Nio unveiled the ET9—a stunning electric flagship poised to redefine luxury sedans. Introduced at Nio Day, this “land jet” seamlessly fuses innovation, comfort, and sustainability, aimed squarely at challenging the Mercedes‑S and BMW 7 series. Here’s why the ET9 is turning heads—and steering the future.
1. Design & Dimensions: A Grand Entrance
With a sleek fastback silhouette stretching over 5.32 m in length, 2.02 m in width, and a wheelbase of 3.25 m, the ET9 is Nio’s largest offering yet. Its design language melds coupe-like elegance with executive presence, highlighted by flush frameless doors, flowing LED light bars, and retractable goose-neck rear spoiler . Nio also introduces signature “Lightful Welcome” exterior lighting: a two‑square-meter light carpet that ushers you into the cabin in style.
2. Powertrain & Rapid Charging: Electrifying Performance
Under the bonnet beats Nio’s 900‑volt electric architecture—the first such system available in China—with dual motors producing peak power of 520 kW (697 hp) and around 700 Nm of torque. The 120 kWh battery, built on 46105 cylindrical cells, offers 650 km CLTC range and supports ultra‑fast charging: up to 600 kW (increasing range by ~255 km in five minutes). Complementing this is Nio’s battery‑swap infrastructure, enabling full swaps in about 3 minutes. The result: a 0–100 km/h sprint in ~4.3 seconds.
3. SkyRide Chassis: A Ride Like No Other
ET9’s SkyRide chassis marks a revolution: a triad of steer‑by‑wire, rear‑wheel steering (8.3°), and active hydraulic suspension systems respond in milliseconds. This system guarantees exceptional ride comfort and sharp handling—even sipping champagne over bumps without spills. The clever rear steering reduces its turning diameter to just 10.9 m, perfect for urban U-turns .
4. Cabin Excellence: Executive-Class Interior
Nio emphasizes rear-seat luxury with a four-seater layout featuring “Sky Island” and “Executive Bridge” zones. Rear thrones offer 45° recline, broad 582 mm cushions, and 16-point hot-stone massage with total heating. Convenience abounds—360° swivel tables, mini‑fridge (‑2°C to 55°C), smart safe, seven sunshades, and an executive control panel for climate, lighting, music, and seat settings.
5. Audio & Ambient Experience
The ET9’s cabin is an immersive sensory haven. Audio comes courtesy of a 35‑speaker LYRA 8.2.4.8 surround system delivering 2,800 W and Dirac Dimensions spatial audio upmixing. Headrest speakers enable “ear‑level surround mode.” Mood-setting expands with 256‑color ambient lighting, fragrance dispersion, and synchronized seat motions during movie viewing —transforming parked vehicles into cinematic retreats.
6. Smart Systems & Safety
Powered by Nio’s Cedar digital architecture and SkyOS full‑domain OS, the ET9 features dual self‑developed 5 nm Shenji NX9031 chips, supporting Aquila 2.0 sensing with 31 sensors including 4D mmWave radar and LiDAR units.. Passive safety is assured via high-strength steel/aluminum alloy chassis (torsional rigidity: 52,600 N·m/deg), nine airbags, retractable crash protection, and tire blowout handling at 170 km/h
7. Market Positioning & Pricing
Priced starting near RMB 660,000 (~USD 90,450) under battery‑as‑a‑service (BaaS) and up to ~818,000 RMB (~USD 112,100) for founder editions, deliveries are underway in China (from March 2025). Currently China-exclusive, the ET9 is positioned against traditional luxury contenders.
8. The Verdict: A Tech-Luxury Landmark
The Nio ET9 boldly claims a new frontier—luxury electric mobility blended with futuristic innovation. It’s more than a vehicle; it’s a mobile lounge, offering chauffeured-level comfort, ultra‑fast charging, advanced AD capabilities, and immersive entertainment.
9. What Lies Ahead
Although initial rollout is China-based, global expansion could be on the horizon. Its steer-by-wire and 900 V systems may set new benchmarks in EV tech. The ET9 also underscores Nio’s vision for smart, software-defined vehicles—possibly paving the way for future OTA-upgradable enhancements.
Conclusion
At its heart, the Nio ET9 is an audacious statement: luxury sedans need not rely on incumbents. With its combination of tech-rich comfort, performance prowess, and avant-garde design, the ET9 ushers in a new chapter in electrified luxury—one that prioritizes experience as much as engineering. Whether chauffeuring or navigating oneself, this “executive land jet” sets a new tone for automotive excellence.