Nio launches 2026 ES8 SUV on Nio Day, starts 42,000 USD with BaaS in China
Nio has officially launched the all-new 2026 ES8 at Nio Day 2025. The large battery-electric SUV is positioned as the brand’s flagship and enters the Chinese market as the largest pure-electric SUV currently available. The new ES8 measures 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, 1,800 mm in height, and has a 3,130 mm wheelbase. It is offered in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, with both complete purchase and battery rental (BaaS) pricing options. The company aims to produce 40,000 units by year-end, with deliveries commencing on 21 September.
| Trim | Purchase Price (yuan) | Purchase Price (USD) | BaaS Price (yuan) | BaaS Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six-seat Executive Luxury | 406,800 | ~57,130 | 298,800 | ~42,000 |
| Six-seat Executive Signature | 446,800 | ~62,770 | 338,800 | ~47,600 |
| Seven-seat Executive Luxury | 406,800 | ~57,130 | 298,800 | ~42,000 |
The new ES8 introduces a new exterior with split diamond-cut running lights, upgraded lighting effects, and hidden door handles. Six exterior colours and four interior themes are available. Inside, the vehicle features the Skyline panoramic display, a redesigned horizontal central touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel, and the upgraded Nomi assistant. The cabin integrates real wood, brushed metal, and embroidery with 120,000 stitches.
Practicality is emphasised with a luggage capacity of 777 litres across the front and rear trunks, expandable to 3,240 litres with folded seating. The cabin floor area reaches 3.7 square meters, and all three rows of seating provide shoulder room at a level among the best in the segment. Six-seat models include zero-gravity seats with leg support, while the seven-seat version offers heated foldable armrests in the second row.
Infotainment is supported by a 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos certification, paired with a 2,600 W “Tianqin” audio system comprising 27 speakers. The vehicle also provides folding tables, a refrigerator, and electrochromic privacy glass.
Power comes from a dual-motor system delivering 520 kW and 700 Nm of torque, achieving 0–100 km/h in 3.97 seconds. The ES8 is built on a 900 V high-voltage platform and fitted with a 102 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 635 km and an average consumption of 16.6 kWh/100 km. Future models will support Nio’s in-house 120 kWh 5C battery.
Chassis technology includes adaptive dual-chamber air suspension with a 100 mm range and CDC dampers. With a 41-degree front wheel steering angle, the ES8 achieves a turning radius of 5.7 meters. A new intelligent wet-surface driving mode enhances stability on slippery roads.
Safety systems include 11 airbags, 72 crash-test verifications, and 65 active assistance features. The vehicle is powered by Nio’s self-developed Shenji NX9031 chip paired with Qualcomm’s 8295 processor, enabling advanced driver assistance and AR-HUD functions. Additional safety innovations include an “intelligent guardian” mode that can raise the suspension in flood conditions and notify the owner remotely.
The 2026 ES8 is priced approximately 121,200 yuan (approx. 17,000 USD) lower than the second-generation ES8, which launched at 528,000 yuan (approx. 74,200 USD). After the pre-sales of the new ES8 began on 21 August, Nio’s founder and chairman, William Li, acknowledged that the lower pricing compared to the previous generation could have a short-term impact on existing customers. However, he stated that the adjustment is intended to ensure the vehicle remains competitive in China’s large SUV market, according to Daily Economic News.
