The Nio ET5 Touring, first introduced in mid-2023 as the brand’s first estate model, quickly stood out for blending electric performance with everyday practicality. For 2025, Nio has given it 500 updates in the areas that matter most for long-term ownership. The refreshed model keeps its dual-motor AWD layout and distinctive shooting brake proportions. Still, it benefits from improved ride comfort, quieter cabin acoustics, enhanced assisted driving features, and a more responsive in-car system. These refinements transform the ET5 Touring into a more mature, well-rounded product that feels purpose-built for daily use and spirited driving.

We will take a deep dive into Nio ET5 Touring 2025 on this week’s Sunday China Drive.

Exterior

Visually, the changes are subtle, mostly centred around the front end. The updated headlights are more three-dimensional and adaptive, offering improved visibility and a sharper lighting signature. A new LED strip and black trim below the front bumper add a bit of character, while the wheels now come in a fresh dual-tone “five-spoke fan blade” design.

Despite the restrained aesthetic revisions, some thoughtful upgrades go unnoticed. The front windshield now features a new thermal insulation coating that performs nearly on par with aftermarket tint films, while still passing legal light transmission standards. It’s a reminder that while Nio kept the bodywork familiar, they’ve been busy refining where it matters most.

Interior

Inside, the updates are far more apparent and meaningful. The vertically oriented central screen is gone, replaced by a wide-format horizontal unit—borrowed from Nio’s flagship models—that dramatically improves the user interface, particularly when multitasking between navigation and system functions. The trendy gear selector at the centre console is also gone, replaced by a more traditional steering-wheel gear selector. The materials feel more premium, but the seats mark the most significant leap forward.

Long-legged drivers rejoice: the seat cushions are longer and more supportive and offer thigh support worthy of European sport-tourers. Nio added a 14-way adjustment and upgraded the foam padding for better posture and long-distance comfort. In the previous version, the driver’s seat was relatively high, even at its lowest position, making you feel like you were behind the wheel of an SUV. The refreshed model has corrected this and allows the driver to sit in a lower position. The rear seatbacks received the same attention, with improved cushioning and a flat floor, making the ET5 Touring far more pleasant for passengers.

Storage-wise, the Touring continues to shine. With 529 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,687 litres when folded flat, it accommodates everything from sports gear to small furniture. The 4/2/4 split also makes it practical for longer items. One clever addition: the new magnetic mounts behind both front seats allow for easy placement of tablets or phones, which are ideal for rear-seat entertainment or working on the go.

Driving Experience

The most transformative upgrades are under the skin. Nio has equipped the ET5 Touring with CDC (Continuously Damping Control) adaptive suspension and hydraulic bushings on the rear subframe. Gone is the slightly floaty, soft feel of the previous model. In its place is a dynamic balance between comfort and confident road holding.

The steering feel has improved noticeably. More weight, better feedback, and reduced artificiality offer a closer connection between the driver and the chassis. Combined with the stiffer suspension setup and refined chassis calibration, the ET5 Touring now provides a more poised and communicative drive, whether cruising on highways or carving mountain roads.

Multiple drive modes let you tailor the experience. Notably, Nio has added a “drift mode,” which turns the dual-motor AWD system into a rear-wheel-drive setup, complete with adjustable stability controls and rear axle torque distribution. A “mountain mode” and a flexible EPM interface allow mix-and-match configuration of suspension stiffness, power response, and steering weight.

Even in comfort mode, the car remains composed over bumps and speed humps, thanks to the CDC’s fast real-time damping adjustments. If you’re travelling with family, that comfort translates to a smoother, more relaxing ride. But dial it up to sport or custom, and the Touring comes alive—with tighter body control, reduced roll, and sharper transitions through corners.

Noise insulation has also been enhanced. Combined with the improved seat materials and air suspension refinement, the cabin experience is now more serene and upscale, especially at highway speeds.

Verdict

The refreshed Nio ET5 Touring is a textbook case of how to execute a meaningful mid-cycle update. It doesn’t rely on visual drama or headline-grabbing powertrain changes. Instead, it focuses on what matters: the quality of your daily drive, the connection you feel behind the wheel, and the minor but critical improvements in comfort and usability.

While it may not sway those who expect a radically different exterior, the 2025 ET5 Touring rewards those who value substance over flash. The new adaptive suspension and reworked chassis bring a welcome dose of maturity to the driving experience. The upgraded seats and cabin tech close the comfort gap between the ET5 Touring and pricier luxury EVs. And with all of this wrapped into what remains one of the most versatile and good-looking electric wagons on the market, Nio has created a compelling evolution of their most accessible performance touring model.

This isn’t just a refresh—it’s a recalibration of what the ET5 Touring can be. Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.