Move over, Maybach and Rolls-Royce. With the ET9, Nio is shaking up the luxury class. Boasting an advanced hydraulic suspension system, a lavishly equipped interior, and ultra-fast 600 kW charging, this Chinese flagship sets new benchmarks.
A Grand Unveiling
Nio is no longer holding back. With the motto “Do good and talk about it,” the brand unveiled its ET9 at the annual Nio Day in a massive music arena in Guangzhou. Stretching 5.32 meters in length with a 3.25-meter wheelbase, the ET9 is a sight to behold. “The ET9 is a breakthrough in the automotive industry,” declared Nio founder William Li to thunderous applause from 20,000 enthusiastic fans. A demonstration video showed the ET9 gliding effortlessly over a bumpy track, while a competing Maybach rocked uncontrollably.
The spectacle continued with another clip featuring former VW CEO Herbert Diess. In it, four champagne glasses were arranged in a pyramid on the ET9’s hood. The car cruised along without spilling a drop, leaving Diess visibly impressed as he toasted Li. Riding on 23-inch wheels, the ET9 promises a ride quality akin to a flying carpet.
SkyRide Suspension: Smooth Sailing
The secret to this serenity lies in Nio’s SkyRide hydraulic suspension. With 22 centimeters of travel and a rapid 50-millisecond response time, the system integrates its dampers directly into the electric drivetrain. By comparison, Porsche’s Panamera hydraulic system reacts in 200 milliseconds. The ET9’s ground clearance of 20 centimeters contributes to its silk-smooth ride, making it a heavyweight contender at an estimated 2.5 tons.
The all-wheel-drive ET9 combines a 180 kW (245 PS) front motor with a 340 kW (462 PS) rear motor for a total system output of 520 kW (707 PS) and 700 Nm of torque. This setup propels the ET9 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Rear-wheel steering helps trim its turning radius to 10.9 meters, and even at 170 km/h, a blown tire won’t compromise stability.
Fast Charging, Faster Swapping
Two battery options are available: a 120 kWh pack (112 kWh usable) and a 100 kWh pack (95.8 kWh usable). Thanks to a cutting-edge 900-volt architecture, the larger battery can charge at up to 600 kW. If the charging infrastructure keeps up, the ET9 can gain 255 kilometers of range in just five minutes or go from 10% to 80% in around 15 minutes.
Alternatively, Nio’s battery-swap stations replace a depleted pack in just three minutes. The smaller 100 kWh battery charges at a maximum of 325 kW, taking about 20 minutes to reach 80%. Fully charged, the ET9 can cover up to 650 kilometers on 22-inch wheels or 620 kilometers with the optional 23-inch setup, as measured by the optimistic CLTC standard. In real-world WLTP terms, expect slightly less.
A First-Class Cabin
Inside, the ET9 exudes luxury. It takes 200,000 stitches to upholster the cabin in premium leather. The rear left VIP seat measures 58.2 centimeters wide and features 14 layers of padding for supreme comfort, complete with a 16-point massage system. With the press of a button, the rear transforms into a private sleeping area, complete with seven shades for total blackout.
A 10-liter fridge chills drinks to -2°C, while a small safe between the rear seats secures valuables. Up front, the dashboard spans 48 inches in 5K resolution, complemented by a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and an augmented reality head-up display. The ET9 is equipped with 31 sensors, including three LiDAR units – one on the roof and two at the front corners – for advanced driver assistance. Steering is managed via a steer-by-wire system.
Launch and Pricing of the Nio ET9
Deliveries in China begin in March 2025, with prices starting at around €103,000. Opting for Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan reduces the upfront cost to €87,000. With its combination of cutting-edge tech and unparalleled comfort, the ET9 is poised to redefine luxury mobility.
