Chinese EV maker Nio has unveiled the 2026 ES8 at Nio Day 2025, positioning it as the brand’s flagship SUV. With a length of 5.28 m, width of 2.01 m, height of 1.8 m, and a 3.13 m wheelbase, the ES8 is the largest fully electric SUV currently on sale in China. Buyers can choose six- or seven-seat configurations, with options for full purchase or battery-as-a-service (BaaS) subscription. Nio aims to produce 40,000 units by the end of the year, with deliveries starting on 21 September.
| Trim | Purchase Price (CNY) | Approx. AUD | BaaS Price (CNY) | Approx. AUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six-seat Executive Luxury | 406,800 | ~$97,000 | 298,800 | ~$71,000 |
| Six-seat Executive Signature | 446,800 | ~$107,000 | 338,800 | ~$81,000 |
| Seven-seat Executive Luxury | 406,800 | ~$97,000 | 298,800 | ~$71,000 |
Design and interior
The ES8 adopts a refreshed exterior, featuring split diamond-cut running lights, upgraded headlamps, and flush door handles. Buyers can choose from six exterior colours and four interior themes. Inside, the SUV integrates the Skyline panoramic display, a redesigned horizontal central touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel, and the upgraded Nomi AI assistant. Cabin materials include real wood, brushed metal, and intricate embroidery with 120,000 stitches.
Practicality is a highlight: luggage capacity is 777 litres across front and rear trunks, expanding to 3,240 litres with seats folded. The cabin floor covers 3.7 m², and all three rows offer generous shoulder room. Six-seat variants feature zero-gravity seats with leg support, while the seven-seat layout adds heated foldable armrests in the second row.
For entertainment, there’s a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, supported by a 2,600 W “Tianqin” 27-speaker audio system. Additional touches include folding tables, a small refrigerator, and electrochromic privacy glass.
Performance and range
Power comes from a dual-motor setup producing 520 kW and 700 Nm of torque, allowing the ES8 to hit 100 km/h in just 3.97 seconds. It runs on a 900 V high-voltage platform and a 102 kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 635 km and an average energy consumption of 16.6 kWh/100 km. Nio plans to offer a 120 kWh 5C battery in future models.
The ES8 features adaptive dual-chamber air suspension with a 100 mm travel range, CDC dampers, and front wheel steering up to 41 degrees, resulting in a tight 5.7 m turning radius. A new intelligent wet-surface mode improves stability on slippery roads.
Safety and technology
Safety equipment is extensive: 11 airbags, 72 crash-test verifications, and 65 active assistance features. The ES8 is powered by Nio’s Shenji NX9031 chip paired with Qualcomm’s 8295 processor, enabling advanced driver-assistance systems and an AR head-up display. Innovative safety features include an “intelligent guardian” mode, which raises the suspension during flooding and alerts the owner remotely.
Pricing and market context
The 2026 ES8 is priced roughly 121,200 CNY (~$29,000 AUD) lower than the second-generation ES8, which launched at 528,000 CNY (~$126,000 AUD). Nio’s founder William Li acknowledged that the lower pricing may affect existing owners in the short term but emphasised that it aims to keep the ES8 competitive in China’s large SUV segment, according to Daily Economic News.
