NIO has officially launched the ES9, a three-row flagship SUV that claims the title of China's largest battery electric vehicle. The 5,365 mm long SUV sits on a 3,250 mm wheelbase and delivers 520 kW (697 hp) with up to 620 km of CLTC-rated range, positioning it as a direct competitor to premium three-row EVs in the world's largest EV market.
Pricing undercuts NIO's April pre-sale estimates. The base Executive Premium Edition costs RMB 498,000 (approximately $69,000) for outright purchase, or RMB 390,000 (about $54,000) using NIO's Battery-as-a-Service subscription model. The BaaS option removes battery ownership, replacing it with a monthly lease structure. This approach has become NIO's signature strategy to lower purchase prices and improve affordability in a crowded Chinese EV segment.
Deliveries begin immediately, starting May 28. The ES9 targets wealthy Chinese families seeking premium electric transport with three rows of seating. Its positioning sits above NIO's existing lineup and directly challenges Tesla's Model X, which starts around 80,000 yuan after recent price cuts, plus domestic competitors like BYD's luxury EVs and Li Auto's extended-range vehicles.
The ES9 launch reflects NIO's confidence in its ability to compete at the premium end of China's EV market despite recent financial pressures and intense competition. The company has restructured operations and narrowed its vehicle portfolio to focus on high-margin flagship models. This three-row SUV represents that strategic bet.
Range expectations follow China's CLTC testing standard, which typically inflates real-world figures compared to WLTP or EPA methodologies used in other markets. Actual range