Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
The Nio ES8, a seven-seater SUV, made its debut in 2018 becoming the first production model of the Shanghai-headquartered electric vehicle maker. Since then, the model has undergone several updates and the next one is expected for next year.
In December 2022, Nio unveiled the second-generation ES8 during its annual Nio Day event with deliveries in China starting six months later in June 2023.
This version was built on Nio’s NT2.0 platform and adopted the company’s design language with the front fascia featuring a crafted X-Bar design.
Last March, Nio introduced the 2024 ES8, marking the third iteration of the SUV, still built on the NT2 platform.
According to the automaker, and aiming to maintain product competitiveness in the highly competitive Chinese market, the 2024 version features enhanced configuration and performance thanks to an upgraded Center Computing Cluster, designed to increase computing power.
Deliveries of the second-generation ES8 recently commenced across Nio’s five European markets in mid-September.
However, the third iteration of the ES8, which will transition to Nio’s upcoming NT3 platform, is expected to launch next year — Deutsche Bank analyst recently said.
In a recent note sent to clients, Deutsche Bank analyst Wang Bin said Nio will launch the ET9 sedan (planned for the first quarter of the year), the third generation of the SUVs ES8 and ES7, and a brand new sedan named ET6.
On Friday, the first images of the upcoming version were shared on Chinese social media as the company runs the first road tests with the model under spy mode.
The model, heavily camouflaged, provided few design details beyond the front lights and LiDAR watchtower. The spy shots indicate that Nio’s revamped SUV will continue to incorporate this technology in its latest iteration.
Nio’s chief executive William Li recently pointed out the need for electric vehicle manufacturers to put the consumer’s interest first as the lack of “systematic thinking” can harm users’ trust in the brand.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
