Luxury car with electric drive
With the NIO ET9, the Chinese manufacturer wants to put pressure on luxury brands: 900 volt architecture, a range of more than 700 kilometers and pure luxury in the interior.
The Chinese electric car manufacturer Nio presented its new flagship model ET9 at the end of 2023. The luxurious hatchback sedan is in the premium segment and will initially be delivered in China from the first quarter of 2025. It remains unclear whether the ET9 will also come to Europe; official information is not yet available.
Technologically it sets ET9 certainly standards: It is the first vehicle from China to use a 900-volt architecture, which enables exceptionally fast charging times. A range of 255 kilometers can be charged within five minutes. Alternatively, the battery can be replaced at special Power Swap Stations (PSS) in just three minutes.
While this infrastructure is being expanded significantly in China, such stations are still a rarity in Germany with only eleven locations. With an estimated range of more than 700 kilometers and a system output of 520 kW (707 hp), the ET9 also wants to impress in terms of driving performance.
Also exciting: the new SkyRide chassis with hydraulic suspension travel of 22 centimeters, which should react within just 50 milliseconds and allow the rider to glide as relaxed as possible. Sensors are also installed that are supposed to keep the ET9 stable even in the event of a tire blowout at 160 km/h.
Visually, the new flagship is also understated and elegant. The 5325 mm long sedan combines a reduced design with an impressive brand front. Despite the clear lines, details such as the high shoulder line are reminiscent of an SUV, while the stretched rear is reminiscent of a Porsche Panamera. The interior reflects the upper price range: high-quality materials, digital displays and patented comfort technologies ensure a luxurious ambience. The focus is particularly on the rear seats, which are equipped with numerous innovative features such as an executive bridge and darkenable window panes.
Nio does not yet have any pricing information for the ET9. However, when looking at comparable models such as the BMW i7 or the Mercedes EQS sedan, the starting price is likely to be over 100,000 euros. For European markets, the introduction of the ET9 remains to be seen.
Source: www.connect.de
