Nio has officially launched the refreshed ET5 and ET5 Touring models, introducing over 500 enhancements across design, comfort, intelligence, and performance. The standard purchase with a 75 kWh battery costs 298,000 yuan (approximately 41,100 USD). A battery rental option is available for 228,000 yuan (31,500 USD), with monthly battery lease fees starting at 728 yuan (100 USD).

Visually, the new ET5 and ET5 Touring receive refined front-end styling with ADB intelligent multi-beam headlights and redesigned “double-dash” LED daytime running lights alongside a more sculpted hood. The ET5 gains a new “sunset purple” exterior colour, while the ET5 Touring adds a “moonlight silver.” Both models feature redesigned glossy black trim on the bumpers, skirts, diffuser, and new 20-inch five-spoke wheels with aerodynamic inserts to reduce drag.

Interior upgrades include a 15.6-inch horizontal AMOLED display, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 50-inch AR heads-up display and a digital rearview mirror. Three new interior themes—purple, pearl, grey—are available. Nio has also upgraded the seating with an 11-layer comfort system, two-piece seat cushions, and high-resilience foam, improving comfort and ergonomics. The rear seat support length is extended by 75 mm; insulation is boosted with infrared-resistant laminated glass on the side windows, and a dual-silver-coated panoramic roof offers up to 99% IR rejection.

Nio’s in-house-developed NX9031 chip powers the new models, delivering computing power equivalent to four industry-leading chips. Combined with a 29-sensor suite, including a 300-line equivalent LiDAR and 4D imaging radar, the system enables advanced driver assistance features. The cars support full-domain lane-level navigation using Nio’s World Model for predictive driving behaviour and scene understanding. A major OTA update in late June will activate comprehensive guided pilot assistance.

Both vehicles maintain the dual-motor AWD system, producing 490 hp (150 kW front, 210 kW rear) and 700 Nm of torque. Battery options remain the same, with 75 kWh and 100 kWh packs offering CLTC ranges of up to 585 km for the ET5 and 550 km for the ET5 Touring. A 150 kWh pack is available via short-term rental, enabling a driving range of up to 1,055 km under CLTC conditions.

The ET5 Touring additionally features a towing capability of up to 1,400 kg and a 75 kg tongue load, reinforcing its practicality. Comfort features include 14-way power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage; 23-speaker 7.1.4 immersive audio; dual 50W wireless phone chargers; and an intelligent dimmable panoramic roof (Touring only).

Despite slightly higher prices than competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Zeekr 007, Nio aims to differentiate with its technology, comfort, and ownership experience. In April 2025, Nio sold 2,015 ET5 and 6,015 units of the ET5 Touring, signalling strong demand for the wagon variant.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China. We will review the new Nio ET5 Touring wagon firsthand.