Source: NIO

NIO (NYSE:NIO) will officially launch the third‑generation ES8 on 21 August 2025 at 19:30. Founder William Li describes the SUV as a “full‑scenario technology flagship” that distils the company’s decade of research, and the launch will be accompanied by in‑store demonstrations.

Built on the new NT3.0 architecture, the upcoming ES8 introduces a larger body, a 900‑volt electrical platform with 5C charging and three LiDAR sensors.

Its release marks the first major upgrade to NIO’s inaugural model since the NT2.0 ES8 arrived in 2024 and comes as sales of the outgoing version decline.

Source: NIO

William Li is currently test driving the new ES8 on his way to Lhasa and will drive the SUV to Xigaze and Qomolangma Base Camp over the next two days.

The trip will evaluate the ES8’s performance on the high plateaus and the swapping network along the G318 Sichuan-Xizang Expressway.

NIO delivered 21,017 vehicles across its lineup in July 2025, and ES8 sales in the first half of 2025 averaged fewer than 600 units per month.

During 2024 the ES8 averaged around 765 units per month; its strongest month was December at 1,001 units, but volumes were far below the 2,000‑plus units achieved in mid‑2023. The downward trend underscores the need for a substantial refresh.

Source: MIIT

The new ES8 will be NIO’s largest and most powerful SUV to date. Reports describe a body measuring 5,280 mm long, 2,010 mm wide and 1,800 mm high with a 3,130 mm wheelbase—larger than Li Auto’s L9 or AITO’s M9 and a significant step up from the 2024 ES8’s 5,099 mm length, 1,989 mm width, 1,750 mm height and 3,070 mm wheelbase.

The 2nd gen ES8 uses a dual‑motor system producing 480 kW and has CLTC ranges of 465 km (75 kWh battery) or 605 km (100 kWh battery).

By contrast, the 2025 model employs the NIO ET9’s dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive layout—an 180 kW front induction motor and 340 kW rear permanent‑magnet motor—for a combined 520 kW (707 hp).

Energy is stored in a 102 kWh battery pack providing a claimed 635 km (c. 395 miles) CLTC range. The new 900‑volt architecture supports 5C fast‑charging with a peak power of 600 kW; NIO says drivers can add 250 km (c. 155 miles) of range in five minutes or use a three‑minute battery swap at the company’s stations.

New photos show that the third‑generation ES8 adopts NIO’s latest family design language seen on the NIO ET9. The front features a closed grille flanked by two‑stage LED daytime running lights and an aggressive lower air intake.

Unlike the 2024 model’s smooth bonnet, the new ES8 is expected to incorporate a front trunk similar to the Onvo L90. Beyond a roof‑mounted LiDAR, wide‑angle LiDAR sensors are integrated into the front fenders and are complemented by a 4D imaging radar and its in-house developed NX9031 driving‑assist chip set.

Large multi‑spoke wheels with red brake calipers, “shark‑gill” trim near the fenders and a coupe‑like roofline emphasise sportiness. At the rear, the SUV trades its NT1.0 horseshoe‑shaped lights for a full‑width tail light with equal‑width segments and adds a ring‑shaped rear wing. Hidden door handles, flush window trim and privacy glass remain.

Inside, spy images indicate a floating horizontal centre display, a digital strip running across the dashboard, a two‑spoke rectangular steering wheel and dynamic ambient lighting.

A large head‑up display and an updated voice assistant are expected, while six‑seat and seven‑seat configurations will be offered. Second‑row amenities may include an overhead entertainment screen, a makeup mirror and B‑pillar air vents.

These details suggest the ES8 will adopt NIO’s latest Banyan software stack and Aquila ultra‑sensing system, incorporating more than 20 sensors and computing power exceeding one PetaOPS, similar to the outgoing model’s 1,016 TOPS from a combined 4 Orin Drive X chips.

Under the new architecture, the ES8 uses NIO’s 900‑volt platform with an 800‑amp current capability. The dual‑motor system provides a maximum torque of about 1,130 N·m.

The 2024 ES8’s dual‑motor system produced 480 kW and 850 N·m and accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 4.1 seconds; NIO has not yet released acceleration figures for the 2025 model.

The NT2.0 ES8 used a 400‑volt electrical system and supported 3C charging, requiring about 30 minutes for an 80 % fast‑charge, so the new platform marks a significant reduction in charging times.

Both generations feature air suspensions, multi‑link rear axles and Aquila‑based driver‑assistance suites, though the new model will upgrade to triple LiDAR.

Uncamouflaged NT3.0 ES8 photos were captured on public roads in early August. The images confirm the increased length and width and reveal details such as a flat window beltline with hidden rain rails, colour‑matched brake calipers and high‑performance tires.

The fender‑integrated LiDAR sensors are matched with 4D imaging radar modules to enhance object recognition.

Inside, the seats appear to be wrapped in premium materials with contrasting stitching, and the rear row provides improved headroom and legroom thanks to the stretched wheelbase.

The ES8 holds a special place in NIO’s history as its first mass‑produced vehicle. The seven‑seat SUV was unveiled in late 2017 and began customer deliveries in mid‑2018, establishing NIO as a contender in China’s premium EV market.

Over time, however, newer models like the ES6, EC6 and ET5 have eclipsed its sales. In the first half of 2025 the ES8 delivered just over 3,000 units, with monthly sales ranging from about 300 to 800 units. In 2024 the model sold roughly 9,200 units, but mid‑2023 months saw more than 2,000 monthly deliveries.

As competitors such as AITO and Li Auto release extended-range SUVs with similar pricing, the ES8’s product competitiveness has greatly diminished.

NIO has yet to announce pricing for the 2025 ES8. The 2024 ES8 ranged from 498,000 yuan (c. $69,400) for the 75 kWh version to 598,000 yuan (c. $83,300) for the 100 kWh Signature Edition.

Pre‑orders will open on 21 August and deliveries are expected in late September, positioning the ES8 against high‑end rivals such as Li Auto’s L9 (NASDAQ:LI) and AITO’s M9. Incentives like NIO’s BaaS could help by reducing the starting price.

Whether the combination of increased size, improved power and better interior configurations will revive the ES8’s fortunes will depend on pricing and execution.

Conversion rate: 1 USD = 7.18 CNY as of August 14 2025