Nio's uncovered third-generation ES8 seen in real life, as its unveiling approaches
Nio Unveils Third-Generation ES8 SUV, Set to Launch in September
Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced that its third-generation ES8 SUV will enter the market next year. The vehicle was recently spotted in the wild, providing a sneak peek at its updated design and features.
The new ES8 is built on Nio's latest NT 3.0 platform, which emphasises true luxury and increased interior space. Compared to its predecessor, the SUV boasts an 181 mm longer body and a 60 mm longer wheelbase, measuring approximately 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm.
The third-generation ES8 will offer a 2+2+2 seating layout (six seats) as standard, with an optional seven-seat configuration. The second row features optional zero-gravity seats, privacy glass, physical sunshades, hidden cup holders in aisle armrests, and Type-C charging ports.
In terms of power, the SUV retains a dual-motor setup with a 180 kW front motor and a 340 kW rear motor. The standard 102-kWh battery pack delivers an official CLTC range of 635 kilometers and supports ultra-fast charging, adding roughly 250 km of range within five minutes.
The interior of the new ES8 is equipped with Nio's Horizon Display, a horizontally oriented central touchscreen similar to the ET9, dual wireless charging panels, a driver headrest speaker, and a rear center console with a small functional screen for climate and settings control.
Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li announced the unveiling of the third-generation ES8 during the media briefing following the L90 launch. The official launch of the vehicle will take place at Nio Day 2025 in September.
The new ES8 will also feature digital rearview mirrors and side-facing LiDARs, further enhancing its technological capabilities. Pricing for the SUV is expected to be slightly above RMB 500,000 (~$69,700), up from the current generation's starting price of RMB 498,000 (~$69,500).
The third-generation ES8 aims to balance luxury, space, and technology while appealing to a broad audience ahead of Nio's upcoming ES9 flagship model. The new ES8 will begin arriving at Nio stores on August 21, and a product and technology launch event for the SUV is planned for late August.
Meanwhile, Nio's new flagship SUV, the ES9, is planned to be launched in the first half of 2026, and the ET9, Nio's flagship sedan, was officially launched at Nio Day 2024 in December 2024. Nio's sub-brand Onvo also launched its L90 large SUV on August 1.
- China, home to electric vehicle manufacturer Nio, will witness the entrance of the third-generation ES8 SUV into the market next year, as announced by Nio.
- The third-generation ES8, equipped with Nio's latest NT 3.0 platform, is designed to deliver true luxury and increased interior space, exceeding the dimensions of its predecessor by 181 mm in length and 60 mm in wheelbase.
- Autonomous driving capabilities are further enhanced in the new ES8, with the inclusion of digital rearview mirrors and side-facing LiDARs, reflecting Nio's commitment to technology development in the automotive industry.
- Significant improvements in power and battery life can be expected from the third-generation ES8, which boasts a dual-motor setup and a standard 102-kWh battery pack promising an official CLTC range of 635 kilometers, with support for ultra-fast charging.
- The automotive finance and transportation industries in China will observe the launch of the third-generation Nio ES8 in September, during Nio Day 2025, setting the stage for the upcoming ES9 flagship model.
- The third-generation ES8's pricing will align with the luxury segment, with an expected price slightly above RMB 500,000 (~$69,700), surpassing the current generation's starting price of RMB 498,000 (~$69,500).
