Nio (NIO, Financials) will launch its new flagship SUV, the ES9, in the first half of 2026, according to President Qin Lihong. This marks the electric vehicle maker’s first public confirmation of the model.
The ES9 is expected to build on the ET9 sedans platform and feature Nios latest technology, including dual Shenji NX 9031 chips and the SkyRide chassis. The model will likely be built on the companys NT 3.0 architecture and exceed 5.2 meters in length.
Nios current flagship SUV is the ES8, starting at RMB 498,000 ($69,167), while the ET9 sedandelivered for the first time in Marchstarts at RMB 788,000 ($109,430), including the battery.
The ES9 joins a growing list of models under the Nio umbrella, which now includes nine variants. Qin also confirmed that Nios sub-brand, Onvo, will release two additional SUVsthe L90 and L80later this year.
Investors may interpret the ES9s timing as a signal that Nio is doubling down on premium EV offerings amid rising domestic competition. Rumors had previously suggested a debut at the companys annual Nio Day event in December.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.