI LED technology.
Built in refrigerator with an 8.8 liter capacity, adjustable between -2°C and +55°C, with remote electric control.
Hi-Fi sound system with 27 speakers delivering a total output of 2600 watts, enhanced with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.
Ambient lighting stretching 9.4 meters, offering 16 dynamic modes and 9 customizable themes.
Five zone independent climate control system, equipped with AQS air purification and CN95 and PM2.5 filters.
Rear smart dimming windows with three modes: privacy, heat insulation, and transparency.
Powerful Electric Performance and Advanced Battery
The NIO ES8 2026 is built on a modern 900V electric platform to deliver performance worthy of its position in the luxury SUV segment. Key specifications include:
Front motor producing 180 kW, equivalent to 241 hp.
Rear motor producing 340 kW, equivalent to 462 hp.
Combined output of 520 kW, delivering around 704 hp.
A 100 kWh battery pack offering a driving range of up to 635 km.
Adaptive air suspension with ±50 mm adjustability.
Water wading capability of up to 650 mm.
Curb weight of 2630 kg.
These figures highlight an SUV that blends high performance with everyday practicality, ensuring a luxurious driving experience suited for highways and long distance travel.
Comparison with the Previous Generation and Competitors
Compared to the previous generation of the ES8, the new model is larger and more efficient:
Length increased by 181 mm, width by 21 mm, and height by 50 mm.
Wheelbase grew to 3130 mm, providing more interior space.
Drag coefficient improved to 0.256 Cd, enhancing energy efficiency.
Total output rose from 653 hp to 704 hp.
Battery range increased from around 580 km to 635 km.
Intelligent driving systems advanced from NOP to NOP+ with the addition of LiDAR and the NX9031 processor.
Looking at direct competitors, we can see:
Tesla Model X offers a longer range (up to about 660 km) but falls short in terms of interior seating comfort.
BMW iX is smaller in size and does not provide seven-seat options.
Lucid Gravity focuses on high performance driving but has yet to launch in the Chinese market.
As a result, the ES8 positions itself as a balanced option between luxury, spaciousness, and advanced smart technologies.
Pricing and Market Outlook
The NIO ES8 2026 is expected to start at around 520,000 RMB, approximately 268,000 SAR, reflecting the significant upgrades compared to the previous generation, which was priced between 498,000 and 598,000 RMB.
This pricing places it in direct competition with major models like the Tesla Model X and BMW iX, while delivering a higher level of interior comfort and innovative technology. It underscores NIO’s strategy of elevating technological value across its lineup.
