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Misty Jain

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  • Published: Jan 12 2026 05:00 PM
  • Last Updated: Jan 12 2026 05:00 PM

Nio ES9 revealed! Stretching 5.37 meters with 697hp and 3-minute battery swaps, see why this massive SUV is China's new king of electric luxury.



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Some cars don’t shout loudly, but still make people stop and look twice. The Nio ES9 Electric SUV feels like one of those moments. When news first started floating around about this vehicle, many thought it would just be another big electric SUV. But the deeper you look, the more you realize this one is different. Bigger, smarter, and clearly designed for people who spend a lot of time inside their cars, not just driving them.

Nio has quietly built a reputation for doing things its own way. And with the ES9, it feels like the brand is saying, “Let’s make electric luxury feel easy.” This SUV isn’t just about speed or range numbers. It’s about space, comfort, and everyday convenience. And yes, it also has serious power when you need it.

Nio ES9 Exterior Shows How Big Electric SUVs Can Be

The first thing anyone will notice about the Nio ES9 exterior is its sheer size. This is officially China’s longest electric SUV, stretching about 5.37 meters in length with a 127.9-inch wheelbase. That wheelbase alone tells you this vehicle was built with comfort in mind. A longer wheelbase usually means better ride quality and more room for passengers, especially in the back.

Design-wise, the ES9 keeps things clean and modern. It doesn’t try to look flashy or aggressive. Instead, it looks calm, confident, and premium. The long body gives it a strong road presence, while smooth surfaces and subtle details help it feel more like a luxury lounge than a bulky family hauler.

To handle such a massive footprint, Nio has equipped the ES9 with its signature "Watchtower" sensor layout. You’ll notice a small bump above the windshield—this is a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. On a car of this size, this setup is essential; it gives the vehicle a superior "bird's-eye" view of the surroundings, making it much safer and easier to navigate through tight city streets or heavy traffic.

Nio ES9 Electric SUV

Nio ES9 Interior Feels More Like a Luxury Lounge

Step inside the Nio ES9 interior, and the focus becomes very clear: comfort comes first. With such a long wheelbase, Nio had plenty of space to work with, and they used it well. The design doesn’t overwhelm you with buttons or flashy shapes; instead, it feels relaxed and thoughtful.

While the ES9 is perfect for families, Nio is also targeting the high-end executive market with a VIP 4-seat layout. This version transforms the rear into a true first-class cabin, featuring airline-style reclining seats with massive legroom and a dedicated center console. Whether it’s the 6-seat family configuration or the 4-seat executive setup, the rear seats are designed for people who like to stretch out and relax.

Even on long trips, passengers won’t feel cramped or tired quickly. It’s the kind of interior where kids can nap, executives can work, and everyone feels isolated from the noise of the outside world. It truly feels like a mobile lounge rather than just a vehicle.

Nio ES9 Electric SUV

Nio ES9 Performance Brings Real Power to a Big SUV

Big SUVs are often expected to feel slow, but the Nio ES9 Performance proves that electric power changes that story. This SUV uses dual electric motors producing a combined 697 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. That’s serious output, especially for a vehicle this size.

The instant torque from electric motors means smooth and strong acceleration, even when the SUV is fully loaded. Whether it’s quick highway merges or climbing steep roads, the ES9 feels capable and confident. It doesn’t feel like it’s struggling under its own weight. Instead, it moves with ease, which is something many buyers worry about when choosing large electric vehicles.

Nio ES9 Electric SUV

Nio ES9 Tech Makes Daily EV Life Easier

Technology is where Nio ES9 Tech really stands out from many competitors. The biggest highlight is support for Nio’s three-minute battery swap system. Instead of waiting 30–40 minutes at a fast charger, drivers can swap the battery and continue their trip almost instantly.

This feature alone changes how people think about owning an electric SUV. Long road trips become less stressful, and daily use feels simpler. Nio’s growing battery swap network in China means ES9 owners won’t always need to plan their day around charging times. The ES9 is built on Nio’s new Full-Domain 900V architecture, meaning it can charge at speeds of up to 600kW—adding 255km of range in just 5 minutes if you aren't near a swap station. For many buyers, this is a bigger deal than having the longest range on paper.

Nio ES9 Electric SUV

Where the Nio ES9 Fits in Today’s EV Market

The electric SUV market is crowded, especially in China. But the Nio ES9 clearly targets buyers who want something beyond just speed or screens. This SUV is about space, comfort, and ease of ownership. It competes more with luxury full-size SUVs than sporty crossovers.

By focusing on rear-seat comfort, battery swapping, and a smooth driving experience, Nio seems to understand what many families and professionals actually want. It’s not trying to replace sports cars or city EVs. Instead, it aims to be a calm, powerful, and practical electric companion for daily life.

2026 Nio ES9 Specifications

Specification

Details

Model Name

Nio ES9 (Flagship SUV)

Vehicle Type

Premium full-size luxury electric SUV

Length / Wheelbase

5,365 mm / 3,250 mm (128.0 inches)

Platform

NT 3.0 (Full-Domain 900V architecture)

Powertrain

Dual-motor AWD (180 kW front / 340 kW rear)

Total Power

520 kW (697 hp / 707 PS)

Maximum Torque

700 Nm (≈516 lb-ft)

Top Speed

220 km/h (official)

Seating Options

4-seat VIP executive or 6-seat family layout

Chassis Technology

SkyRide full active suspension

Energy Refill

3-minute battery swap, up to 600 kW DC fast charging

Nio ES9 Launch Window

Q2 2026 (confirmed)

Curb Weight

2,845 kg – 2,915 kg

Key Focus

Rear-seat luxury, smooth ride, ultra-fast energy refill

Conclusion

The Nio ES9 is not just another electric SUV, it feels like Nio is trying to change what a luxury family EV can be. With its massive size, long wheelbase, and focus on rear-seat comfort, it clearly puts people first, not just numbers. The strong 697 hp dual-motor setup adds confidence, while the option of fast three-minute battery swaps makes daily use less stressful. Inside, the mix of smart tech, flexible seating, and calm design shows real thought. Overall, the ES9 looks ready to set a new standard for big electric SUVs in China, and it hints at how future luxury EVs may be built.

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Source(Image / Thumbnail): carnewschina.com

FAQ

The Nio ES9 is a full-size luxury electric SUV from Nio, designed mainly for comfort, space, and premium rear-seat experience rather than sporty driving.

Nio has confirmed that the ES9 is expected to launch in Q2 2026.

Yes, the Nio ES9 is currently China’s longest electric SUV, measuring about 5.37 meters in length with a very long wheelbase.

The Nio ES9 uses dual electric motors that produce 697 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which is strong for a large luxury SUV.

Yes, the ES9 supports Nio’s 3-minute battery swap system, allowing drivers to replace the battery instead of waiting to charge.

If battery swapping is not available, the ES9 can fast charge at speeds of up to 600 kW, thanks to its 900V architecture.

The Nio ES9 is offered in two layouts: a 6-seat family version and a 4-seat VIP executive version focused on rear-seat luxury.

The Nio ES9 is best for families, business users, and buyers who care more about comfort, space, and easy daily EV use than sporty driving.

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