NIO has expanded its flagship SUV lineup with the official launch of the NIO ES8 Five-Seat, a premium electric SUV designed to combine executive comfort, cutting-edge technology and everyday practicality. The new model joins the existing ES8 family while targeting buyers looking for the spaciousness of a large SUV without the need for a third row of seats.
The ES8 Five-Seat starts at RMB 382,800 (€49,370), while customers opting for NIO’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) subscription can purchase it from RMB 274,800 (€35,400). The higher-spec Executive Signature version is priced from RMB 422,800 (€54,500), or RMB 314,800 (€40,600) with BaaS. Early buyers placing orders before July 31, 2026, receive a package of ownership benefits including a five-year NOP+ subscription, complimentary interior accessories, extended warranty coverage, connectivity services and lifetime roadside assistance. Existing NIO owners are also eligible for bonus loyalty rewards.
The ES8 has played an important role in NIO’s history since its debut as one of China’s first premium battery-electric SUVs. More than 210,000 customers have purchased the model across its three generations, helping establish the brand in the growing premium EV market.
Visually, the five-seat version retains NIO’s recognizable design language with its signature X-Bar front fascia and Double-Dash daytime running lights. Buyers can choose from seven exterior colors, while the cabin features a minimalist layout highlighted by a Skyline display, triple-layer ambient lighting, premium speaker grilles and an upscale wraparound second-row seating area.
One of the biggest highlights is interior space. NIO says the ES8 Five-Seat offers 7.05 square meters of usable cabin space, making it one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. Cargo capacity is equally impressive, with a 230-liter powered front trunk and a 1,334-liter rear cargo area. According to the company, the SUV can carry five passengers together with up to 21 suitcases, while a modular storage system supports more than 128 different cargo configurations for various lifestyles and outdoor activities.
Comfort has also been given special attention. Both front seats feature zero-gravity functionality with 20-way power adjustment and extendable leg rests, while rear passengers benefit from reclining seats with adjustable leg supports and footrests. Additional premium features include four-zone automatic climate control, an electric refrigerator drawer, electrochromic glass roof panels, an advanced air purification system and active road noise cancellation for a quieter cabin.
Entertainment is provided by NIO’s LYRA 8.1.4.2 sound system, which combines 27 speakers with 2,600 watts of output. The audio experience is enhanced by Dirac sound technologies, while a 15.6-inch OLED center display and a 21.4-inch mini-LED overhead screen deliver a premium multimedia experience supported by Dolby-certified technologies.
Power comes from NIO’s latest 900-volt electrical architecture, paired with dual electric motors and a 102-kWh battery pack as standard. The company estimates a maximum CLTC driving range of up to 655 km (407 miles). Thanks to its lightweight construction and the latest PrimeRide chassis technologies, the SUV also introduces features such as Smart U-Turn, 4D Smart Suspension, motion sickness relief and a new Multi-Terrain Mode for improved capability across a variety of road conditions.
The ES8 Five-Seat also debuts NIO’s latest intelligent vehicle platform. It is powered by the company’s NT.Cedar smart system and the new NX9031, described as the world’s first 5 nm automotive-grade smart driving chip. Combined with NIO OS and the evolving NOMI AI assistant, the system enables more advanced vehicle intelligence while maintaining a strong focus on cybersecurity and software reliability.
Safety remains another major focus. The ES8 has achieved top ratings in C-IASI testing and incorporates a reinforced safety cage, nine airbags and intelligent emergency features including automatic pull-over assistance after a tire blowout. Advanced High-Definition Projection Lights can project lane guidance onto the road surface, while the AQUILA sensing system combines 31 sensors with NIO’s latest WorldModel AI to support increasingly capable driver assistance functions, including Point-to-Point Navigate on Pilot Plus, intelligent parking and automated navigation within parking facilities.
With its combination of executive comfort, advanced AI technologies, generous interior space and long driving range, the new ES8 Five-Seat further strengthens NIO’s premium SUV portfolio. The company says the model is aimed at buyers moving from both luxury sedans and premium gasoline SUVs, while expanding its growing lineup of flagship battery-electric SUVs.
