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Nio unveils official images of its flagship ES9 SUV with steer-by-wire tech

3 min to read
Apr 7, 2026 7:19 AM CEST
Cockpit of the Nio ES9. Credit: Nio

Nio has released official images of its all-new flagship large SUV, the ES9, ahead of its official debut and pre-sale launch scheduled for April 9. As the brand’s newest flagship SUV, the ES9 features Nio’s SkyRide full active suspension system and steer-by-wire technology. This vehicle was spotted on the street last month ahead of its official release.

Exterior design

The ES9 adopts Nio’s latest “Shark Nose” design language, featuring angular split headlight assemblies – officially named “Ultra Pure Crystal Diamond” daytime running lights. The headlight system supports three welcome light effects, three welcome projections, and two projection light shows capable of displaying 20-30 second videos with music on surfaces approximately 10 meters ahead.

Front of Nio ES9.

The intelligent high-definition projection headlights (HDPL) extend coverage to six lanes, utilising multiple sensors to detect distant vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles for enhanced nighttime safety.

Side of the Nio ES9.

Each front fender houses a wide-angle LiDAR sensor with AD blue indicator lights. Combined with a roof-mounted LiDAR, 4D imaging radar, front dual-eye cameras, side-view cameras, and corner cameras, the ES9’s autonomous driving hardware matches that of the Nio ET9. The vehicle is equipped with Nio’s self-developed Shenji NX9031 driving assistance chip and the Nio World Model (NWM).

Tailight of Nio ES9.

Dimensions

SpecificationMeasurement
Length5,365 mm
Width2,029 mm
Height1,870 mm
Wheelbase3,250 mm
Nio ES9 is the largest electric SUV in China.

Interior and technology

The interior features a wrap-around design with the Skyline dashboard display spanning both the driver and front passenger areas. A 15.6-inch AMOLED floating central screen runs on the SkyOS vehicle-wide operating system, managing vehicle control, intelligent driving, cockpit functions, and mobile connectivity. Additional features include Nomi Mate 3.0 and an in-car compressor refrigerator.

The rear cabin adopts the “Sky Island” and “Executive Bridge” design from the ET9, featuring two 14.5-inch Nio Link panoramic connectivity executive screens and an 8-inch rear central control screen. The interior extensively utilises real wood trim and Nappa leather, with embroidered elements on door panels and seat headrests on higher-spec models.

The ES9 features a 2+2+2 six-seat layout with zero-gravity seats in the second row that support large reclining angles. Rear seats include ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The second and third rows are equipped with flexible electrochromic privacy windows offering three modes: privacy, heat insulation, and transparency.

Nio brand sales performance. Data from China EV DataTracker.

Powertrain and performance

Built on Nio’s 900V high-voltage architecture, the ES9 is equipped with the Aquila super-sensing system. Power comes from dual electric motors:

  • Front motor: 180 kW (241 hp)
  • Rear motor: 340 kW (456 hp)

The vehicle is powered by a 102 kWh battery pack, offering CLTC pure electric range options of 580 km, 600 km, and 620 km.

Nio
Nio ES9

Avatar of Liu Miao

Liu Miao

Writer

Liu Miao covers NEVs and batteries at CNC to contribute to the energy transition, in spare time he loves driving his EV around.

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