On December 24, 2022, Chinese EV startup Nio will unveil two new models at its annual company event, the Nio Day 2022, to be held in Hefei, at the Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Of these, the outgoing ES8 SUV is set to be replaced by the updated model, while the all-new EC7 is suspected of being the second debut at the event. Nio was founded in November 2014, and currently has 6 EVs in its product portfolio, which includes sedans and SUVs. Here’s what we know about the Nio EC7 and the 2023 Nio ES8.
Nio EC7
Design & Technology
Before the actual car sees the light of day, spy photos of test mules have already been published by various Chinese media outlets, offering a realistic idea of what to expect. The Nio EC7 is designed to be a swanky SUV-Coupe, with a heavily-sloped roofline and expectedly-sporty styling cues. Some of the latest spy shots also seem to indicate the presence of an active rear spoiler in the EC7. There are two prominent protrusions on the roof at the front, which likely house the hardware for the EV’s extensive safety suite – including a LiDAR unit.
TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the Nio EC7 is a preview of what you can expect on Dec 24 at the Nio Day 2022.
Thanks to its collaboration with tech giant Nvidia, all future Nio models will likely benefit from advanced automated driving technologies. The so-called NIO Adam supercomputer utilizes four state-of-the-art DRIVE Orin SoCs. This impressive computing platform is capable of handling large number of applications and deep neural networks – all essential tools for any vehicle to employ its autonomous driver-assistance features.
Platform & Powertrain
The EC7 will ride on the NT 2.0 platform as the ES7 mid-size SUV. We can also expect it to be available with 75 kWh, 100 kWh and 150 kWh battery options – the latter affords the ES7 a claimed China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) range of up to 930 kilometers (577 miles). Similarly, the EC7 should also use be available with all-wheel drive and dual-electric motors capable of producing 480 kW (643 hp) and 850 Nm (1,139 lb.-ft.) of peak torque.
2023 Nio ES8
Design
According to photos filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the ES8 has gone through a complete makeover. Not only is it sleeker and more nuanced, but the changes to the overall styling also make the SUV look more mature as well. While it’s more restrained, the slender LED DRLs and simpler front facade are bound to grab attention.
The 2023 Nio ES8 gets a longer wheelbase and comes with 20-22 inch wheel options. Image: China’s MIIT.
Just like in the EC7, the 2023 Nio ES8 sports an array of sensors on the roof, along with a curious protrusion on the front fenders. This could either be another set of sensors or part of a camera system. The flush door handles have been retained, while the beltline has been straightened out for a cleaner yet more confident-looking side profile. The revised back now appears classier while also featuring full-width LED lights and a sportier roof spoiler that’s also possibly hiding the rear wiper.
Specifications
With the update, the ES8 is expected to switch over to Nio’s updated NT 2.0 platform. According to the declaration from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it appears that the new model is longer, taller, wider, and heavier than the current SUV.
Dimension2023 Nio ES8 MeasurementLength200.7 in.Width78.3 in.Height68.9 in.Wheelbase120.8 in.Curb Weight5,644 – 5,729 lbs.Towing Capacity (braked)4,400 lbs.Seating Capacity6Approach / Departure Angle17/21 degreesMotor Output (Front & Rear)180 kW & 300 kWTop Speed200 kmph (124.2 mph)
2023 Nio ES8 specifications from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
As per Chinese media reports, the 2023 Nio ES8 is likely to come with a twin-motor powertrain, supplied by Nio’s motor division XPT. Detailed information should follow at the Nio Day 2022 presentation.
Featured image: China’s MIIT
Shrawan Raja Founder & CEO
An automobile engineer by qualification, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005 and reviewed electric vehicles since 2008. In my 15 years in the online automotive publishing, I’ve edited around 35,000 articles.